Trio of sopes with pork (photo by bunchofpants courtesy of Flickr)

Every culture has the treats that are perfect for any occasion. Sopes are one of the delightful foods that can be dressed up for a classy affair or enjoyed bare with merely a sprinkle of cheese. A close cousin to the tortilla, this chubby delicacy makes a perfect base for a main dish or simply a light snack by itself.

Elder making sopes (photo by guanatogwyn courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes are made of the same masa that tortillas are rolled from. The masa is made from corn that has been dried, soaked in lime, and then dried again. The dry mixture has water added and usually a leveling agent like baking soda. The dough is rolled into fat round shapes with little walls built up around the edge to keep in the topping. The sope is usually cooked on a comal much like the corn torilla.

Plain sopes (photo by Chad Magiera courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes can be found throughout Mexico and the creativity comes from the filling. Sometimes the simplest can be the tastiest treat. Oaxacan cheese with a spicy green chili salsa is a refreshing change from a heavier dish, while seafood is the coastal favorite around Acapulco and Cancun. Throughout middle Mexico, chapulines find their way on to sopes with a delightful smear of homemade guacamole.

Sope feast (photo by lorenia courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes are highly versatile and can stand alone as a meal or fall to merely a snack size status. With meat and cheese or merely salsa, sopes are the perfect way to enjoy the local Mexican fare of the city you happen to be visiting.