
Mexico City’s vibrant street food scene isn’t just about eating – it’s a journey through centuries of culinary tradition that earned UNESCO’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. From sizzling tacos al pastor to steaming tamales, every street corner tells a different delicious story. Join me as we explore the very best street food experiences that Mexico City has to offer.
The Essential Street Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Tacos Al Pastor: The Crown Jewel of Mexico City Street Food
If Mexico City had a culinary mascot, it would undoubtedly be tacos al pastor. This Lebanese-influenced dish features marinated pork stacked on a vertical spit, slowly rotating beside a flame, crowned with a pineapple that drips its sweet juices onto the meat. The result? Pure magic on a tortilla.

For the absolute best tacos al pastor in the city, head to El Vilsito in Colonia Narvarte. By day, it’s a humble auto repair shop, but as evening falls, it transforms into taco paradise. Their trompo (spinning meat spit) master has perfected the art of slicing the chile-marinated pork directly onto fresh corn tortillas, catching tiny pieces of caramelized pineapple in the process. A single taco costs around 22 pesos (about $1.30 USD), making it one of the best culinary deals in town. Another Good option for Tacos al Pastor is El Tizoncito but only if its the One in Condesa, some people also consider this one to have the best Pastor in Town.

For late-night cravings, Los Cocuyos in Centro Histórico is your go-to spot. While they’re known for their suadero (brisket) and lengua (tongue) tacos, their al pastor is equally memorable. Pro tip: Order the campechano, a heavenly mixture of different meats.
Pozole: The Soul-Warming Mexican Soup

When Mexico City’s evening air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of pozole. This hearty hominy soup, dating back to pre-Hispanic times, comes in three varieties: rojo (red), verde (green), and blanco (white).
Casa de Toño, with multiple locations throughout the city, serves what many locals consider the best pozole in CDMX. Their red pozole, rich with chiles and tender pork, comes with a generous plate of garnishes: shredded lettuce, radishes, onions, lime, and crispy chicharrón (pork rinds). At around 85 pesos ($5 USD) for a large bowl, it’s a filling and affordable meal that’ll warm your soul.
Tamales: The Breakfast Champion

Rise early in Mexico City, and you’ll hear the distinctive call of “¡Tamales! ¡Tamales calientes!” echoing through the streets. These steamed corn masa parcels, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, are a breakfast institution.
The best tamales are often found on street corners between 5:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Look for vendors with large metal steamers and a line of locals. You’ll find various types:

- Verdes: Chicken in green salsa
- Rojos: Pork in red chile sauce
- Rajas con queso: Cheese with poblano peppers
- Dulces: Sweet tamales with raisins or strawberry
Most tamales cost between 18-22 pesos ($1-1.30 USD). Don’t forget to try them Mexico City-style – stuffed inside a bolillo roll to make a “guajolota” (tamal sandwich)!
Chilaquiles: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence

If there’s one dish that defines Mexico City breakfast, it’s chilaquiles. Crispy tortilla chips bathed in spicy salsa (red or green), topped with cream, cheese, onions, and your choice of protein – it’s the breakfast of champions and the cure for any hangover.

La Esquina del Chilaquil in Roma Norte has perfected this morning staple. Their specialty? The torta de chilaquiles – yes, that’s chilaquiles stuffed into a crusty roll! Choose between salsa verde or roja, add cecina (salt-cured beef) or chicken, and prepare for breakfast bliss. A regular order costs around 65 pesos ($3.80 USD).
Esquites: Mexican Street Corn Elevated

As evening approaches, esquites vendors appear with their steaming pots of corn kernels. This cousin to elotes (grilled corn on the cob) is served in cups and dressed with mayonnaise, lime juice, chile powder, and crumbled cheese.
Esquites Durango in Roma Norte serves some of the city’s finest. Their corn is perfectly cooked – tender but still crisp – and their mayo-chile mixture is legendary among locals. A cup costs around 30 pesos ($1.75 USD), and the generous vendor will usually let you adjust the toppings to your liking.
Mexican Street Corn Delight

