Get to know the best Mexican food in Mexico City, from great street tacos to authentic mole and even upscale dining. Venture into verdant markets, mysterious morsels, and famous eateries, now filled with Mexico’s such excellent culinary customs and lively flavors.
♦ Street Food Adventures: Tacos, Tamales, and More:
Street food in Mexico City is a must when you’re there. We will smell the aromas coming from food stalls, big flavors will get you to come back. Here are some iconic street foods to try:
1. Tacos al Pastor:
Pork marinated on a vertical spit, served on a small corn tortilla with pineapple and onions, cilantro. Some of the best in the city can be found at either El Huequito or Taquería Los Cocuyos.
2. Tamales:
Sweet or savory savories such as chicken with mole, green salsa, or even guava sweet; filled and steamed in corn dough. Go to malls, in front of metro stations or near celebrations such as Dia de los Muertos.
3. Elotes and Esquites:
Slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and chili powder, corn on the cob (elotes) or in a cup (esquites). These snacks are a favourite evening snacks and a staple of the best Mexican food, and available in parks and plazas.
♦ Iconic Markets for Traditional Mexican Cuisine:
Mexico City’s culinary landscape is all rooted in markets. Visit these to experience authentic flavors:
1. Mercado de Coyoacán:
Known for its quesadillas, tostadas and churros. It wouldn’t be the best thing to miss the Tlayudas, a large crispy tortilla filled with beans, meat and fresh vegetables.
2. Mercado de San Juan:
This market is known for its exotic ingredients, its offers are gourmet. For sure try their chapulines (fried grasshoppers) or tangy mole dishes.
3. La Merced:
This is a busy city market with lots of dishes such as pambazos (potatoes, chorizo in guajillo sauce), Gorditas (stuffed tortillas).
Also Read: Top 10 Cities in China for Authentic Chinese Food Lovers
♦ Fine Dining: Elevated Mexican Cuisine:
Mexico City’s fine dining happily reinterprets those flavors with a modern technique. Reserve a table at these world-renowned restaurants:
1. Pujol:
It is Mexico’s iconic tasting menu by Chef Enrique Olvera of his celebrated restaurant Pujol. Highlight: Mole Madre, blended 1000 day old mole, Mole Nuevo (a fresh mole mole), and also blends of mole and pecans. Unmissable
2. Quintonil:
Jorge Vallejo is a chef who takes modern Mexican cuisine quite literally, with variations of the dishes that fill the classics with innovation and tradition. Go for the crab tostadas, or, if you’re sharing, the cactus sorbet is divine and vegan.
3. Sud 777:
A feature of dynamic seasonal, local ingredients, the menu will spotlight the creativity and the chef’s dedication to sustainability, with continual updates.
♦ The Best Beverages to Pair with Your Meal:
Beverages are a prerequisite to any culinary guide. Here are a few you must try:
1. Mezcal and Tequila:
To taste these iconic spirits at their finest, please, enjoy them neat. For cocktails head to Licorería Limantour which offers mixologists creating unique drinks that top off Mexican flavours.
2. Aguas Frescas:
Made with water, sugar and fresh fruit, refreshing fruit drinks. Tamarind and hibiscus (jamaica) and horchata (rice based with cinnamon) are some popular flavors.
3. Champurrado:
A sweet, thick chocolate drink with masa (corn dough) and ideal for drinking with tamales on a cold morning.
♦ Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth:
Save room for dessert and indulge in these Mexican treats:
1. Churros:
A deep fried stick with a rolled in sugar and cinnamon coat often served with a dipping sauce such as chocolate or caramel. Try them at El Moro.
2. Flan:
A creamy caramel custard sold in so many local restaurants. It is a simple as well as satisfying dessert which matches well with coffee.
3. Pastel de Tres Leches:
Very moist and delicious, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and cream). Most of all, whipped cream and fresh fruit on top.
Also Read: Top 10 Food Cities Around the World for Culinary Travelers
Tips for Exploring Mexico City’s Food Scene
- Go early: By mid afternoon, they often sell out on markets and street food vendors.
- Cash is king: Generally, most street vendors and markets only accept cash.
- Try something new: Go out of your comfort zone. Be adventurous. Mexico City’s cuisine is unexpected and diverse.
- Follow the locals: Good food comes from the busiest stalls.
There is no better place than Mexico City for an extraordinary culinary journey down through centuries into the present. In any case, unless it’s a taco on a busy street or a multi course menu served at a Michelin star restaurant, you’re going to be sure to leave satisfied, with a fuller belly and a greater understanding of the art of best Mexican food..
That’s what they say in Mexico, ¡Buen provecho! and bon appetite!
