Top 2 Street Foods in Mexico City [2022]

Mexico City’s Best Street Food (Top Tips and 2 Foods)

For the uninitiated traveler, you may have a hard time trying out street food. It’s understandable. But if you decide to endeavor the adventures of street food, I do have a couple quick street food safety tips:

  1. Look at the kitchen area. Does it look sanitary? Then that’s a good sign.
  2. Look out for many people eating in the area. That’s a good sign.

This is how I’ve been able to try some of the best street foods in Mexico City.

Of course, you always risk the possibility of getting sick eating any food. Luckily for myself, I have not gotten sick eating street food.

So here’s to my recollection and photos of the food adventures I’ve had so far.

Huaraches

huarache from mexico city's street

This food is like a giant quesadilla. The main wrap is masa dough which is made of corn. Smashed pinto beans are then spread as the base and then topped with other ingredients: salsa, onion, potatoes, cheese and meat.

It is a true dish specific to Mexico City with its first roots springing up in 1930. Not much to look at, but you can tell that the ingredients were fresh. And it’s incredibly filling.

Also if you look closely in the middle of this dish, you’ll see peppers. They were not so hot.


This meal will fill you up.

Cost: $40 MXN Pesos or ~$2 USD

Where: Cuauthtémoc, Roma Sur, Near Woolworth

Pozole

pozole found in roma sur streets

I’ve had this soup twice now. It’s a perfect soup to cure a resaca. I’ve had my fair share of late nights and select choices of Mexico City’s beverages, and the Pozole has always been the best way to start the day after.

The Pozole is a warm tomato stew made with hominy, a dried maize kernel – giant corn kernel. And like a taco, you can place whatever assortments of ingredients on top. Traditionally it can be anything from avocado, cabbage, onion, radish, salsa and/or limes.

For me I prefer to keep too many spices out of this soup. It seems to have enough flavor alone. I do like the crunchy textures of cabbage, and radish, so I’ll top it off with that a lot of the time.

In the photo above, my friend was smart and got the pozole after a late night in Mexico City. From previous experiences, I know this is a smart move. Immediately after you take the first sip, you’ll start to feel your body energizing again.

This meal is enough for one person.

Cost: $60 MXN Pesos or ~$3 USD

Where: Cuauthtémoc, Roma Sur, Near Woolworth

Worth Noting On Mexican Street Food

I’ve listed the street foods I’ve loved in Mexico City. But there are others worth noting if you’re out and around.

  • Tacos are everywhere and are delicious.
  • There are all sorts of Mexican Street Foods you can find
  • In the morning you can see street foods that are primarily coffee or quick breakfast foods.
  • Quality is usually going to be fine, especially in the places I’ve been to which are limited to the Condesa, Roma Norte, Polanco and Santa Fe neighborhoods.
  • It’s generally going to be cheaper than most indoor foods and food places in Mexico City.

Related Questions

Can you eat street food in Mexico City?

I’ve never seen a street food vendor in Mexico City that’s run down. For the most part it’s generally sanitary and can be eaten without getting sick, at least for me.

Where can I find street food in Mexico City?

You can find street food during most hours in Mexico City. From breakfast to dinner, and after a very late session roaming around Mexico City’s nightclubs or bars.

What is typical Mexican street food?

Typical Mexican street food varies. Tamales and coffee could be a breakfast staple. Whereas you can find tacos for lunch or dinner.

What food is Mexico City famous for?

Mexico City is famous for many foods. Some well known foods include tacos and quesadillas. But some foods I’ve only discovered while living here include pozoles, and chile en nogada. All of which I’ve really liked.