Mexico City streets are a paradise for food lovers, especially those with a taste for adventure. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice, and each trip was a culinary journey from high-end restaurants to bustling street vendors. The city’s vibrant streets are filled with mouthwatering aromas, colorful stalls, and flavors that make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious, this complete guide to the best street foods in Mexico City will take you on a delicious ride through its bustling markets and hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mexico City is renowned for its incredible street foods scene. From aromatic tacos sizzling on sidewalk grills to the intoxicating smell of churros frying in oil, eating on the go is an integral part of the culture here. Street food vendors, known as “antojitos” (meaning “little cravings”), tantalize taste buds on every corner. Indulging in these quick and affordable meals offers a delicious glimpse into Mexican cuisine and culture.
This guide will highlight some of Mexico City’s must-try street foods that simply can’t be missed on any visit. From stuffed quesadillas dripping with ooey-gooey Oaxaca cheese to elotes dripping in mayonnaise and creamy cotija cheese, we’ll explore the iconic flavors that locals line up for daily. Grab some napkins and get ready to dive mouth-first into Mexico City’s scrumptious street food offerings.
Tacos
Tacos are iconic Mexican street foods that can be found all over Mexico City from food stalls and street vendors. Made with two soft corn or wheat tortillas stacked on top of each other with a protein filling nestled inside.
Some of the most popular taco fillings in Mexico City include al pastor, carne asada, chorizo, chicken, pork, and also vegetarian options like potatoes or mushrooms. Al pastor features thin slices of marinated pork that are stacked and roasted on a vertical spit, thinly sliced, and served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Carne asada is grilled steak, usually flank or skirt steak, that is well-seasoned and tender. Chorizo is a spicy sausage that is removed from the casing and crumbled over the tacos.
Part of what makes Mexico City tacos special is the double tortilla technique. Two small, soft tortillas are stacked to provide a protective barrier so the filling doesn’t make the bottom tortilla soggy or drip out. The tortillas are either made of corn or wheat flour and freshly prepared for each order.
Tacos are always served with a variety of salsas and garnishes on the side so each person can customize their tacos to their liking. Common salsas include salsa verde made with tomatillos, salsa roja made with tomatoes, and habanero chilis for extra spice. Raw white onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and radishes are also typical taco garnishes. By layering salsas, garnishes, and different fillings, an endless variety of tacos can be created.
Tamales
Next on the street foods list are Tamales, tamales have pre-Hispanic origins and were originally filled with tomatoes, chili peppers, vegetables, turkey, fish and honey. Over the centuries, recipes have evolved with influences from Europe and other regions. Today, there are many regional variations of tamales throughout Mexico.
Oaxaca is famous for tamales made with moles, wrapped in banana leaves and often filled with chicken, pork or cheese. The banana leaf wrapping technique dates back to pre-Hispanic times and adds an earthy, botanical flavor. Veracruz-style tamales are larger and use the masa harina corn dough without any added fat, wrapped in plantain leaves. Northern states make famous red chile beef tamales, while sweet tamales filled with pineapple, raisins or coconut are popular in the south.
No matter what the filling, tamales are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine with deep roots in the country’s culinary traditions. From festive family gatherings to street vendors, the rich aromas of tamales steamered in banana leaves can always be found wafting through the air.
Esquites
Esquites is one of Mexico City’s most popular and beloved street foods, consisting of grilled corn kernels topped with a variety of delicious ingredients. The corn kernels are grilled until they are lightly charred and caramelized, developing a sweet and smoky flavor. They are then placed in a cup and topped with traditional ingredients like crumbled cotija cheese, a salty Mexican cheese similar to feta, chili powder for some spice, mayonnaise for creaminess, and a squeeze of lime juice.
The mixture of flavors and textures in esquites is what makes it so craveable. The sweet kernels contrast with the salty cheese, the creaminess of the mayonnaise balances the bite of chili powder, and the tangy lime brings everything together. When you mix it all up in the cup before eating, the result is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Some vendors add their own creative touches too like epazote, an herb that adds a pleasant earthy flavor, or roasted peanuts for extra crunch. But the classic topping combination never fails to satisfy.
Part of what makes esquites so beloved is their simplicity. The grilled corn kernels could make a meal on their own. But when combined with just a few complementary ingredients, esquites becomes an iconic Mexican street food you’ll want to seek out again and again whenever visiting Mexico City. It’s the type of snack that immediately transports you to the vibrant food stalls of Mexico City.
Elotes
Elotes are grilled or boiled corn on the cob that have been slathered with a creamy and spicy spread of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. These popular Mexican street foods is served warm right off the grill or cooker and is meant to be eaten right away while the corn is hot and juicy.
The corn for elotes is typically sourced locally and at the peak of freshness. It is grilled over hot coals or boiled in a pot, which brings out the natural sweetness. After cooking, the hot ear of corn is slathered with a creamy mayo, then rolled in crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder. A squeeze of fresh lime and sprinkle of salt finish it off.
Elotes can be found at street food carts all over Mexico City, where you’ll see vendors carefully turning the ears of corn over hot grills. The smell of the charring corn and spices fills the air. Customers grab the hot elotes right off the grilling rack for immediate enjoyment. The corn is perfectly tender, juicy and steaming hot. Each bite is sweet, creamy, spicy and tangy from the lime. The melted cotija cheese adds a lovely saltiness. It’s an absolutely addicting street foods experience.
