Mexican cuisine is known all over the world for its elaborate dishes, intense colors and delicious flavors. Mexican food has many nutrients, but the one I find most vital to survival is “Vitamin T” and I take it very, very seriously.

The benefits of Vitamin T reach far and wide, they include (but are not limited to):

●     Smiles

●     Happy bellies

●     Ability to be topped with salsa

●     Ability to be eaten while dancing the salsa

●     No more hunger

●     Boosted morale

●     Edibility

●     “Happy dancing”

●     Quality of life improvement

Vitmain T is the all-encompassing term that is assigned to foods starting with the letter “T." While there are many ways to get a dose of it here in Mexico, I am going to share my favorite five!

1. Tamales

Tamales are a representative element of the streets of Mexico in the morning. It’s incredibly easy to find a place selling these bad boys on your daily commute. There are many flavors, both savory and sweet: pineapple (my favorite), strawberry, chicken, salsa verde or roja, etc. Pro tip: Don’t be that person who bites into the husk wrapping… I am not saying that I did that the first time I tried one… or am I? 

2. Tortas

Delicious, practical and excellent for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In Mexico, a tortais a kind of sandwich, served on an oblong 15-centimeter, firm, crusted white sandwich roll. Depending on the region, the bread is called a bolillo, telera, birote or pan frances. Tortas can be eaten cold or hot, and grilled or toasted in a press.

3. Tlacoyo

The tlayoyis, clacoyo, tlatloyo or tlacoyo is an oval-shaped pre-Hispanic Mexican dish made of yellow or blue masa (corn dough). Somewhat torpedo-shaped, they are fatter than fresh corn tortillas and stuffed with cooked ground beans, cheese, fava beans, chicharron or other ingredients and fried or toasted. Tlacoyos can be served as a partner to soups and stews as well.

4. Tostadas

What should you do with stale tortillas? Uh, fry them, of course! Literally meaning "toasted," tostadas are a simple but delicious dish involving corn tortillas fried in hot oil until they become crunchy and golden. These are served alone or piled high with any number of toppings. Popular tostada dishes include frijoles (refried beans), cheese, cooked meat, seafood and ceviche.

5. Tacos

My personal favorite way to get some Vitamin T! Tacos are the most iconic Mexican food. They’re generally composed of corn tortillas, meat, cilantro, onion and salsa. The most popular types of tacos are de pastor, bistec, carnitas, barbacoa, canasta, dorados, suadero, lengua, vísceras and nopales. The best way to eat them is quickly and aggressively while continuously making an “Mmmm!” sound.

Consume at your own risk. The most common side effect is a strong craving for more! My personal mission during my service to research the effects of Vitamin T one delicious taco at a time… no matter the cost.