Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Heavenly Bites: Mexico’ On Netflix, A Delightful Mexican Cuisine Tour For The Tastebuds

If you’re expecting Heavenly Bites: Mexico to feature some of the traditional Mexican cuisine you know and love, you’ll likely be disappointed. The food docuseries, now streaming on Netflix, shines a light on some of the country’s most innovative dishes and drinks, from candy-covered Micheladas to creative chip dishes that might make your mouth water. We’re here to tell you if this delectable tour for the tastebuds is worth a spot in your queue. 

HEAVENLY BITES: MEXICO: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: A man wearing a pair of leather boots steps into frame.

The Gist: In Mexico, the Michelada is both the sickness and the cure. This unique mixed beer drink has a reputation as both a party-starter and a hangover remedy, boasting a long list of ingredients that change dramatically depending on where you go. There might be lime juice, Clamato, salt, and chili sauces, shrimp or jerky, fruit cubes, candy, and gummies. Some even include vodka! The possibilities are endless, and in the first installment of Heavenly Bites: Mexico, “Micheladas”, our host Memo Villegas excitedly educates us about some of Mexico’s favorite variations on the drink. There’s Susy and Sara, who make “Gomichelas” in Tepito, Mexico City, refreshing drinks often served in “crazy blenders”. They infuse their drinks with candy and gummies, and fruity, unusual flavors, while Dayvasos, in Northern Mexico, puts a more savory spin on their “Dayva” Michelada, piling on jerky, shrimp, clams, and a special sauce. There truly are no rules for the Michelada.

Over the course of Heavenly Bites‘s half-hour first installment, we also meet the people behind the “Michecoco”, a tropical Michelada, the the Chubechada, a colorful Michelada mixed with vodka. Each of these beverages are a symbol for the joy these mixologists and creators hope to bring to their customers, and they’re rewarded for that joy in turn; some of them get so busy they open additional locations, while others become famous in their respective neighborhoods for their delicious offerings. Whether you’re starting the party with a Michelada or enjoying one to recover from the party the day after, there’s some variation on this beloved beverage that will do just the trick.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Heavenly Bites might remind you of Salt Fat Acid Heat, Paik’s Spirit, Ugly Delicious, and Somebody Feed Phil.

Our Take: Heavenly Bites: Mexico is a joyous affair. From the moment the first installment begins with its energized narration and eye-catching visuals, it’s impossible to look away, largely thanks to the passion the show’s creators clearly feel for the story they’re telling. This is an affectionate, exuberant love letter to Mexico’s quirkiest, most creative new dishes, an effort likely to please foodies and casual fans alike. In addition to showcasing the food and beverages, we also get to know the people, which is what makes Heavenly Bites such a memorable delight. It’s interesting to watch a colorful drink get poured, sure, but it’s nothing without knowing the heart and soul that drink was made with, and what it took for these people to be able to bring these creations to the masses.

There’s an option to watch Heavenly Bites: Mexico with English dubbing, but I would advise against it; Memo Villegas’s voice is essential ingredient to the show, filled with an excitement and spirit that get us hyped up for each dish we see and individual we meet. Go with the original narration and English subtitles if needed – it’s so much more fun that way. By combining Villegas’s voice with the eye-catching visuals used to showcase these treats, Heavenly Bites creates something thrilling and memorable, appealing to both our stomachs and our hearts as we get to know the people and the culture that make Mexico so special.

Sex and Skin: None.

Parting Shot: A man blows a kiss as he holds up one of the snacks that will be featured in the episodes ahead.

Sleeper Star: All of the featured Michelada creators are utterly endearing, but my heart was stolen by Susy and Sara, the two women whose fruit drink cart turned into a booming Michelada stall in the heart of Mexico city when they took advantage of their friends’ demands for something a little stronger than their usual fare. These are two ladies who truly adore and support one another, delighting in their concoctions and their unique bond. It’s one thing when someone creates something delicious, but it’s another when their creations come from a place of love and passion – and that’s why Susy and Sara are such a joy to watch.

Most Pilot-y Line: Most of the dialogue in Heavenly Bites: Mexico is informative or funny, but there is the occasional on-the-nose bit, like “by nature, humans love to experiment. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The only way to find out is to keep trying new things.”

Our Call: STREAM IT. With mouthwatering visuals and an irresistibly energetic tone, it’s impossible to look away from Heavenly Bites: Mexico. This short, sweet series is a delightful journey through some of the most innovative treats Mexico has to offer.

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines, hogging the mic at karaoke, and thirst-tweeting. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.