Foodies rejoice! Mexico City is a culinary paradise that's ready to delight you with rich flavors and fresh local ingredients. Mexican food is routinely ranked as one of the most delicious in the world, so what better place to sample it than the country's bustling capital?
From delectable tacos to succulent tamales, this article will introduce you to the most popular foods in Mexico City. Wondering where the best local eateries are hidden? Get in touch with our Mexico City private guides to find all the hidden culinary gems!
1. Tacos al pastor
You can't visit Mexico without sampling some tacos! In Mexico City, the most popular version of this beloved dish is called tacos al pastor. This type of taco is filled with slow roasted pork and pineapple. While it might sound like a quirky combination, it's actually a match made in culinary heaven! The cooking method of the pork is inspired by the conelike shawarma, which was introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. Besides pork and pineapple, you can top off your taco with salsa, cilantro (a staple in the local cuisine), and many other condiments. Tacos al pastor are sold in restaurants and street carts throughout the city. We suggest checking out Tacos El Huequito or San Taco, or asking your Mexico City tour guide for their personal recommendation!
2. Barbacoa
Elton Rodriguez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Barbacoa is a hearty filling that's used in many Mexican dishes. It is usually made using slow cooked lamb, goat, or beef. The meat is cooked with an assortment of spices until it is very tender. Depending on the amount and intensity of the chilies used, barbacoa can be quite spicy, so proceed with caution! Barbacoa is thought to originate from the Caribbean and was traditionally cooked in a hole in the ground. The tender meat dish is usually accompanied by cilantro, lime, onions, and salsa. Stop by Barbacoa Renatos or México Lindo Barbacoa for some great examples of this dish, or ask your Mexico Tour Guide for more options.
3. Tlacoyos
ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you're looking for a dish that has its roots deep in local traditions, we recommend trying tlacoyos. This much beloved Mexican dish is thought to date back to the pre-Hispanic era, with links to the Mayan and Aztec kingdoms. Sampling this yummy dish is the most delicious way to feel history come alive! So what are tlacoyos exactly? Essentially, this is an oval-shaped cake that's made out of maize dough (also known as masa) and stuffed with cheese, beans, and/or your choice of meat. The combination is truly to die for, and Tlacoyos are a popular snack that are sold by street vendors throughout Mexico City.
4. Chiles en nogada
Without a doubt, Chiles en nogada is one of the most unique looking Mexican dishes out there! The dish is instantly recognizable by the white walnut sauce that's dotted with bright red pomegranate seeds. Beneath this extravagant façade is a poblano pepper that's stuffed with a flavorful mix of meat and spices. It is not a coincidence that the dish prominently features the colors of the Mexican flag with green pepper, white sauce, and red pomegranate seeds. For the same reason, chiles en nogada is a popular dish to be served during the Mexican day of independence, which takes place on September 16th.
5. Pambazo
Pambazo is one of the most delicious street foods available in Mexico City. This is the city’s own unique take on a traditional torta, which is basically a Mexican sandwich. Pambazo is essentially bread that's stuffed with a yummy mix of potato and chorizo sausage, though the exact content might vary from vendor to vendor. The bread is then dipped in a special chili sauce and fried to perfection. The guajillo sauce gives pambazo a spicy twist that might come as a shock at first - but will also leave you craving seconds! Check out El pambazo loco for some great examples of this dish.
6. Torta de Tamal
Ukaizen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Torta de Tamal is the perfect treat when you find yourself craving some carbohydrates. Also known as guajolota, torta de tamal is another popular street food that's unique to Mexico City. It is commonly eaten as a breakfast food, and brings together two staples of Mexican cuisine. Here, a torta sandwich is stuffed with a tamal - a masa-based roll stuffed with a mix of meat, vegetables, spices, and herbs. It is a hearty dish to enjoy first thing in the morning… a true breakfast of champions!
7. Mole
Mole is a rich sauce that's prevalent throughout Mexico - so much so that several different regions claim to be the original birthplace of the delicacy. There are many different varieties of mole, which vary in their texture and specific flavor profile. Most mole recipes have a few things in common. Typically, they all feature a very long list of ingredients (usually around 20 or so) and require a long cooking time. This means that preparing mole is quite the endeavor, so it really pays off to order it in a restaurant rather than cooking it at home. The most well-known variety is arguably mole poblano which originates from the city of Puebla. This rich sauce is a combination of several spices, chilies, and chocolate!
8. Tlayudas
This hearty snack is perfect for fueling up while out and about in Mexico City. Tlayudas are a staple of Oaxacan cuisine, which is one of Mexico's most important culinary traditions. Tlayudas consist of a thin, toasted tortilla that's topped with a delicious mix of refried beans, shredded meat, avocado, salsa, and Oaxaca cheese. Also known as quesillo, Oaxaca cheese is a local cheese with a texture that's similar to mozzarella.
Though tlayudas originates from Oaxaca, they are widely available in Mexico City as well. You will find vendors selling them on street corners throughout the metropolis. Venues such as Tlayudas el Tasajo and Comida Oaxaqueña are well known for their Tlayudas offerings.
Conclusion
Besides offering iconic landmarks and hidden gems, Mexico's capital city is also bursting with delicious flavors and unique dishes that are just waiting to be explored. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration. If you'd like more help planning your culinary tour of Mexico City, get in touch with one of our Mexico City private tour guides.
You can also take a look at our selection of Mexico City tours, and remember to keep in mind that all our tours are fully customizable, meaning you'll be able to curate an experience that ticks all your boxes.