Elote is a popular Mexican street food consisting of corn on the cob that is typically grilled or boiled, then slathered with a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise or Mexican crema. It is garnished with chili powder, crumbled Cotija cheese (a salty Mexican cheese), fresh lime juice, and often chopped cilantro. The corn is usually served hot, sometimes with a slight char from grilling, which adds a smoky flavor. Elote is a flavorful combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, spicy chili, salty cheese, and tangy lime, making it a beloved snack or side dish commonly sold by street vendors in Mexico and enjoyed at BBQs and potlucks

. The word "elote" itself means "corn cob" in Spanish, and the dish is sometimes eaten on a stick or skewer for convenience. There is also a variation called esquites, which is essentially the same ingredients but served off the cob in a cup

. In summary, elote is grilled Mexican street corn coated with a creamy, tangy, and spicy mixture, topped with cheese and lime, and enjoyed as a tasty, iconic Mexican snack