Top 10 Latin Dishes to Try in 2024

Latin American cuisine is diverse and delicious. From spicy Tex-Mex dishes to hearty Caribbean comfort foods, there are so many amazing flavors to experience. 2024 is the perfect year to expand your palate and try some new Latin cuisine. Here are 10 must-try Latin dishes for 2024:

  1. Tacos al Pastor – Thinly sliced pork that is marinated in a blend of dried chilies, spices and pineapple juice then stacked on a vertical rotisserie. The juicy meat is sliced off and placed in a fresh corn tortilla along with onions, cilantro and a wedge of pineapple. This Mexican street food staple is bold, savory and a little sweet.
  2. Pernil – Slow roasted and perfectly seasoned pork shoulder is a staple in many Latin cuisine. Pernil is juicy, tender and full of incredible flavor. Try this Puerto Rican specialty with rice, beans and plantains.
  3. Ceviche – This popular seafood dish from Peru uses citrus juice like lemon or lime to “cook” raw fish. The fish is mixed with onions, chiles and seasonings. Ceviche is fresh, light and totally refreshing.
  4. Empanadas – These hand-held meat or cheese filled pastries can be found across Latin America with many regional variations. Crispy, flaky empanada dough envelops savory fillings like beef, chicken, cheese, beans or spinach.
  5. Tamales – Made from masa dough steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf wrapping, tamales are a very traditional Latin dish. Fillings vary by region and can include meats, cheese, vegetables, chiles and more.
  6. Patacones – Twice fried green plantain patties are crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Try these patacones topped with pulled pork, black beans, cheese and fresh salsa as an appetizer or snack.
  7. Arroz con Pollo – This one-pot chicken and rice dish is warm and comforting. Found in many Latin countries, each region adds its own spin. Expect flavors like saffron, peas, carrots, peppers and cilantro.
  8. Pupusas – The national dish of El Salvador, these handmade corn masa cakes are stuffed with cheese, pork, beans, squash or other fillings. Served with curtido, a fermented cabbage slaw.
  9. Feijoada – A stew of black beans and mixed meats like pork, beef and sausage. This hearty Brazilian dish is rich, savory comfort food. Serve over rice with collard greens, farofa and orange slices.
  10. Tres Leches Cake – This light and creamy soaked sponge cake is found across Latin America. Made with three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream), it’s sweet, moist and delicious.

Expand your culinary horizons in 2024 by sampling the incredible range of flavors from Latin cuisine. These 10 dishes are just the beginning of a world of new tastes waiting to be tried. ¡Buen provecho!