I can still remember the very first time I tried Mole Poblano. My Mexican friend took me to the lively Mercado Merced. The scent of spices tickled my nose, the array of colorful fruits pleased my eyes, and the vying of market vendors tried to get attention to stop by their stalls.
Once we entered the food building, the air was filled with the tempting aroma of frying food and the sounds of a sizzling spatula. Overwhelmed by the myriad of choices, I turned to my friend for recommendations on what to order. With a knowing smile, they pointed me towards Pollo Mole Poblano, which is chicken bathed in a thick sauce made with various types of chili peppers, spices, and, surprisingly, chocolate.
Chocolate? Yes, you read correctly. I know the idea of chocolate in a savory dish would be strange. Though I’d once tried chicken with chocolate sauce and it was not to my taste, I gave myself a chance to try the dish.
When my order arrived, it was served with sesame seeds and rice. I was curious about how it would taste. I smelled the rich spices drifting in the air.
I took a spoonful of the sauce and let it hit my palate. I said to my friend excitedly, “¡Qué interesante!” Then I asked them to show me how to eat like a local.
They showed me the way: spreading the sauce on a warm tortilla, adding shredded chicken, a scoop of rice, and, if desired, a dollop of spicy salsa. I followed it. And the sweet, savory, and a bit spicy, creating a unique and multi-layered taste experience. I’ve never tasted something like this before. However, it’s not enough to decide if I love it or not. I need to try it in other places.
Later, when I visited Puebla, where Mole Poblano comes from, I tried it again. I thought, “The taste must be more authentic than my first taste.” I stopped at a restaurant in front of Puebla’s cathedral. I got my perfect seat with the church view. Without taking much time to skim the menu, I directly ordered Pollo Mole Poblano, and that’s when I finally fell in love with it. It was simply delicious; the rich flavor from the sauce tasted just right on my palate. My taste buds did a happy dance. I returned to that restaurant one more time before I left.