Many Mexican restaurants serve food that is a hybrid of Mexican, European, and American cuisine. These types of Mexican restaurants are heavy on additions like sour cream and serve drinks like giant margaritas. As tasty as this type of Mexican food may be, these types of restaurants are unlikely to serve authentic dishes that are traditionally served in Mexico. Authentic Mexican food comes from the Aztec culture and has a Spanish influence.

Alaska is known for fishing and whale watching, but maybe not as a culinary paradise. Traditional Mexican food in this is no exception. If you are a resident of Alaska or if you are just visiting, read on for what to look for in the best traditional Mexican restaurants in Alaska.

Signs of Traditional Mexican Food

Fast food has skewed the idea of what real Mexican food consists of. Many of the dishes that come to mind, such as burritos and tacos, that are laden with sour cream, cheese, and meat, are from a European influence. On the other hand, tamales and tortillas are both traditional. Corn or maize is a staple of the Mexican diet. Authentic Mexican tortillas should be made with corn rather than flour. You can also look for chiles, tomatoes, avocados, squash, beans, and limes as these are also a large part of Mexican cuisine.

Authentic Main Dishes 

Once you find an restaurant with traditional Mexican food, try some of these authentic main dishes. 

Tamales: Tamales have a mixture of corn masa, meat, meat broth, and may be made hot with chili powder.

Gorditas: A gordita is a fried corn cake that is soft on the inside and can be topped with meat or beans.

Red or Green Salsa: Delicious and very spicy, these smooth salsas compliment traditional Mexican meals.

Chile Rellenos: Chili rellenos are pablano peppers that are stuffed with meat or vegetables.

Tostadas: Grilled tortillas with meat and cheese and usually seasoned with lime.

Enchiladas: Fried tortillas are filled with meat, covered with a tomato and chili sauce, then baked.

Carne Asada: Carne Asada is a flavorful, delicious, thinly sliced steak.

Mole Sauce: Mole sauce is made with chocolate and usually served with or over chicken.

Salsa or Pico de Gallo: An authentic Mexican restaurant will roast the jalapenos and tomatoes for the best flavor.

Tacos Pastor: Tacos Pastor are tacos filled with pineapple and pork.

Authentic Desserts

Some traditional ways to top off your meal are as follows:

Mexican Hot Chocolate: Mexican hot chocolate is spicy and delicious. It consists of liquid chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and chilies .

Tres Leches: Tres Leches means "three milks" in Spanish. This airy cake does not become soggy even though it is soaked with a mixture of sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, and evaporated milk. It also features the flavors of vanilla and rum.

Flan: Flan is a delicious custard topped with caramel sauce.

For the best traditional Mexican food in Wasailla, AK come to Hacienda Restaurant.