Best Street Food in Mexico City: A Complete Guide to Tacos, Tamales, and More
- 1. Tacos: The Heart of Mexican Street Food
- 2. Tamales: A Delicious Tradition
- 3. Quesadillas: Cheesy Mexican Delights
- 4. Elote: Grilled Corn on the Cob
- 5. Tacos al Pastor: A Must-Try
- 6. Where to Find the Best Street Food in Mexico City
- 7. Final Thoughts: A Flavorful Journey
1. Tacos: The Heart of Mexican Street Food
Tacos are undoubtedly the star of Mexico City's street food scene. Whether you're in the mood for tender carne asada, juicy al pastor, or crispy fish tacos, there’s a taco stall around every corner. One of the best experiences is visiting the taco stands after dark, where the atmosphere is filled with locals enjoying their late-night snack. For the best taco experience, head to El Vilsito or Los Cocuyos—both renowned for their mouthwatering tacos that have become legends in the city.
2. Tamales: A Delicious Tradition
Tamales are a quintessential Mexican food, with origins dating back to pre-Hispanic times. These delicious parcels of corn dough, filled with savory meats or sweet flavors, are steamed in corn husks or banana leaves. In Mexico City, tamales can be found everywhere—on street corners, at markets, and even in the early morning hours as breakfast treats. Try the tamales de rajas (with green chilies and cheese) or the sweet tamales de dulce for an authentic experience.
3. Quesadillas: Cheesy Mexican Delights
No street food tour of Mexico City would be complete without tasting a quesadilla. These cheesy tortillas are often filled with everything from mushrooms and huitlacoche (corn fungus) to squash blossoms and meats. A particularly unique twist on quesadillas is the quesadilla de flor de calabaza (squash blossom quesadilla), which is often made fresh at the street stands, filled with melted cheese and savory herbs.
4. Elote: Grilled Corn on the Cob
If you're strolling around Mexico City, you’ll likely smell the irresistible aroma of elote—grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s a snack that is as much a part of the city’s culture as its tacos. This savory treat can be found in nearly every park, on street corners, or near tourist attractions, and it's a perfect snack for any time of the day.
5. Tacos al Pastor: A Must-Try
When in Mexico City, don’t miss tacos al pastor. This dish, which originated in the city, is made with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions. The balance of savory and sweet flavors is simply irresistible. One of the best places to savor these tacos is El Tizoncito, widely considered the birthplace of tacos al pastor.
6. Where to Find the Best Street Food in Mexico City
Mexico City is full of vibrant street food markets and food stalls. The Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Coyoacán are two of the best markets where you can sample all sorts of street food, from tacos to tamales and everything in between. For a more local experience, visit Parque de los Venados, where you’ll find food vendors serving some of the best tacos and elote in the city.
7. Final Thoughts: A Flavorful Journey
Mexico City’s street food scene is a delightful exploration of flavors, textures, and cultural heritage. Each bite tells a story, whether it's the history behind tamales or the evolution of tacos al pastor. The best way to experience the city is by diving into its street food culture. With so many options, you’ll never run out of delicious things to try. Ready to taste your way through Mexico City? Book your Mexico City food tour today!
