GASTRONOMY

Queretaro?s cuisine is a national treasure, as it offers dishes and recipes dating back to the colonial era. Over the years, local ingredients have been added to the dishes, such as corn, chile, cactus and regional fruits, given the dishes a unique Mexican flavor. Indigenous influences are strong as well, as many of the dishes are prepared with various cacti, huamichi, xoconostles (sweetened prickly pears), cornmeal beverages and tamales. Many of the dishes are prepared for civic and religious celebrations, as the harvest season coincides with many national holidays. During your visit, be sure to try the regional enchiladas, Queretaro?s mole, barbacoa de borrego (baked lamb), pollo hortelano (a chicken dish) and the famous seasoned cheeses. For dessert, indulge in sweetened nopal, jamoncillos (milk candy) and fruits and flowers made of sugar.