10 Best Famous Foods to Eat in Mexico City | What is Mexico City known for food

10 Best Famous Foods to Eat in Mexico City  | What is Mexico City known for food

Mexico City is a culinary hub, with a rich and diverse food culture that is renowned around the world. From street food to high-end restaurants, there is no shortage of delicious and iconic dishes to try in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or a traveler eager to experience the best of Mexican cuisine, Mexico City has something for everyone.

In this article, we will explore the 10 best famous foods to eat in Mexico City, giving you a taste of the city’s most beloved dishes and the culinary traditions that make it one of the most exciting food destinations in the world.

10 Best Local Foods to Eat in Mexico City

1.Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor are a popular and delicious Mexican dish that you can find in many places throughout Mexico City. This dish consists of thin slices of marinated pork that are stacked on a vertical spit and cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The pork is then shaved off the spit and served on small tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, pineapple, and a squeeze of lime.Tacos al Pastor

If you’re looking to try some of the best Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City, there are several great places to check out. One of the most famous is El Huequito, which has been serving up delicious tacos since 1959. Another great spot is Taquería Los Cocuyos, which is known for its flavorful meat and homemade salsas.

When ordering Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City, it’s important to note that they are typically served with a side of lime wedges, fresh salsa, and other toppings like radishes and grilled onions. It’s also common to order a refreshing drink like horchata or agua fresca to accompany your meal.

Overall, eating Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City is a must-try experience for any food lover. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.

2.Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is another popular and delicious Mexican dish that you can find in many places throughout Mexico City. This dish is made with fried or toasted tortilla chips that are simmered in a flavorful sauce, typically made with tomatoes, chilies, and spices. The chips are then topped with cheese, diced onions, cilantro, and often served with a side of refried beans and scrambled eggs.Chilaquiles

There are several great places to check out, One of the most popular is El Cardenal, which is known for its traditional and hearty breakfast dishes. Another great spot is La Guapa, which offers a modern take on Chilaquiles with unique toppings and flavors.

When ordering Chilaquiles in Mexico City, it’s important to note that there are many variations of this dish. Some restaurants may serve them with green or red salsa, while others may add meat or avocado to the dish. It’s also common to order a hot drink like coffee or hot chocolate to accompany your meal.

Overall, eating Chilaquiles in Mexico City is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch experience. With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find a version of this classic dish that suits your taste buds.

3.Pozole

It is typically made with hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali), meat (usually pork), and various seasonings such as chili peppers, garlic, and onions.Pozole

In Mexico City, you can find many different varieties of pozole, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. Some of the most popular types of pozole in Mexico City include:

  • White Pozole (Pozole Blanco): This is the most traditional and widely consumed version of pozole in Mexico City. It is made with pork, white hominy, and a broth that is seasoned with garlic, onion, and bay leaves. It is typically served with chopped onion, radish, lettuce, and lime.
  • Red Pozole (Pozole Rojo): This version of pozole is made with the same basic ingredients as white pozole but with the addition of red chili peppers, which give the broth its distinct red color and spicy flavor.
  • Green Pozole (Pozole Verde): Green pozole is made with chicken, white hominy, and a green chili pepper sauce that is made with tomatillos, cilantro, and other green herbs.
  • Seafood Pozole (Pozole de Mariscos): This version of pozole is made with seafood such as shrimp, clams, and fish, along with the traditional hominy and seasonings.

Pozole is often served with a variety of toppings, including chopped onion, radish, lettuce, lime, and chili peppers. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by many people throughout Mexico and beyond.

4.Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a dough made from corn) that is filled with various ingredients such as meats, vegetables, cheese, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. In Mexico City, tamales are a popular food that can be found at many street vendors, markets, and restaurants.Tamales

Some popular types of tamales that you can find in Mexico City include:

  • Tamales de Pollo (Chicken Tamales): These tamales are filled with shredded chicken that has been seasoned with spices and cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
  • Tamales de Puerco (Pork Tamales): These tamales are filled with pork that has been seasoned with spices and cooked until tender.
  • Tamales de Rajas (Chili Pepper Tamales): These tamales are filled with strips of chili peppers, cheese, and sometimes onion.
  • Tamales de Dulce (Sweet Tamales): These tamales are filled with a sweet mixture of ingredients such as cinnamon, sugar, raisins, or fruit.

Tamales are often served with a variety of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese. They are typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack, but can also be enjoyed as a main meal.

Tamales are an important part of Mexican culture and are often eaten during celebrations and festivals. If you’re visiting Mexico City, be sure to try some tamales and experience this delicious and traditional dish.

5.Enchiladas

Tortillas filled with chicken, beef, or cheese, rolled up and covered in a chili sauce, topped with cheese, onions, and crema.Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish made with tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables, and topped with chili sauce. If you’re visiting Mexico City and looking to try some authentic enchiladas, there are several options to consider.

One popular spot to enjoy enchiladas in Mexico City is El Califa, which has several locations throughout the city. They offer a variety of enchiladas, including ones filled with chicken, beef, cheese, and vegetables, and served with rice, beans, and guacamole.

Another popular option is El Cardenal, which is known for its traditional Mexican cuisine. Their enchiladas are made with fresh ingredients and topped with a flavorful chili sauce. They also offer a variety of other traditional dishes, such as chilaquiles and tamales.

For a more casual dining experience, you can try La Esquina del Chilaquil, which is a small restaurant that specializes in enchiladas and chilaquiles. They offer a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, cheese, and beans, and their portions are generous.

No matter where you choose to eat enchiladas in Mexico City, be sure to accompany them with some traditional Mexican sides, such as rice, beans, and guacamole, and enjoy the rich and delicious flavors of this classic dish.

