Cemitas: A Mexican Sandwich full of Flavor
Although tacos are the quintessential icon of Mexico, there are many other dishes with great flavor and tradition. Such is the case of cemitas, a type of Mexican sandwich which comes from the state of Puebla. It has a crispy texture on the outside and a soft inside that prevents the filling from spilling out. It is characterized by its pleasant flavor which combines fresh, local ingredients, and is ideal for all palates.
Although its exact origin is unknown, it is said that it was a food destined for the lower classes. During the viceroyalty (the period in which the Spanish occupied Mexico), a similar bread was made and given as a tribute to the Spanish crown. The filling varied depending on what was on hand – beans, potatoes, and cheese were the most common ingredients.
Over time, the ingredients have become more standardized, giving way to the traditional cemita from Puebla. Below, we tell you a little more about its most representative elements.
The Bread
It is called “cemita”, like the dish itself – it is a simple, round, and slightly bulging bread. It is characterized by sesame seeds on top, which add a great touch of flavor. Although there are different types of cemita depending on the region, this one is the best known. Its popularity is partly due to its long shelf life, making it excellent for boat trips.
Avocado
Although it is a considerably expensive ingredient nowadays, its demand was lower 200 years ago, and it was practically affordable for everyone. To prepare a cemita, a few slices are placed on the base, which add a lot of flavor and smoothness.
Quesillo
This is a type of fresh Mexican cheese easily identified by its “knot” shape. One of its main characteristics is that it can be shredded, allowing it to be distributed evenly throughout the bread. It provides a slightly salty and umami-like flavor.
Pápalo
It’s a type of Mexican plant that belongs to the quelites family. It has an intense flavor reminiscent of different plants like cilantro and basil. Its role in cemitas is essential, as it adds a fresh touch full of flavor.
Pickled chipotle
For this preparation, the chiles are cooked in a mixture of water and piloncillo (a sweetener obtained from boiling sugarcane juice). Vinegar, garlic, salt, and spices like cloves and cinnamon are added. Onion, marjoram, thyme, or bay leaf can also be added. They enrich the cemitas with a slightly spicy and sweet note.
In addition to the above, cemitas can also be accompanied by a touch of olive oil. Other ingredients that stand out, depending on preference, are “milanesa” or breaded meat, ham, and pickled pork leg. Some even prefer to fill them with carnitas, mole, or al pastor meat instead (yes, the same juicy meat used for our delicious tacos al pastor).
If you don’t want to miss this Mexican delicacy, be sure to try our Taste of Puebla tour. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy this and other dishes while learning about their history. If you’re only planning to visit Mexico City, we recommend our Mexico City Street Food: A Beginner’s Guide tour. A streetstand that prepares this dish is one of our official stops, although its availability depends largely on the vendors. Ask your guide! If it’s not available, they can recommend a place in the city where you can find it.
We hope you can try one of these delicious cemitas soon and enjoy the variety of tours we have for you. Welcome to Mexico!