A melting pot of cultures and food, Mexico City (CDMX) might be one of the best foodie cities in the world. Home to some very high end restaurants but also some of the best street food on the planet. On almost every street corner of this city you can find someone selling something delicious. All of the amazing smells you will encounter just simply walking down the street is going to have your mouth watering. There are so many interesting things to eat in Mexico City but I have highlighted what I think are the staples and what I personally think are the best.
1. Tacos Al Pastor
Probably the most well-known type of taco in Mexico City and most well known type of Mexican street food. These deliciously simple tacos are probably my favorite type of street taco and if there was one thing i’d say that you MUST TRY, it would be these. Al Pastor pork sliced off a spit onto a fresh corn tortilla – topped with a slice of pineapple, chopped onions, and cilantro. I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Two spots i’d highly recommend checking out are Taqueria Orinoco and El Huequito. Both places have fantastic tacos, multiple locations around CDMX, and are very affordable. But the good news is that al pastor is sold in almost every corner of the city so you should have no trouble finding some. There is something exciting about watching the preparer slice the meat off the spit right in front of you. Make sure to top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.
2. Churros
Churro time is anytime! Eaten for breakfast or for a late night snack, churros are probably one of the most classic and well known Mexican desserts. Order them with some dipping chocolate, hot chocolate, or my personal recommendation, with ice cream.
I highly recommend you check out El Moro for your churro fix. There are multiple locations around the city but the original location, which opened in 1935, is located in Centro Historico. El Moro is extremely popular so expect lines at all hours of the day but thankfully they move fairly quickly. Ask for the 3 Consuelitos which are like mini churro ice cream sandwiches. (Picured above)
3. Aguas Frescas
These are one of my all time favorite things to drink. Literally meaning ‘Fresh Waters’, these deliciously refreshing beverages are made with fresh fruit or veggies and come in almost every flavor you can imagine. Coconut to Watermelon to Hibiscus, you name it.
They are sold in almost every restaurant and are also a very common street fare. Markets are a great place to find these but if you do buy off the street, be careful and make sure the ice is made with purified water (agua purificada) as the tap water will make you sick. If you are not sure, just skip the ice altogether. My favorite flavors are Maracuya (Passion Fruit), and Fresa (Strawberry) – I definitely recommend you give those a try.
4. Tortas
Like tacos? Who doesn’t! Take basically everything you would normally put on a tortilla to make a taco but instead put it on a bread roll. You are essentially having a taco sandwich and it is simply spectacular. This Mexican sandwich can be completely customized with whatever toppings you like in order to make the perfect torta. I recommend that you check out Tortas al Fuego near Parque Mexico in the Condesa district – their tortas are fantastic.
5. Mangonadas
A refreshing sweet n’ salty n’ spicy dessert that are a personal favorite of mine. Consists of mango sorbet drizzled with Chamoy (sweet fruit sauce) and Tajin (salt, chili powder, and dried lime) sprinkled on top. These are so unbelievably delicious and a must try while in Mexico City. Look for any “La Michocana” shop and you will find them sold there.
6. Tamales
Another classic Mexican dish consisting of a masa dough made with maize/corn that is stuffed in a corn husk and steamed. Tamales come in so many varieties with meat and cheese, beans, or even fruits. The one pictured above was a cranberry tamale and it was phenomenal! You can find these sold all over in restaurants or from street carts.
7. Tacos de Barbacoa
Typically made with beef or lamb, Barbacoa style has the meat slow roasting with spices until it is fall off the bone tender. The meat is then chopped or shredded and used as filling for tacos or burritos. These tacos are so deliciously tender and can be found all over Mexico City. Give them a try at a street market but make sure everything with the vendor looks sanitary before ordering/eating.
7. Elotes
Mexican street corn that is essentially corn on the cob on steriods. A corn cob is grilled and then lathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. You can get them with a host of other topping options as well such as hot sauce, cilantro, sour cream, etc. These are so insanely delicious and when you smell them on the street, you simply cannot resist!
8. Paletas
No trip to Mexico would be complete without having a Paleta. These Mexican popsicles come in ENDLESS flavor varieties from cookies and cream to passion fruit. You have the option to get them as a flavored ‘ice’ popsicle or as an ice cream popsicle and they are a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
I highly recommend you try the paletas at Bendita Paleta. They make some of the best handcrafted paletas in the city and they have some very unique flavors. Everything tastes like it has been made with the best ingredients and are a good price. You can always find paletas at a La Michocana shop as well just like with the mangonadas.
9. Tlacoyos
These were something that I kept seeing all over the place but I had no idea what they were. I finally decided to try them out and I am so glad that I did!
Tlacoyos are basically thick corn tortillas that are stuffed with things like cheese, beans, or meat and are then either fried or toasted. I encourage you to try a couple different kinds – I tried one with chicken/cheese as well as cactus/cheese and both were fantastic. Tlacoyos are extremely cheap and are sold all over the streets of Mexico city.
10. Seafood Tacos
I know, I know, Mexico City is not near the coast so how good can the seafood tacos really be, right?
Answer is: Fantastic!
Being in Mexico, it is very hard to find a bad taco lets be honest. I am an absolute sucker for a fried fish taco with coleslaw, a chipotle sour cream sauce, and some cilantro/lime. Some of the best fish tacos I have ever had were from El Pescadito right in the heart of Mexico City. They have several locations around CDMX and I highly, highly encourage you to pay them a visit.
11. Chilaquiles
One of the greatest breakfast/brunch foods of all time. If you are ever hungover while in CDMX (and chances are high), go out for brunch and order some chilaquiles to bring you back to life. Crispy tortilla chips smothered in salsa that are that perfect midway point between crunchy and soggy. Can be topped with all sorts of ingredients like cheese, a fried egg, meat, onions, etc.
Check out LALO! or Peltre Alameda for some of the best chilaquiles of your life.
12. Mexican Bakery/Pan
This isn’t necessarily one thing but rather just a place you need to swing through while you are in Mexico City. A traditional Mexican bakery has some of the most amazing breakfast baked goods, pastries, breads, and cakes you can find anywhere. Stop in for a quick on the go breakfast item, to grab some desserts for later, or to just eat ALL the pastries.
There are Panderias (bakeries) all over but I’d recommend Karsapan Bakery in Centro Historico as a perfect spot for all things baked goods. I went for breakfast one day and ended up buying 4 different pastries because they all looked too good to pass up on. This may also be dangerous for people that have a sweet tooth.
I hope you enjoyed reading and hope you enjoy eating your way through Mexico City even more! If you have any questions about things or need more recommendations, feel free to reach out. Thank you!