6.Sopes

A thick, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and crema.Sopes

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that is particularly popular in Mexico City. They consist of thick corn tortillas that are fried until crispy, and then topped with a variety of ingredients such as beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

If you’re looking to try sopes in Mexico City, there are many great options to choose from. Here are some popular places to try:

  • El Parnita: This trendy restaurant in the Roma neighborhood serves up delicious sopes with a variety of toppings, including chicken, beef, and pork. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
  • La Docena: This seafood restaurant in the Polanco neighborhood is known for its fresh seafood dishes, but they also serve up some of the best sopes in the city. Try the octopus or shrimp sopes for a unique and delicious twist.
  • El Farolito: This casual restaurant in the Condesa neighborhood is a favorite among locals for its traditional Mexican dishes, including sopes. They offer a variety of toppings, from classic beans and cheese to more exotic options like huitlacoche (corn fungus).
  • Los Sopes de la Asturias: This small street-side stall in the Centro Histórico is famous for its delicious sopes. Choose from a variety of toppings, including beef, chicken, and chorizo, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this busy street corner.

7.Quesadillas

A tortilla filled with cheese and a variety of other ingredients like meat, beans, or vegetables, then folded in half and grilled.Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a popular and delicious food in Mexico City, and you can find them in many different places throughout the city, from street vendors to sit-down restaurants.

Traditionally, quesadillas are made by filling a tortilla with cheese and other ingredients, then folding it in half and cooking it until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. The filling can vary depending on the region and the personal taste of the cook, but some common ingredients include mushrooms, squash blossoms, huitlacoche (a type of fungus that grows on corn), and various meats such as chicken or chorizo.

Some of the best places to try quesadillas in Mexico City include:

  • El Califa: This popular chain of taquerias serves up delicious quesadillas alongside their famous tacos. They have several locations throughout the city, including in the Condesa, Polanco, and Roma neighborhoods.
  • El Huequito: Known for their mouth-watering al pastor tacos, El Huequito also makes delicious quesadillas filled with cheese and your choice of meat or vegetables. They have several locations throughout the city, including in the Centro and Narvarte neighborhoods.
  • La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill: While not a traditional spot for quesadillas, this seafood restaurant in the Roma neighborhood serves up a tasty version with grilled octopus and Oaxaca cheese.
  • Quesadillas Doña María: This small, family-run spot in the Tlalpan neighborhood is known for their delicious quesadillas and other traditional Mexican dishes. Their quesadillas are filled with a variety of meats and vegetables and served with homemade salsas.
  • Mercado de San Juan: This bustling market in the historic center of the city is a great spot to try a variety of Mexican foods, including quesadillas. There are several vendors throughout the market selling freshly-made quesadillas with a variety of fillings.

8.Tostadas

A crispy, flat tortilla topped with refried beans, meat, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.Tostadas

Tostadas are essentially crispy tortillas topped with a variety of ingredients, and they are a great option for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.

Some of the best places to try tostadas in Mexico City include:

  • Tostadas Coyoacán: This small restaurant in the Coyoacán neighborhood specializes in tostadas, and they offer a wide variety of toppings, including shrimp, octopus, ceviche, and more.
  • Tostadas Doña Guera: This street vendor in the historic center of the city is known for their delicious tostadas, which are topped with a variety of meats and salsas. They also offer a vegetarian option with refried beans and cheese.
  • Tostadas La Siberia: This popular chain of tostada restaurants has several locations throughout the city, including in the Roma, Condesa, and Santa Fe neighborhoods. They offer a wide variety of toppings, including seafood, chicken, and beef.
  • Mercado de San Juan: This bustling market in the historic center of the city is a great spot to try a variety of Mexican foods, including tostadas. There are several vendors throughout the market selling freshly-made tostadas with a variety of toppings.
  • El Hidalguense: This historic restaurant in the Tacubaya neighborhood is known for their delicious barbacoa, but they also offer a great selection of tostadas, including ones topped with marinated pork, beef tongue, and more.

9.Mole

Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that is popular in Mexico City and throughout the country. It is a rich, complex sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, and sometimes even chocolate.Mole Negro

There are many different types of mole, each with its own unique flavor profile and recipe. Some of the most popular types of mole in Mexico City include mole poblano, mole negro, and mole verde.

Mole poblano is perhaps the most well-known type of mole and is made with a blend of dried chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, and chocolate. It is often served over chicken or turkey and is a popular dish for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays.

Mole negro, or black mole, is a dark, complex sauce made with chiles, spices, and chocolate. It is typically served over chicken or beef and is a popular dish in the Oaxaca region of Mexico.

Mole verde, or green mole, is made with fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, and epazote, as well as tomatillos and other green vegetables. It is often served over pork or chicken and has a bright, fresh flavor.

In Mexico City, you can find mole at many restaurants and markets. It is often served with rice and tortillas and is a beloved and flavorful dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

10.Gorditas

A thick, fried corn tortilla filled with meat, cheese, and other ingredients like beans or vegetables.Gorditas

Gorditas are a traditional Mexican food that originated in the central region of Mexico, including Mexico City. They are similar to small, thick corn tortillas, but with a pocket in the center that is filled with various ingredients, such as beans, cheese, meat, or vegetables.

In Mexico City, gorditas are a popular street food and can be found in many markets, food stands, and restaurants. They are often served with a variety of salsas and toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, and pickled vegetables.

One of the most popular types of gorditas in Mexico City is the gordita de chicharrón, which is filled with crispy pork skin that has been cooked until it is tender and flavorful. Other popular fillings include refried beans, shredded beef or chicken, and queso fresco (fresh cheese).

Gorditas are a delicious and satisfying meal or snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They are also relatively affordable, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike. If you ever find yourself in Mexico City, be sure to try some gorditas for a taste of this traditional Mexican food.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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