If you’re heading to Mexico City, indulging in its famous street food is a must.
Known for its variety and deliciousness, the city’s street food scene offers authentic gastronomic experiences that are simply irresistible.
Even if navigating the food scene seems daunting, rest assured that great food is always around the corner in this vibrant city.
Read also: The Best Bars in Mexico City To Make The Perfect Bar-Hopping Night
To help you on your culinary journey, here’s a list of must-try street foods that you shouldn’t miss
A Local’s Guide to Mexico’s Street Food Experience
1. Tacos al Pastor
Tacos with pineapple? Absolutely! Tacos al pastor are a Mexico City staple that masterfully balances sweet and savory flavors, just like a pizza but in taco form. These tacos are made with marinated pork, cooked on a spit, and served with pineapple, cilantro, onion, and salsa. You’ll find them on nearly every street corner, and they’re a true delight.
2. Tlacoyos
Tlacoyos are thick, oval-shaped corn tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese, or broad beans. They’re typically topped with nopales (cactus), salsa, and queso fresco. If you’re a fan of corn-based dishes, this one’s for you.
3. Elotes and Esquites
Who doesn’t love corn? In Mexico City, you can enjoy it as elote (corn on the cob) slathered with mayo, cheese, chili, and lime, or as esquites, which is corn served in a cup with the same toppings. This popular snack can be spicy, so be prepared when asked if you want chili on it. It’s up to you to decide if your taste buds are ready for the challenge! (Or you can just ask for ‘el que no pica’ which stands for ‘the one that
4. Tacos de Canasta
These tacos, named after the basket in which they’re traditionally sold, are a lunchtime favorite. Filled with ingredients like potatoes, beans, and pork rinds, these soft, flavorful tacos are both inexpensive and satisfying—a classic street food experience.
5. Tortas
Tortas are massive sandwiches made with bolillo or telera bread and filled with all sorts of deliciousness, from roasted meats to milanesa, ham, or chorizo. A standout in the city is the torta de chilaquiles—a brilliant fusion of flavors and textures.
6. Gorditas
Gorditas are thick tortillas made from corn or flour, stuffed with anything from pork rinds to cheese, beans, or stews. Don’t confuse them with tlacoyos, though—they’re smaller and rounder, but just as tasty.
7. Tlayudas
Originally from Oaxaca, tlayudas have become popular in Mexico City too. These giant, crunchy tortillas are topped with beans, cheese, meat, lettuce, and salsa. For the adventurous eater, chapulines (grasshoppers) add an extra crunch. Some tlayudas can reach up to 40 cm in diameter, and their unique flavor sets them apart from other tortillas.
8. Churros
For something sweet, churros are a perfect choice. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be enjoyed plain or filled with cajeta, chocolate, or condensed milk. While churros aren’t originally Mexican, they’ve become a beloved part of the city’s street food culture.
9. Quesadillas
Handmade tortillas cooked on a comal (flat pan) are the foundation of quesadillas. They can be filled with cheese (or not—this is an ongoing local debate) and various fillings like huitlacoche, chicken tinga, mushrooms, and beans. Honestly, they’re a personal favorite.
10. Tamales
Tamales are made from corn or rice dough and wrapped in corn husks, with fillings ranging from meats to beans and even sweet options. To fully embrace the local experience, try the “guajolocombo“—a tamale tucked inside a bolillo, creating a tamale sandwich like no other. Also, there’s different types of tamales: ‘Classical’, ‘Oaxaqueños’ and more.
Exploring Mexico City’s street food is an adventure in itself. Get ready to savor intense flavors, discover new textures, and enjoy this popular local dishes that will leave you craving more.
¡Buen provecho! 😉