The Mexican Salsa Rule Locals Know That Most Tourists Miss

The food of Mexico is one of the most complex and beloved cuisines in the world. Its gastronomic traditions date back centuries and its myriad dishes incorporate vibrant spices and mouthwatering flavors into unique combinations. One of the most versatile and widely used aspects in Mexican cooking are the salsa recipes you'll want to use on everything. There are countless ways to make salsa — with tomatoes, tomatillos, chiles, fruit, and avocado, fire-roasted or mashed fresh in a molcajete, and they can range from mild to burn-your-mouth spicy. Coming in a rainbow of colors and textures, salsa is an essential Mexican condiment that will be found on every street corner taco stand and kitchen table alike. 

While putting salsa on your food is as natural as breathing for Mexican diners, there are definitely international dining etiquette rules we should all be following, even if they're unwritten. When it comes to consuming the country's spicy and flavorful sauces, diners, whether stateside or South of the border, should use prudence at the salsa bar and follow these two cardinal rules of salsa use every diner should know: Don't drench your food in salsa, and don't over-consume and contaminating the salsa bar.

One mistake is dumping salsa on your food without tasting first. Mexico is home to many regional cuisines that define the country's food culture; many dishes are not made to be covered in sauce. And yet, go to any taco stand and you'll see people pouring spoonful of salsa all over their food. This is ill-advised because putting a bunch of salsa on your food without first tasting it covers the flavor of the food itself, and if you don't test the heat level of the salsa before smothering your food in it, you'll end up with a meal too spicy to enjoy. Most taco joints will have several salsa options, simply put a few drops onto your food to test it and get the right spice level.

Another peeve happens at a taqueria's salsa bar, where there is a selection of salsas and other toppings like lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and chopped onion set up like a mini-buffet. Each container of salsa will have its own spoon for scooping the condiments. It seems like common sense, but each spoon should stay with its designated salsa and not be put back into a container of a different flavor. It's also considered disrespectful to take more salsa than you plan to eat with the food you ordered. Don't fill containers to take home for later. Follow these rules of salsa etiquette and you'll fit right in with the locals.