15 Essential Mexican Ingredients You Can Find in Germany
15 Essential Mexican Ingredients You Can Find in Germany
One of the biggest challenges for Mexicans living in Germany - or anyone who loves Mexican cuisine - is finding authentic ingredients. While you won't find a dedicated Mexican grocery store on every corner like in the US, there are plenty of ways to stock your pantry with the essentials. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to find the 15 most important Mexican ingredients in Germany.
1. Dried Chilies (Chiles Secos)
What you need: Guajillo, Ancho, Chipotle, Pasilla, Árbol
Where to find them:
- Online: MexHaus.de, MexicoMiAmor.de, MexGrocer-EU.com
- Physical stores: La Tortilla (Munich), selected Asian markets
- Substitutes: Some Turkish markets carry dried peppers that can work in a pinch
Storage tip: Keep in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. They last for years!
2. Masa Harina
What it is: Nixtamalized corn flour for making tortillas, tamales, and more
Where to find it:
- Online: All major Mexican food shops
- Brands to look for: Maseca, Bob's Red Mill
- Some supermarkets: Check the international/Gluten-free aisle
Pro tip: Buy in bulk - it has a long shelf life and you'll use it more than you think!
3. Fresh Tortillas
Where to find them:
- Online: MexHaus.de ships fresh tortillas
- Mexican restaurants: Many sell tortillas to-go
- Make your own: See our tortilla recipe guide
Storage: Fresh tortillas last 5-7 days refrigerated, or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Mexican Oregano (Orégano Mexicano)
What makes it different: It's actually a different species (Lippia graveolens) than Mediterranean oregano, with a more citrusy, earthy flavor.
Where to find it:
- Mexican online shops
- Some spice shops (Gewürzhändler)
- Substitute: Regular oregano + a pinch of coriander + a pinch of thyme
5. Achiote Paste (Pasta de Achiote)
Uses: Marinades, cochinita pibil, coloring rice and sauces
Where to find it:
- Mexican online shops
- Some Asian markets (look for annatto)
- DIY option: Mix achiote powder with vinegar, garlic, and spices
6. Epazote
What it is: A pungent herb essential for black beans and certain moles
Where to find it:
- Very difficult fresh in Germany
- Dried epazote available online
- Substitute: A combination of cilantro, oregano, and a bay leaf
Pro tip: Many Mexicans in Germany grow their own epazote in pots during summer!
7. Mexican Chocolate (Chocolate Mexicano)
What makes it different: Made with cinnamon and sometimes almonds, grainy texture
Where to find it:
- Mexican online shops (brands like Ibarra, Abuelita)
- Some gourmet chocolate shops
- Substitute: Dark chocolate + cinnamon + almond meal
8. Queso Fresco / Queso Oaxaca
The challenge: Authentic Mexican cheese is hard to find in Germany
Best substitutes:
- Queso Fresco: Feta (rinsed to reduce saltiness), milder Balkankäse
- Queso Oaxaca: Low-moisture mozzarella, string cheese
- Cotija: Feta, aged Pecorino Romano
Where to find authentic cheese:
- Some Mexican restaurants sell cheese
- Occasionally at farmers markets
- Online from specialty shops
9. Crema Mexicana
What it is: A thin, slightly tangy cream similar to crème fraîche
Best substitutes:
- Crème fraîche (closest match)
- Schmand (thicker, but works)
- Sour cream mixed with a little heavy cream
10. Tomatillos
What they are: Green, husk-covered fruits essential for salsa verde
Where to find them:
- Canned tomatillos at Mexican online shops
- Fresh occasionally at gourmet supermarkets (Edeka, Rewe in big cities)
- Some Turkish markets
Canned vs Fresh: Canned work perfectly well for most recipes!
11. Poblano Peppers
Where to find them:
- Very difficult in Germany
- Substitutes: Anaheim peppers (rare), or a combination of bell pepper + jalapeño
- Some online shops sell frozen poblanos
Pro tip: Many Germans use "Spitzpaprika" as a substitute, though it's not quite the same.
12. Jalapeños
Good news: These are increasingly available!
Where to find them:
- Most major supermarkets (Rewe, Edeka, Kaufland)
- Often in the "exotic" produce section
- Turkish markets almost always have them
- Pickled jalapeños at most supermarkets
13. Cilantro (Koriander)
Great news: Widely available!
