Where does Elote come from?

Elote — country of origin: Mexico.

What is Elote made of?

Sweetcorn, mayonnaise, cheese, lime, chilli, salt.

Which allergens does Elote contain?

Contains eggs and egg products. Contains milk and milk products (including lactose).

How do you pronounce Elote?

Elote (Mexican Spanish) is pronounced /eˈlote/.

Elote

Pronunciation (IPA) /eˈlote/

Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with mayonnaise or crema, rolled in grated cheese and dusted with chilli powder and lime. A street food of Mexico.

Also known as: Esquites · Mexican street corn · Corn on the cob, Mexican style

Allergens & declarations

Contains

Egg

Contains eggs and egg products

Milk (including Lactose)

Contains milk and milk products (including lactose)

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Elote is a whole ear of sweet corn, cooked and dressed with mayonnaise, crumbled cheese, chilli and lime. It is sold from carts and stands across Mexico.

What it really is

Elote is made from fresh yellow or white sweet corn still in the husk or shucked, cooked by grilling over charcoal or by boiling. While hot, the cob is brushed with mayonnaise or Mexican crema, rolled in finely grated cheese such as cotija, and sprinkled with chilli powder, often a mild red chilli powder, and squeezed with lime.

The dish is distinct from esquites, which uses the same seasonings but with the kernels cut off the cob and served in a cup, often with a little broth. Elote is eaten by hand from the cob, which is the form the name refers to.

How it's served

Eaten hot, held by the cob or on a stick, usually from a street cart
Often finished at the table with extra lime juice and chilli powder
Typically eaten with the fingers, with napkins provided
Sold as a snack or a light side to a larger meal

Write as Elote: grilled corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chilli and lime
Flag MILK (cheese, crema or mayonnaise) and EGGS (mayonnaise)
State if the corn is grilled or boiled, and the chilli used
Offer esquites as a separate listing if the corn is served off the cob

Typical ingredients

Put it on your menu with Menuella

Frequently asked questions

What is Elote?: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, brushed with mayonnaise or crema, rolled in grated cheese and dusted with chilli powder and lime. A street food of Mexico.
Where does Elote come from?: Elote — country of origin: Mexico.
What is Elote made of?: Sweetcorn, mayonnaise, cheese, lime, chilli, salt.
Which allergens does Elote contain?: Contains eggs and egg products. Contains milk and milk products (including lactose).
What is Elote also known as?: Esquites, Mexican street corn, Corn on the cob, Mexican style.
How do you pronounce Elote?: Elote (Mexican Spanish) is pronounced /eˈlote/.