Street Corn, or Elotes, is a beloved Mexican street food you can’t miss! It’s typically grilled or boiled corn on the cob, generously slathered with creamy mayonnaise, sprinkled with crumbly Cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. Some variations even include a drizzle of buttery hot sauce. This savory treat is sold by street vendors across Mexico City, with popular spots including the bustling streets of Condesa, Roma, and Coyoacán neighborhoods. Look for the iconic carts with boiling pots or small grills—vendors are often surrounded by locals grabbing a quick snack. Elotes offer a perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite!
Churros: Sweet Golden Perfection

No street food tour of Mexico City is complete without churros, and no churros compare to those from Churrería El Moro. Operating since 1935, this 24-hour establishment has perfected the art of the churro.
El Moro’s churros emerge from the fryer golden and crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and ready to be dipped in one of four chocolate sauce varieties. A package of four churros costs about 55 pesos ($3.25 USD), and their Spanish-style hot chocolate is worth every peso.
Quesadillas: Beyond Just Cheese

In Mexico City, quesadillas don’t automatically come with cheese (yes, you read that right!). These corn tortillas are stuffed with various fillings and optional cheese – a fact that often surprises visitors.

Jenny’s Quesadillas in La Roma serves some of the best in the city. Their blue corn tortillas are made fresh to order, and the fillings range from traditional (flor de calabaza – squash blossoms) to exotic (huitlacoche – corn fungus, a delicacy). Each quesadilla costs around 35-45 pesos ($2-2.65 USD).
Sopes: Thick Corn Boats of Flavor

Sopes are like savory boats made from thick corn masa, with distinctive raised edges that catch all the delicious toppings. Each sope starts with a thick, hand-pressed corn tortilla that’s pinched around the edges to form a little wall, then lightly fried until it’s just crispy on the outside but maintains its tender interior.
Casa de Toño excels in creating the perfect sope, with expertly crimped edges and generous toppings. Their sopes come layered with:

- A spread of creamy refried beans
- Your choice of protein (tinga, chicken, beef)
- Fresh shredded lettuce
- Mexican cream
- Crumbled cheese
- Your choice of salsa
A single sope typically costs around 35 pesos ($2 USD), making it a satisfying and economical choice.
Gorditas: Stuffed Corn Pockets of Joy

While similar to sopes in their masa base, gorditas are more like stuffed corn pockets – imagine a savory corn pita bread filled with delicious ingredients. The masa is formed into a thicker tortilla, grilled, then skillfully split and stuffed with various fillings.
For the absolute best gorditas in Mexico City, make your way to Gorditas Zacazonopan on Avenida Revolución. Their chicharrón prensado (pressed pork rind) gorditas have achieved legendary status among locals and food enthusiasts alike. What makes them special:

- Fresh masa made daily
- Perfectly grilled exterior
- Wide variety of filling options
- Generous portions
- House-made salsas
A gordita here costs around 30-40 pesos ($1.75-2.35 USD). Pro tip: Try their salsa verde – it’s the perfect complement to any filling you choose
Mexico City’s Must-Visit Food Markets
Mercado de la Merced

As Mexico City’s largest traditional food market, La Merced is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Navigate through its sprawling corridors to find:
- Fresh produce sections bursting with color
- Prepared food stalls serving market-style specialties
- Traditional Mexican candy vendors
- Countless spice and chile vendors
Don’t miss the quesadilla stands in the market’s center – they’re some of the city’s best!
Mercado de San Juan

Known as the chef’s market, Mercado de San Juan is where you’ll find Mexico City’s more exotic ingredients and gourmet prepared foods. The market features:
- Specialty cheese shops
- Premium meat vendors
- International ingredients
- Excellent seafood restaurants
Mercado de Coyoacán

In the heart of the charming Coyoacán neighborhood, this market combines traditional Mexican foods with a bohemian atmosphere. Famous for:
- Fresh-pressed juices
- Tostadas topped with seafood
- Traditional antojitos (small cravings)
- Local crafts and products
Tostadas: Crispy Tortilla Perfection

Picture this: a perfectly crisp, flat tortilla topped with a mountain of fresh ingredients – that’s a Mexican tostada for you. Unlike tacos, tostadas are served on crispy, flat tortilla bases that have been either baked or fried until golden and crackling.
The undisputed champions of tostadas in Mexico City reside in Mercado de Coyoacán. Look for Tostadas de Coyoacán, where you’ll find a dazzling array of toppings:
- Fresh seafood tostadas (try the tinga de atún or ceviche)
- Traditional chicken tinga
- Pig’s feet (pata)
- Fresh cochinita pibil
- Shrimp and octopus combinations