Where to find it:
- Every supermarket in Germany
- Asian markets (often fresher and cheaper)
- Turkish markets (excellent quality)
Note: In Germany, the leaves are called "Koriandergrün" and seeds "Koriandersamen."
14. Avocados (Aguacate)
Where to find them:
- Every supermarket
- Look for "Hass" avocados for best flavor
- Discounter avocados (Lidl, Aldi) are often surprisingly good
Ripening tip: Place in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.
15. Limes (Limones)
Where to find them:
- Every supermarket
- Often called "Limette" in German
- Asian markets often have them cheaper
Note: Mexican limes are smaller and more acidic than Persian limes common in Germany, but they work fine.
Bonus: Hard-to-Find Items and Substitutions
Hoja Santa
- Use for: Fish, tamales, mole verde
- Substitute: A combination of fennel fronds, mint, and tarragon
Chayote
- Use for: Salads, soups
- Substitute: Kohlrabi or cucumber
Jicama
- Use for: Salads, snacks
- Substitute: Water chestnuts or Asian pear
Piloncillo
- Use for: Sweetening, beverages
- Substitute: Dark brown sugar or panela (available at some organic shops)
Online Shops for Mexican Ingredients in Germany
Best Overall Selection
- MexHaus.de - Huge selection, fast shipping, reasonable prices
- MexicoMiAmor.de - Great for hard-to-find items, recipe section
- MexGrocer-EU.com - EU-wide shipping, good for bulk orders
Specialty Items
- HolaMexico.de - Tequila selection, physical store in Kerpen
- LaTortilla.de - Munich-based, fresh products
- LaLuchaStore.com - Authentic products from restaurant suppliers
Physical Mexican Stores in Germany
Munich
- La Tortilla - Tortillas, fresh products, catering
Frankfurt
- MexHaus - Physical location for online shop
Kerpen (near Cologne)
- Hola Mexico - Large selection, tequila tasting
Berlin
- Various small shops in Kreuzberg and Neukölln
- Check our Berlin Mexican food guide
Asian Markets as Mexican Ingredient Sources
Many Asian ingredients overlap with Mexican needs:
- Dried chilies: Korean, Thai markets
- Rice: All Asian markets
- Fresh herbs: Vietnamese markets often have cilantro
- Tamarind: Indian markets
- Fresh chilies: Thai markets
Growing Your Own Mexican Ingredients
Many Mexicans in Germany maintain small gardens or balcony pots with:
- Cilantro (easy to grow)
- Epazote (grows like a weed)
- Jalapeños (surprisingly easy)
- Tomatillos (need space but productive)
- Mexican oregano (perennial)
Shopping Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy Mexican ingredients online or in physical stores in Germany? Online stores like MexHaus.de and MexicoMiAmor.de generally offer a much wider selection of authentic products imported directly from Mexico. Physical stores in cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt are great for immediate needs or finding fresh items like tortillas, but their range may be more limited.
What are the absolute essential items I should have for Mexican cooking? The "big four" essentials are: 1) Dried Chilies (Ancho, Guajillo, Chipotle), 2) Masa Harina (nixtamalized corn flour), 3) Beans (Black or Pinto), and 4) Salsas or the ingredients to make them (Tomatillos, Fresh Chilies).
Can I find fresh tomatillos in Germany? Fresh tomatillos are rare in Germany, though they occasionally appear in gourmet supermarkets (like Edeka or Rewe in large cities) or specialized international markets. Most people use canned tomatillos, which are widely available online and work perfectly for salsa verde.
Which online Mexican shops are most reliable in Germany? MexHaus.de, MexicoMiAmor.de, and Mex-Al.de are highly reliable and well-established. They offer fast shipping and a professional selection of authentic Mexican brands.
Can I use regular cornmeal instead of masa harina? No! This is a common mistake. Regular cornmeal hasn't been nixtamalized and won't form a dough that holds together for tortillas or tamales. Look specifically for "Masa Harina" or "Nixtamallized Corn Flour."
Conclusion
While you may need to be more resourceful than in Mexico or the US, you can absolutely cook authentic Mexican food in Germany. The key is knowing where to look and being willing to make smart substitutions when necessary. With the sources in this guide, you'll be making everything from tacos to tamales in no time!
Ready to start cooking? Try our authentic tacos al pastor recipe or learn to make fresh corn tortillas from scratch.
Know a great source for Mexican ingredients we missed? Let us know at [email protected]