15 Essential Mexican Ingredients You Can Find in Germany
15 Essential Mexican Ingredients You Can Find in Germany
Cooking authentic Mexican food in Germany used to mean lugging suitcases full of chiles across the Atlantic. But today, the German market is much more "Amigo-friendly." From specialized online shops to surprising finds in local supermarkets like Edeka or Rewe, you can build a professional-level Mexican pantry right here.
Here are the 15 essentials you need and where to find them.
1. Masa Harina (Nixtamalized Corn Flour)
The soul of every tortilla, tamal, and gordita.
- Where to find: Online at
MexicoMiAmor.deorMex-Al.de. Look for the Maseca or Naturelo brands. - Supermarket Find: Some large Rewe Center stores now carry "Tortilla Maismehl."
- Note: Regular Maismehl or Polenta will not work!
2. Dried Chiles (Ancho, Guajillo, Chipotle)
The base for salsas, moles, and marinades.
- Where to find: Most "Asia Markets" in big cities now carry a shelf of dried Mexican chiles. Online shops have the widest variety (Cascabel, Pasilla, Mulato).
- Substitute: For Ancho, you can use a high-quality sweet Paprika powder in a pinch, but the smokiness will be missing.
3. Achiote Paste
Essential for Tacos al Pastor and Cochinita Pibil.
- Where to find: Almost exclusively online or in specialized Latin-American grocery stores (Latino-Läden).
- German Substitute: A mix of Paprika, Turmeric, and a dash of vinegar can mimic the color.
4. Tomatillos
Crucial for Salsa Verde.
- Where to find: Canned tomatillos are common online.
- Warning: Do not use unripe green tomatoes from the supermarket; they are not the same and can be toxic if consumed in large quantities!
5. Epazote
The pungent herb that makes beans digestible and authentic.
- Where to find: Usually sold dried online.
- Substitute: Nothing quite matches it, but a mix of flat-leaf parsley and a hint of mint is a common "Western" compromise.
6. Hibiscus Flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
For that refreshing Agua de Jamaica.
- Where to find: In Germany, search for Hagebuttentee (Rosehip) mixed with Hibiscus—though for the best flavor, buy the whole dried flowers at an Asia store or online.
7. Corn Husks (Hojas para Tamales)
- Where to find: Online Mexican grocers.
- Substitute: Use Backpapier (Parchment paper) if you're in a hurry—it works surprisingly well for steaming!
8. Queso Fresco & Cotija
- Supermarket Substitute: For Queso Fresco, use a mild Feta (soaked in water to remove salt) or Hirtenkäse. For Cotija, a finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino works beautifully.
9. Mexican Chocolate (Ibarra/Abuelita)
- Where to find: Online.
- Substitute: Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) pulsed with sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of chili.
10. Poblano Chiles
- Where to find: Occasionally fresh at high-end markets like Viktualienmarkt (Munich) or Frischeparadies.
- Substitute: Spitzpaprika (Pointed peppers) are the closest in shape and texture, though they lack the mild heat.
11. Beans (Black & Pinto)
- Where to find: Search for Schwarze Bohnen or Wachtelbohnen (Pinto) in the organic section (Bio-Abteilung) of almost any supermarket.
12. Crema Mexicana
- Supermarket Substitute: Mix Schmand with a little heavy cream (Sahne) and a squeeze of lime to get that perfect "drizzling" consistency.
13. Lard (Manteca)
- Where to find: Look for Schweineschmalz in the refrigerated section near the butter. It’s a staple in German cooking too!
14. Cinnamon (Canela)
- Pro Tip: Most cinnamon in Germany is Cassia. For Mexican recipes, try to find Ceylon Zimt (often in Bio-stores)—it’s softer, more floral, and easier to crumble by hand.
15. Vanilla Beans
- Where to find: Germany loves vanilla! You can find whole pods (Vanilleschoten) in the baking aisle of any supermarket. While not always "Mexican" by origin, the quality is usually very high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cornmeal (Maismehl) to make tortillas? No. Regular cornmeal is not nixtamalized, meaning it hasn't been treated with lime. It won't hold together to form a dough and lacks the characteristic flavor of authentic tortillas. You must look for "Masa Harina" or nixtamalized corn flour.
Where is the best place to buy dried Mexican chilies in Germany? The best variety is found online at specialized shops like MexHaus.de or MexicoMiAmor.de. However, many "Asia Markets" in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich now stock guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies.
What is the best German supermarket substitute for Queso Fresco? A mild Greek Feta is often the best substitute. To reduce the saltiness and match the texture better, soak the feta in cold water for about 30 minutes before crumbling. Alternatively, "Hirtenkäse" is a common and affordable option.
Why can't I find fresh tomatillos in German supermarkets? Fresh tomatillos are rare in Germany because they are highly perishable and require specific growing conditions. Fortunately, canned tomatillos are widely available online and work perfectly for making authentic Salsa Verde.
Is it possible to find Epazote in Germany? Fresh epazote is almost impossible to find, but many Mexican online stores sell it dried. While the flavor is slightly different, it still provides the essential aromatic and digestive properties traditional for bean dishes.