Do you remember the time when Mexican cooking in Germany mainly consisted of Old El Paso taco kits? When Germans came home from their Mexico vacation excited and desperately tried to recreate those incredible flavors – only to fail miserably because the right ingredients simply couldn’t be found?
That was Germany in the 90s and 2000s. Mexicans living here became actual smugglers: at least one complete suitcase was reserved for food on every Mexico trip. Tortillas, mezcal, salsas, dried chiles, dulces enchilados – I even know people who packed carnitas in their luggage! Once I brought 11 bottles of tequila through customs even though only 3 were allowed. Desperate times, desperate measures!
Germans who had once tasted real Mexican food knew exactly: the stuff from the German supermarket didn’t come close.
But times have changed. Thanks to growing migration, the Mexico tourism boom, and the internet, there’s finally enough demand to justify real Mexican supermarkets in German cities. While it will never taste quite like Mexico – but damn close.
Since the market for Mexican importers in Germany is small, all shop owners know the same suppliers – but choose differently from them. There are also small companies that only offer their products regionally, and for seasonal fresh products for holidays like Día de Muertos or Día de Reyes, it’s often private individuals who are simply very good at it – there are no specialized businesses for this. These items sell out quickly and are often only available in one or two shops. Supply gaps are completely normal.
This explains why you find similar product categories everywhere but with different brands, quality levels, and special treasures. Let me show you what treasures await you in these Mexican supermarkets today:
What You’ll Find in Mexican Supermarkets in Germany
Tortillas – The Heart of Mexican Cuisine
Unfortunately, fresh tortillas are very difficult to find in Germany. The problem starts with corn: Mexican corn isn’t the sweet corn we know in Europe, and imports only make economic sense in large quantities – you don’t buy a few sacks but tons right away. Plus, in Mexico families buy fresh tortillas by the kilo daily – which is why packaged tortillas are uncommon there and considered a last resort.
What you’ll find instead are mostly vacuum-packed tortillas. The vacuum considerably extends shelf life (unopened they last for months, opened they keep in the fridge for a good 5 days or more), but makes handling harder and the tortillas more rigid. Fortunately, the taste is preserved.
The selection ranges from tortillas produced in Europe to imports from Mexico. Most European manufacturers use masa harina from Mexico – an exception is Tlaxcalli Nixtamal, Europe’s first organic tortillería. They use local organic corn and cook their own nixtamal the traditional way. The flavor varies slightly but is generally very good. You notice differences more in the texture, sometimes due to different corn qualities or because many people don’t know how to properly separate vacuum-packed tortillas – even Mexicans often don’t know these tricks since tortillas are always bought fresh and loose at home.
With Mexican imports, you’ll find two extremes: either very cheap mass-market goods with low quality (to penetrate the market) or expensive niche products with significantly better quality.
My recommendation: always choose nixtamalized varieties – I often go for Tlaxcalli because I can taste the difference. But every brand brings you back to Mexico as long as you handle them correctly.
Tostadas and Chips
Unlike tortillas, these products are also bought packaged in Mexico – in supermarkets, shops, and even tortillerías, that’s completely normal.
In Germany, you’ll find less selection: a couple of Mexican brands and Tlaxcalli also has their own tostadas. Tostadas are the kind of product I never have at home, and every time I eat one, I’m annoyed I don’t buy them regularly. They’re completely underrated – just a tostada with cheese is delicious, or something more elaborate with beans and salsa, which you can even buy ready-made in Mexican shops. Mexico has a huge chips culture – and here I’m talking about potato chips, tortilla chips, and other chip-like products made from corn and other ingredients, usually seasoned with salt, lime, and various chili blends. The flavor varieties are fantastic.
With corn chips, you’ll find popular traditional brands like Churrumais (long form), Rancheritos (rectangular), or Fritos (shell-shaped), but also newer ones like Takis (rolled). Takis and Doritos have even made it into some corner shops and some supermarket chains.