For the authentic elotes experience in Mexico City, look for street carts with fresh, locally-grown corn that is carefully grilled to perfection. The vendor will coat each ear with made-to-order condiments, so you can be sure the flavors are at their peak. Grab your elote, find a spot on a nearby bench or curb, and enjoy this iconic Mexican street food.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are one of the most popular and beloved street foods in Mexico City. They consist of stuffed tortillas that are cooked on a griddle. The classic quesadilla filling is Oaxaca cheese, a stretchy mozzarella-like cheese that melts beautifully. However, all kinds of fillings can be added to quesadillas, from meats like chicken, beef, and chorizo, to veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and huitlacoche (a delicious corn fungus). The tortillas are stuffed with the filling, folded in half, and cooked on a hot griddle until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is lightly charred.
The best quesadilla stands have a wide array of fillings to choose from so you can customize your order. The cooked quesadillas are always served with homemade salsas and guacamole for dipping. Quesadillas can be eaten any time of day, but they are especially popular as a late night snack after a night out. The smells of melting cheese and caramelizing tortillas draw hungry crowds to the best quesadilla stands throughout Mexico City late into the night. When made with high quality ingredients by experienced quesadilleras, the simple quesadilla becomes an irresistible street food experience. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most ubiquitous and beloved street foods in the Distrito Federal and all of Mexico.
Tortas
One of the most popular Mexican street foods found in Mexico City is the torta. Tortas are basically Mexican sandwiches served on crusty bolillo rolls and stuffed with an array of delicious fillings.
The key components of a classic torta include refried beans, avocado, onions, and your choice of protein. Common protein fillings include milanesa (breaded steak), chorizo, carnitas (braised pork), chicken, and ham. The roll is lightly toasted or grilled to achieve a crunchy exterior while the interior stays soft and ideal for soaking up the juices.
The harmony of textures and flavors in a Mexican torta is hard to beat. The creaminess of the refried beans and avocado perfectly balances out the hearty proteins. Oftentimes the sandwiches are also topped with salsa, cheese, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for extra flavor and crunch.
Some of the best spots to sample tortas in Mexico City include El Tizoncito, a famous haunt that claims to have invented the torta, and Tortas Wash Mobile, a food truck serving gourmet-style tortas with international flavor inspirations. No matter where you grab one, tortas make for a fantastically filling and scrumptious street food option.
Churros
Churros are a classic Mexican street food you can’t miss. These fried dough pastries are elongated and ridged, made from choux pastry dough that’s piped into hot oil and fried. The churros become hollow inside and crispy on the outside.
Once fried, the churros are tossed in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, coating them in a sweet, spicy layer. This cinnamon sugar mixture is part of what makes churros so recognizable.
Churros are meant to be enjoyed warm and fresh. Vendors sell them from carts around the city, the smell of frying churro dough and cinnamon wafting through the air. Grab them right after they’ve been fried for the optimal texture.
One of the best parts of eating churros is dipping them in sauce before taking a bite. Thick, rich chocolate sauce is usually available for drizzling or dipping. Dulce de leche, a sweetened milk sauce, is another popular dipping accompaniment. The sweet, thick sauces contrast nicely with the crunchy, sugary churro.
Churros make for a satisfying sweet treat any time of day. Their portability also makes them an ideal street food. When in Mexico City, keep an eye out for churro carts or shops selling these iconic fried pastries. Just follow your nose for that cinnamon aroma!
Best Areas for Street Foods
For the best Mexico City street food experience, head to areas where traditional Mexican food thrives. La Roma and La Condesa are bustling neighborhoods where you’ll find delicious dishes made with corn masa, a staple of Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss Coyoacán, where vendors wrap tamales in corn husk, serving a flavorful bite of history. These areas are a must-visit for anyone looking to dive into the authentic flavors and vibrant street food culture of Mexico City.
Coyoacán Market is one of the best areas in Mexico City to sample delicious street food. Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Coyoacán, this market has stalls selling all sorts of Mexican treats. You’ll find vendors cooking up quesadillas, tamales, elotes, churros, and more. The energizing atmosphere and mouthwatering smells make Coyoacán Market a must-visit.
Another top area is La Merced Market, Mexico City’s largest retail market. Here you’ll find row upon row of food stands selling Mexican street food classics like tortas, tacos, esquites, and more. The sheer variety of food options is impressive. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like barbacoa tacos and spicy salsas. La Merced Market offers an authentic street food experience.
In addition to markets, the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa have excellent street food. These trendy areas are filled with hip restaurants, cafes, and food carts. You can wander around finding multiple options for tasty Mexican street eats. Some carts stay open late into the night, catering to a young crowd. For incredible tacos in a lively atmosphere, head to the Roma/Condesa neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our city guide to Mexico City’s best street foods, it’s clear that eating street food here is an unforgettable adventure. From the savory delight of food tacos to the unique taste of blue corn tortillas, each bite tells a story. Embark on a food tour and indulge in crispy fried delights and the soft embrace of a freshly baked bread roll. With this food guide in hand, you’re ready to explore and savor every corner of this vibrant city. Happy eating!
When visiting Mexico City, be sure to sample local favorites like tacos, tamales, esquites, elotes, quesadillas, and tortas. Part of the fun is stumbling upon street vendors in busy areas like Centro Histórico and La Roma, where you’ll find vendors grilling up tacos or dishing out just-made quesadillas. The options are endless, with new and classic street foods waiting to be discovered on every corner.
Mexico City’s vibrant street food culture is the perfect introduction to authentic Mexican cuisine. These tasty bites reflect the city’s culture and flavors. With so many options, it’s easy to find quick, affordable, and delicious meals and snacks as you explore. Don’t leave Mexico City without trying some of its incredible street food!
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