’What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine’ For 2022

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’What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine’ For 2022

As one of the ways we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month here at Cacique, we recently released our fourth annual What’s Next in Mexican Cuisine trend forecast. Shining a light on the profound impact of Mexican cuisine in America, we partnered up with leading culinary voices to announce our predictions for the top Mexican food trends coming to kitchens across the country in the coming year.

Chef Gilberto Cetina of Chichen Itza and Holbox in Los Angeles, Chef Anastacia Quinoñes-Pittman of José in Dallas and Andre Lomeli of Taqueria Mal Pan in Charlotte each shared their unique perspectives on the state of Mexican cuisine in America along with recipes that add their own special spark to the trend predictions.

What can you expect to see more of in 2022? Here’s what the experts had to say:

  • Home cooks will use masa for more than just homemade tortillas, trying their hand at working with it to make dishes like tlayudashuarachessopes and gorditas
  • The robust flavors of Mexican chorizo will join other staple ingredients like dried chiles, beans and queso fresco making their way into more and more homes across America
  • 2022 will be the year of mariscos – or seafood – as foodies seek out authentic Mexican preparations such as aguachileceviche and more that let the flavors of fresh seafood shine
  • Pickling and fermenting will be trending techniques and cause dishes like escabeche and drinks like tepache to rise in popularity
  • The season for flor de calabaza – or squash blossom – will be busier than ever as this delicate ingredient gains steam with both home cooks and restaurants
  • Move over birria… tacos de guisado are on the rise. This hearty, homey, and oh so good one-pot meal will be making its way into American kitchens from coast to coast
  • Americans will begin to understand (and appreciate) the distinct differences between Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine and its many regional dishes
  • Specialty Mexican salts like sal de gusano will see a spike in popularity as the finishing garnish on both light and refreshing and savory, umami-rich cocktails

If you’re looking for a taste of the future, you can find recipes from our chef partners below. These are inspired by the predictions around how Mexican chorizo and authentic Mexican preparations of seafood will soar in popularity in 2022, giving you an early taste of the trends that you won’t be able to get enough of in the coming year so you can celebrate the last few days of Hispanic Heritage Month right. Enjoy!


Fish Tacos with Chorizo, Crema & Pickled Cabbage Slaw by Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman at José in Dallas 

Tacos Campechanos by Andre Lomeli at Taqueria Mal Pan in Charlotte

Scallops with Chorizo, Rajas and Mushrooms by Chef Gilberto Cetina at Holbox in LA