Mexican Sweets and Snacks
Mexican sweets are a real insider tip: from tamarind candies to chamoy products, the shops offer a colorful palette of typical Mexican treats. These sweet-sour and often slightly spicy sweets are a completely new taste experience for German palates. You’ll find everything from dulce de leche to gummy bears dusted with chili powder.
Mexican Beer and Beverages
Corona is just the beginning – many shops also carry Dos Equis, Pacifico, and other Mexican beers. Plus typical refreshing drinks like Jarritos in various tropical flavors.
Tequila and Mezcal
With tequila and mezcal, things get more complex. The relationship between agave spirits and trade is multifaceted – especially in the mezcal scene, there’s a big difference between industrial and artisanal producers. The mezcal supply chain is labor-intensive, regulation is complex and expensive, and there are countless small producers who often even own their own land. International trade regulations and distribution partners add further hurdles.
In Mexican shops, you’ll usually find only a small basic selection. The internet, however, allows us to buy directly from importers who normally supply Mexican shops. If you ask me: I buy my stuff at mezcaleria.de – a pioneer for artisanal mezcals and tequilas in Europe. But be prepared to spend at least 30 euros. Quality and tradition have their price, and that’s a normal price for high-quality agave spirits.
That doesn’t mean other shops are bad – for agave spirits I also regularly buy 7 Leguas or Arette elsewhere. But for mezcal, I stick with the mentioned shop.
Chilis: Fresh and Dried – The Heart of Mexican Cuisine
The heart of Mexican cuisine beats in the chili section. From mild poblanos to fiery hot habaneros – dried and fresh chilis in every heat level. Particularly dried chilis like chipotle, pasilla, or morita give dishes that typical smoky note you search for in vain in German supermarkets.
Germans trying Mexican chilis for the first time are often surprised: it’s not just about heat but complex flavor profiles. Jalapeños, for example, are relatively mild and have a fresh, green taste, while chipotles (smoked jalapeños) bring a deep, smoky sweetness.
Sauces and Mole – Pure Flavor Explosion
Besides classic salsas verde and roja, you’ll find various brands of salsa macha, moles, and other creations from Mexico and Europe. Plus chili preserves in vinegar and hot sauces in all varieties.
The variety of Mexican salsas goes far beyond what German supermarkets offer. From mild salsa verde to fiery salsa macha – every region of Mexico has its own recipes and traditions. Of course, you’ll also find all the ingredients in Mexican shops to make your own salsas.
Spices and Mexican Foods
Besides well-known Mexican spices like cumin and oregano, you’ll find more specialized spices like achiote or various chili powders. Sometimes you’ll also find fresh epazote, tomatillos (always from a can, rarely fresh), and with some luck hoja de aguacate or hoja santa. These Mexican herbs and spices give your dishes the authentic flavor you know from Mexican restaurants.
Mexican and Latin American Diversity in One Shop
Most Mexican shops also carry Latin American products, or there are Latin American shops with a Mexican section. Since Mexican immigrants form the largest group and Mexico is the second-largest country in Latin America. Still, you’ll find other Latin American products here like mate from southern Latin America, tapioca from Brazil, or arepa flour from Venezuela. Interestingly, people from African countries also often find products here that they know from their home.
In most of these shops, you’ll find similar basic products. However, if you’re looking for something special or authentic, Mexican shops are definitely your best bet.
Tips for Your First Visit
When you visit a Mexican supermarket for the first time, don’t be overwhelmed by the variety. The owners are usually very helpful and happy to explain the different products. Often they speak German too, but a few phrases of Spanish are always appreciated.
Start with the basics: good tortillas, a mild salsa verde, some jalapeños, and maybe a Mexican beer. That way you’ll get a first impression of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Interested in trying Mexican food this weekend? Maybe there’s a Mexican supermarket near you – check our interactive map for all Mexican supermarkets and Mexican shops in Germany. Use the filters to discover different Mexican businesses: supermarkets, restaurants, piñata shops, and clothing stores.
