CARNE (meat)
adobada – literally “marinated;” meat, usually pork, in a spicy red vinegar-based sauce
al pastor – literally “shepherd-style;” thinly sliced pork that has been marinated then grilled on a rotisserie, much like the meat in shawarma or gyros
asada – literally “roasted;” grilled beef steak
barbacoa – slow-cooked and shredded meat, usually beef
buche – beef stomach
cabeza – literally “head;” meat from the head of a cow, usually the cheeks
carnitas – shredded, fried or roasted pork
chicharrón – soft and chewy pork skin
chorizo – spicy sausage
lengua – beef tongue
pollo – chicken
tripa – tripe, or beef intestine
BEBIDAS (Drinks)
aguas frescas – literally “fresh waters;” cold fruit drink that usually comes in jamaica (hibiscus), tamarindo (tamarind) and horchata (rice milk with cinnamon) flavors
Coca Mexicana – Coca-Cola made in Mexico with real sugar instead of corn syrup
Jarritos – popular brand of Mexican soda that comes in several fruit flavors, from grapefruit to strawberry to tamarind
jugo – fruit juice
OTHER HELPFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
arroz – rice
cebolla – onion
con todo – with everything, meaning all the extra toppings above onions and cilantro, like lettuce, cheese and sour cream
fríjoles – beans
para aquí – for here
para llevar – to go
queso – cheese
torta – sandwich