Mexico City’s signature dishes include tacos al pastor, pozole, chiles rellenos, and mole poblano. Get ready to dive into a food scene that will leave you wanting more.
The 8 Dishes You Must Try Before You Leave
- Tacos al pastor (tah-kohs ahl pah-stor), a classic taco dish with marinated pork, onions, and cilantro. Find the best version at Taquería Los Güeros in the Condesa neighborhood, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD) per taco.
- Pozole (poh-soh-leh), a hearty soup made with hominy and pork or chicken. Head to La Pozolería in the Centro Histórico, where a bowl costs 50-70 MXN ($2.50-3.50 USD).
- Chiles rellenos (chee-lehs reh-yeh-nohs), roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat. Try them at Restaurante La Opera in the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood, for 150-200 MXN ($7.50-10 USD) per dish.
- Mole poblano (moh-leh poh-blah-noh), a rich chocolate-based sauce served over chicken or pork. Visit La Casa de Toño in the Xochimilco neighborhood, where a plate costs 100-150 MXN ($5-7.50 USD).
- Chilaquiles (chee-lah-kee-lehs), fried tortilla chips smothered in salsa and cheese. Find them at Café de la Parroquia in the Coyoacán neighborhood, for 30-50 MXN ($1.50-2.50 USD) per serving.
- Sopes (soh-pehs), thick tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and various meats. Try them at Sopes El Abuelo in the Tacuba neighborhood, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD) per sope.
- Tortas (tohr-tahs), Mexican sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Visit Tortas El Güero in the Condesa neighborhood, where a torta costs 50-70 MXN ($2.50-3.50 USD).
- Empanadas (ehm-pah-nah-dahs), pastry pockets filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Find them at Empanadas La Mexicana in the Roma neighborhood, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD) per empanada.
Street Food Guide: Where, What & How Much
Here are the top 3 street food areas in Mexico City:
- La Merced Market in the Centro Histórico, open from 7am to 6pm. Try the tacos de lengua or tacos de chapulines, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD) per taco.
- San Juan Market in the Centro Histórico, open from 7am to 6pm. Sample the fresh fruits, cheeses, and cured meats, for 50-100 MXN ($2.50-5 USD) per item.
- Calzada de Tlalpan in the Coyoacán neighborhood, open from 10am to 10pm. Enjoy the tacos al pastor, sopes, or tortas, for 20-50 MXN ($1-2.50 USD) per item.
Pro Tip: Always ask for your food to be prepared “sin salsa” or “sinlimón” if you’re sensitive to spice or acidity.
Where to Eat: By Budget
Street Food & Markets
Eat like a local at the street food stalls or markets, where meals start from 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD). Try the tacos, sopes, or tortas at La Merced Market or San Juan Market.
Local Neighborhood Spots
Discover hidden gems in the neighborhoods, where meals cost 50-100 MXN ($2.50-5 USD). Visit Café de la Parroquia in Coyoacán or Restaurante La Opera in Cuauhtémoc.
Tourist-Friendly Mid-Range
Enjoy a meal at a mid-range restaurant, where prices range from 150-300 MXN ($7.50-15 USD). Try La Casa de Toño in Xochimilco or Taquería Los Güeros in Condesa.
Worth-the-Splurge Restaurants
Treat yourself to a high-end dining experience, where meals cost 500-1,000 MXN ($25-50 USD) or more. Visit Restaurante Pujol in Polanco or Quintonil in Roma.
Pro Tip: Always make a reservation for mid-range or high-end restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Options
Mexico City has a growing vegetarian and vegan scene, with many restaurants offering plant-based options. Try the vegan tacos at Taquería Los Güeros or the vegetarian sopes at Sopes El Abuelo.
For allergy-friendly options, ask your server about gluten-free or nut-free dishes. Many restaurants can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.
Pro Tip: Learn some basic Spanish phrases, such as “Soy vegetariano” (I’m a vegetarian) or “Tengo alergia a los frutos secos” (I have a nut allergy), to help you navigate the menu.
What Locals Actually Drink
Mexico City is famous for its fresh juices, such as orange, grapefruit, or mango. Try a glass of jugo fresco at a street stall or market, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD).
For a traditional drink, order a horchata (or-CHAH-tah), a sweet, milky beverage made from rice or tigernuts. Find it at a market or street stall, for 20-30 MXN ($1-1.50 USD).
For a local beer, try a Modelo Especial or Victoria, available at most restaurants and bars, for 50-100 MXN ($2.50-5 USD) per bottle.
Food Etiquette & Practical Tips
Tipping in Mexico City is generally 10-15% of the total bill, but always check if a service charge is already included.
Dining hours vary, but most restaurants are open from 1pm to 10pm. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons.
Reservations are recommended for mid-range or high-end restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-try dishes in Mexico City?
Tacos al pastor, pozole, chiles rellenos, and mole poblano are the top dishes to try in Mexico City.
Where can I find the best street food in Mexico City?
La Merced Market, San Juan Market, and Calzada de Tlalpan are the top street food areas in Mexico City.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options available in Mexico City?
Yes, many restaurants in Mexico City offer vegetarian and vegan options, including Taquería Los Güeros and Sopes El Abuelo.
Can I drink the tap water in Mexico City?
No, it’s not recommended to drink the tap water in Mexico City. Stick to bottled or filtered water, or try a fresh juice or horchata instead.
Plan a Foodie Trip to Mexico City
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