Mexican food is hugely popular throughout the U.S., but diners often forget that there’s more to Latin cuisine than Mexican food. Latin America is an incredibly diverse region, ranging from small, coastal Central American countries to the imposing mountain ranges of South America. Likewise, Latin American cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors to excite the senses.

Spanish cuisine holds a strong influence on Latin American food thanks to the wide reach of the Aztec Empire and its conquest. The early agricultural staples of corn, beans, and chile have always featured heavily in authentic Mexican food. Since the Spanish introduced domestic livestock to Mesoamerica, pork and chicken have become prominent ingredients as well.

Other Latin cuisines share a lot of similarities with Mexican food, especially when it comes to crops like corn and tomatoes that originated in Mexico. However, beans aren’t as commonplace in South American food, and you’ll notice a strong Portuguese influence in South American dishes like caldo and churrasco due to Portugal’s colonization of Brazil.

While Central American foods have more in common with authentic Mexican food, you may notice more tropical flavors like plantain, yucca, and palm flower in Central American cuisines.

Despite their differences, nearly all Latin cuisines showcase intense and varied flavors like spicy chiles, cilantro, cumin, and oregano. You’ll also notice a large amount of seafood dishes like ceviche thanks to the coastal nature of many Latin American countries.

When you’re in the mood for delicious, authentic Mexican and Latin cuisine on the North Shore, come to Luibueno’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine in Haleiwa, HI. Luibueno’s offers a diverse menu full of flavorful Latin dishes from land and sea, as well as an extensive wine list, unique margaritas, and exotic Latin American cocktails. For the best Latin food on the North Shore, call Luibueno’s Mexican and Latin Cuisine at (808) 637-7717 or check out their menu online.