Each tostada comes garnished with cream, shredded lettuce, avocado, and your choice of salsa. Pro tip: Start with the simpler tostadas before diving into the seafood varieties. A single tostada costs between 35-65 pesos ($2-4 USD) depending on the topping.
What makes these market tostadas special is the perfect balance between the crispy base and generous toppings – they somehow manage to be both abundant and still possible to eat without everything falling apart!
Tlacoyos: The Blue Corn Treasure

Tlacoyos are one of Mexico City’s most beloved pre-Hispanic street foods. These oval-shaped blue corn patties are hand-formed around a filling of beans, requesón (similar to ricotta), or fava beans, then grilled on a comal until slightly crispy outside while maintaining a tender interior.
You’ll find tlacoyo vendors throughout Mexico City, often working at small street stands with a comal (flat griddle) and a colorful array of toppings. The best ones are made fresh to order, patted by hand, and cooked until they develop beautiful char marks. Traditional toppings include:

- Nopales (grilled cactus strips)
- Queso rallado (grated cheese)
- Cilantro and onion
- Red or green salsa
- Mexican cream
Some of the best tlacoyos can be found:

- Early mornings at street corners in Roma and Condesa
- Outside metro stations, especially Metro Chilpancingo
- In traditional markets like La Merced and Sullivan
- Weekend tianguis (street markets) throughout the city
A single tlacoyo typically costs between 25-35 pesos ($1.50-2 USD), making them one of the most economical and filling street food options. Look for vendors who have a steady stream of customers and make their tlacoyos fresh – the blue corn masa should be mixed and shaped right in front of you.
Frutas Preparadas: Sweet and Spicy Street Fruits

Mexico City’s fruit vendors transform simple fruits into exciting snacks by adding lime, chile powder (Tajín), and sometimes chamoy sauce. You’ll find colorful carts throughout the city, especially in parks and busy streets, offering these refreshing treats.
Fresh mango is cut into flowers or spears, then generously dusted with chile powder and lime juice, creating the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. A serving costs around 20-35 pesos. Crisp jicama appears as refreshing sticks sprinkled with chile and lime, offering a crunchy alternative for 15-25 pesos. During hot afternoons, nothing beats juicy watermelon chunks dusted with Tajín, available for 20-30 pesos from vendors across the city.

Look for vendors with clean carts and high turnover for the freshest fruit. Most locals have their favorite fruit vendor who knows exactly how they like their fruits prepared, whether extra spicy or just a touch of lime.
Guided Street Food Experiences

Want to explore Mexico City’s street food scene with expert guidance? I’ve personally curated a selection of the best food tours available on Viator. These tours combine historical context with carefully selected food stops, ensuring you experience the very best of Mexico City’s street food culture while learning about its rich culinary heritage.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food Safely

To make the most of your Mexico City street food adventure:
- Look for busy stands with high turnover
- Carry small bills and coins
- Watch for vendors who handle food and money separately
- Visit stands during their peak hours for the freshest food
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for ordering
Essential phrases:

- “¿Me da uno de…” (Can I have one of…)
- “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much is it?)
- “Picante/No picante” (Spicy/Not spicy)
- “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please)
Final Thoughts

Mexico City’s street food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and culinary innovation. From pre-dawn tamales to late-night tacos, each bite tells a story of this remarkable city’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re a cautious first-timer or an adventurous food explorer, the streets of Mexico City offer something for everyone.
Remember, the best food experiences often happen at the most humble stands, where recipes have been perfected over generations. Don’t be afraid to explore, ask questions, and most importantly – come hungry! Ready to start your street food adventure? Begin with a morning tamal, and let your taste buds guide you through the culinary wonderland that is Mexico City.
¡Buen provecho!
Note: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary based on location and season.
Recommended Tours & Things to do in Mexico City
Here are my top tours and things to do in Mexico City this December! From cultural experiences to vibrant local sights, these activities will make your visit unforgettable. Plus, you can trust Viator, the most reliable tour operator, to handle all your bookings and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.
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