Mexican street food goes back to the country’s ancient civilizations, including the Mayans and Aztecs. Open markets have always been the norm, even to this day, and food stands are not only typical but in high demand.

Here are some of the most exciting street food items you’ll find in Mexico. Some are exclusively found in street stands, so you better not miss out on them. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a sweet or savory snack at any time of the day? See if you’ve tried all of these Mexican street foods.

1. Elotes and Esquites

Elote means corn, and corn on the cob is one of the most famous street food items in Mexico, primarily found on every other corner late in the afternoon. This is no regular corn, though. Mexicans rarely consume sweet yellow corn, so the starchier white corn is the norm.

Order a corn ear on a stick and watch the vendor smother it with mayo, drizzle it with lime juice and sprinkle it with crumbled cheese and chili powder.

The same vendors will also offer esquites. These are corn kernels on a broth served in a disposable cup and topped with the abovementioned ingredients. Just in case you like to enjoy your corn with a spoon.

2. Gorditas

Gorditas are deep-fried masa dumplings. What is masa? We’re talking about corn dough, the same used to make tortillas. Of course, in this case, gordita vendors shape the masa into a thick disk and deep-fry it for a tender but crispy delight.

That’s not all. They often fill Gorditas with pressed pork rind and salsa, minced onion, crumbled cheese and cilantro. These one-hand biters are the most comforting masa dish you’ll find in the country. Gorditas, meaning “fat ones,” can be two-bite-sized or large. Either way, you can’t eat just one.

3. Fruit and Veggies

Not all street food in Mexico is unhealthy, greasy or hearty. Some is natural. Fruit and vegetable snack stands are more common than you think, and this is the type of street food everyone can enjoy guilt-free.

There are many snacks in these stands, but the most popular are cucumber sticks, diced mango, sliced jicama, cubed pineapple and grated carrots. Choose your favorite and watch the vendor drizzle your snack with lime juice and dust it with chili powder. Hot sauce is also available if you like your fruit and veggies a bit spicier!

4. Camotes

Camotes are a rare sight but a sought-after snack. This street food is sold in moving carts that drive around Mexico’s crowded neighborhoods. You know when camotes are near for the sharp (and deafening) whistle released from the pressure pot where the camotes cook to tender perfection.

Camotes are sweet potatoes, and the same carts also sell plantains, and both receive the same steamy treatment. Order a camote or plantain and drizzle it with condensed milk. This is one steamy snack, and it’s particularly appreciated on the country’s coldest evenings. What are your favorite Mexican street foods?