Nothing Tastes Like Home: Why Mexican Food Means So Much When You're Far Away
Home isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. And sometimes, it’s a plate of tacos, a bowl of pozole, or the scent of freshly made tortillas that brings that feeling rushing back. When you move abroad, you know you’ll miss your family and friends... but no one tells you how much you'll crave the simple joy of your favorite dish.
At Paysend, we know how powerful those connections are. Whether it’s a comforting meal or sending money back home to support the people you love, it’s the small things that keep you close — no matter the distance. That’s why we make international money transfers simple, fast and affordable, so you can stay connected to the traditions (and the people) that matter most.
There’s something truly special about Mexican food — the flavor, the ritual, the memories. Even if you’ve emigrated to New York — with its global cuisine and endless dining options — nothing compares to the real taste of home. Sure, you might find a decent taco truck or even a mole on the menu, but unless you’re home, it’s never quite the same. And if you’ve got dietary restrictions? You’ll be happy to know that many traditional dishes are naturally wheat-free — so finding Mexican food that is gluten free isn’t as hard as it sounds.
Why is Mexican food so good?
It’s not just nostalgia talking — why is Mexican food so good? It’s the way flavours are layered, the care in preparation, the bright balance of spice, citrus and smoke. It’s the communal nature of cooking and eating together. There’s a warmth in every bite, whether it’s a simple quesadilla or a labour-of-love pozole simmering for hours. That’s why Mexican cuisine has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved in the world.
Mexican food vs Spanish food
People often confuse Mexican food vs Spanish food, especially if they’re not familiar with either. While both share some ingredients like rice or beans, their origins and flavors couldn’t be more different. Mexican food is rooted in Mesoamerican traditions — think chillies, corn, avocado and cacao — while Spanish cuisine leans Mediterranean, built around olive oil, cured meats and seafood. So next time someone offers you paella when you ask for tacos… you’ll know why it doesn’t hit the spot.
Strange foods in Mexico that locals love
It’s not all about tacos and enchiladas. There are strange foods in Mexico too — at least to outsiders. Think crispy chapulines (grasshoppers), escamoles (ant larvae), or huitlacoche (corn fungus). They might not make it onto every restaurant menu abroad, but they’re part of the rich diversity of Mexican cuisine and culture. Strange foods aside, Mexican food benefits from herbs. And there are specific herbs for Mexican food that make it instantly recognisable, like Cilantro, (coriander) Bay Leaf, Oregano and Thyme. Read more on Mexican herbs in our blog
Bringing the flavors of home to your kitchen
Missing the taste of home often means one thing: recreating your favorite meals wherever you are. And for many, that means rolling up your sleeves and getting into the kitchen. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or a way to stay connected to your roots, cooking familiar dishes is one of the best ways to ease homesickness — and share your culture with others.
So, if you’re craving a true taste of Mexico, here’s how to bring it to your plate — no matter where you are in the world:
Recipe: Classic Mexican Street Tacos (Tacos de Carne Asada)
Serves 4 | Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
- 500g skirt steak or flank steak
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas (naturally gluten free)
- Chopped onion and coriander to garnish
- Lime wedges and salsa for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the steak with lime juice, garlic, and spices for 10–15 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry until medium-rare, then slice thinly
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or over a flame.
- Fill with steak, top with onion, coriander and a squeeze of lime.
- Add your favourite salsa — and enjoy with friends or family.
It’s simple, packed with flavour, and just one bite takes you straight back to the streets of Mexico City.
Is Mexican food gluten free?
A lot of it, yes! Dishes based on corn, beans, rice and fresh vegetables mean that many meals are naturally safe for people avoiding gluten — especially when made from scratch. That said, always watch out for added wheat in sauces or store-bought tortillas. If you’d like more information on Mexican food that’s gluten free, head here.
Don’t forget the drinks…
Of course, no Mexican meal is complete without something refreshing to sip on. From aguas frescas to citrusy cocktails, drinks play a big role in Mexican food culture — whether you’re toasting a celebration or cooling off on a warm evening.
One of the country’s most iconic beverages? The Paloma. Here’s how to mix it up at home:
Recipe: The Paloma – Mexico’s Favorite Cocktail
Serves 1 | Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila
- 100ml grapefruit soda (or fresh grapefruit juice + sparkling water)
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt for the rim
- Ice and grapefruit slice to garnish
Instructions:
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in salt.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the tequila, lime juice, and soda.
- Stir gently, garnish, and enjoy!
It’s refreshing, slightly tart, and less sweet than a margarita — perfect for sunny days and celebration nights.
How Mexican food helps keep traditions alive
For many migrants, food is a lifeline to identity. Cooking those familiar dishes keeps traditions going — even from across the world. It’s why Mexican food that is gluten free, or Indian food high in protein, or any cultural dish adapted abroad, carries so much meaning. Food connects us. It reminds us of who we are and where we come from.
Sending support, not just flavour
Craving home-cooked food is one thing. Being able to support your family back home? That’s everything. If you’re abroad and looking for the best way to support loved ones in Mexico — whether to fund a family celebration or just help with daily essentials — Paysend is here to help.
Why send with Paysend?
- Fast, secure transfers to Mexico
- Fixed low fees with no hidden costs
- Great exchange rates
- Send to bank accounts, cards or digital wallets
- Real-time tracking through the app
Because sharing love — and a bit of support — is what it’s all about.
Ready to send money internationally to loved ones back home? Try Paysend today — and keep traditions (and support) going strong.
Want to share the love of home-cooked meals? Read our other food-focused blogs:
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Indian food is loved around the world for its bold spices, comforting curries and rich textures. But if you're dairy intolerant or lactose sensitive, some traditional dishes can feel off-limits — especially when ingredients like ghee, cream, yoghurt and paneer take centre stage. Thankfully, dairy-free Indian food is not only possible — it’s delicious. Many popular dishes like chana masala, aloo gobi, dal tadka, vegetable biryani and roti are naturally dairy-free or can easily be adapted. With a few smart swaps, you can enjoy all the flavour of Indian cuisine without the dairy.
If you move away from home, it’s often the little things that stay with you — the comforting smell of spices in a warm kitchen, or the first bite of a dish that reminds you of family and celebration. Food has a way of connecting us to where we come from, even when we’re far away.
For many people living abroad, staying connected means more than just a phone call — it’s the small rituals that bring comfort, like cooking a familiar meal or helping out back home when you can. Whether it’s a recipe passed down through generations or a quick money transfer to support family, those gestures keep us close.