The 50+ Best Tacos in Mexico City According to Experts
In search of the best Mexico City TACOS?
You’re in the right place because I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and spent about two years of my time in Mexico City.
Looking for the best Mexico City taco tours? I recommend Bike to Taste the World’s Best Tacos — rated 4.95 out of 5 Stars, with 6,850+ ratings.
Let’s just say I ate wayyyy more than my fair share of the best tacos in Mexico City, so as a bonafide taco addict, you’ve come to the right guide for CDMX taco info.
Oh, and if you watched the Netflix: Taco Chronicles show, you’ll recognize some of the best tacos in Mexico City featured below.
In this article, we’re going to discover all of those places (and more). Are you ready to discover the 50 best tacos in Mexico City? Let’s get to it!
🌮 Note: Don’t miss the FREE Mexico City map at the end of the article, with locations pinned for 50 amazing taco restaurants and street food stands.
The Best Tacos in Mexico City
1. Taqueria Orinoco
Tacos Orinoco Mexico City is one of the most famous and most-visited taco shops in CDMX, and what many consider the best tacos Roma Norte has.
Visitors and locals alike converge on this unique and delicious taco restaurant — and it’s one place no food lovers will want to miss.
On a personal note: When I visit Mexico City, I look for places to stay near Taqueria Orinoco, so I have easy access 🤣
For me, these are the best tacos in Roma Mexico City.
This taco shop is an import from the northern Mexico city of Monterrey.
Orinoco is therefore unique to the CDMX taco scene in that they serve tacos norteños (northern Mexican style tacos).
This puts Tacos Orinoco on a short list of places you can get both amazing tacos al pastor (pork) and amazing carne de res (beef steak) under one roof.
(🌮 Another option is Taquería La Tonina CDMX).
Wondering, Are these the best tacos al pastor in Mexico City?
That will depend on who you ask, but the long lines at Tacos Orinoco CDMX are a good indicator that they’re a strong contender.
While al pastor is the #1 taco meat in Mexico City, northern Mexico is cattle and beef country.
When you eat at Taqueria Orinoco Mexico City, don’t skip the chicharron (fried pork skin).
They prepare it norteño-style here, so it’s going to be different than most other Mexico City restaurants and street food stands.
- Taqueria Orinoco Address: Avenida Álvaro Obregón 179, Roma Nte CDMX (formerly at Avenida Insurgentes Sur 253)
- Taqueria Orinoco Condesa: Avenida Yucatan 3, La Condesa CDMX
- Taqueria Orinoco Reforma: Florencia 18, Juarez CDMX
- Order: One of each taco — Trompo (taco al pastor), res and chicharron
- Pro Tip: There are both vegan and vegetarian taco options
BEST Tacos IN MEXICO CITY
2. El Hidalguense Mexico City
As seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles Mexico City
Looking for the best barbacoa in Mexico City? El Hidalguense (pronounced hee-dal-gen-say) is the real deal when it comes to barbacoa tacos in CDMX.
Chilangos (locals) flock here in droves from every corner of CDMX to get their weekend Mexico City barbacoa fix.
In short: When it comes to barbacoa, these are the most famous tacos in Mexico City.
Besides some of the best food in Roma CDMX, the ambiance at this classic taqueria is also top-notch.
Although blue corn tortillas are considered the traditional tortilla for barbacoa, not everywhere serves them — but El Hidalguense does.
They also go the extra mile to offer the traditional salsa borracha (drunk salsa), a thick red salsa made with pulque.
This smoky salsa, made with chili pasilla, is the perfect compliment to barbacoa cooked in a banana leaf.
🧉 What is pulque? This 1,000-year-old alcoholic drink, made from the sap of the maguey (agave) plant, is still consumed in Mexico City today. Take this pulque tour in Mexico City to learn all about it.
- El Hidalguense Address: Campeche 155, Roma Norte
- Pro Tip #1: You can get a barbacoa order by kilo (2.2 pounds), or by taco. If you’re with a large group, go to for the 1 kilo order to save some money.
- Pro Tip #2: Get there early, because it gets VERY crowded.
BEST TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
3. Taqueria los Gueros de Boturini
As seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles Mexico City
Calle Lorenzo Boturini is probably the most famous street for tacos in the world — and Los Güeros is one of the old school taco joints that helped put it on the map.
To those looking for a truly authentic tacos al pastor in Mexico City experience, you must eat here.
This is where chilangos (CDMX locals) and Mexico City chefs eat their pastor, though sadly, very few tourists venture.
However, this place is always crowded because it’s among the locals’ favorite places.
- Taqueria Los Gueros Address: Lorenzo Boturini 4354, Colonia Aeronautica Militar CDMX (near Venustiano Carranza)
- Pro Tip: Stop at Taqueria Los Güeros for one last taco meal on your way to the airport, as these are the best tacos near Mexico City Airport.
BEST TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
4. Taqueria Los Parados
Mexico City Michelin Tacos (Bib Gourmand)
In addition to their delicious tacos al pastor, Los Parados is also known for having the best tacos al carbon in Mexico City.
Al carbon means the meat is cooked over charcoal to imbue it with that delicious smoky flavor.
Rumor has it that some Mexico City taquerias claim they’re still using this labor-intensive technique, though many aren’t.
At Los Parados, you can watch them cooking the carne asada al carbon, so you know it’s legit.
- Taqueria Los Parados Address: There are a few locations, including at Monterrey 333, Roma Sur CDMX (just south of Roma Norte)
- Order: Tacos al pastor and tacos al carbon
BEST TACOS iN MEXICO CITY
5. Taqueria El Tizoncito
To say this statement is a hotly debated topic is an understatement, but El Tizoncito makes one very bold claim that garners a lot of attention:
El Tizoncito says they invented tacos al pastor.
While this may or may not be true, they do make really great tacos and salsas. 🫘 Side note: Their salsa de frijoles (bean salsa) and pico de gallo are absolutly amazing!
In fact, they’re just as well known for their salsa as their tacos pastor — as salsa is considered a key component in any taco.
- El Tizoncito Address: There are several in El Tizoncito Mexico City locations, but the one where pastor is said to have been invented is at Campeche 362, La Condesa CDMX
- Order: Two or three tacos at a time! This is how the locals do it, and it’s so that you always have hot, fresh tacos.
- 🌶 Mexico City Taco Tips: Click the link to learn the proper way to test salsa for its heat level.
BEST TACOS iN MEXICO CITY
6. Taqueria El Vilsito
As seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles Mexico City
El Vilsito is the famous car mechanic garage that has become one of the best places for late night taco in Mexico City. Don’t ask — just go!
They are famous for their tacos al pastor, which have been featured a ton of places, including La Ruta de la Garnacha.
This is one of the most popular Mexico City food YouTube channels, and it’s a great place to discover hidden gems in CDMX (though it is in Spanish).
- El Vilsito Address: Av. Universidad 248, Colonia Narvarte Poniente CDMX
BEST TACOS iN MEXICO CITY
7. Taqueria El Huequito
As seen on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, and Somebody Feed Phil
This CDMX taco shop chain serves up some of the best tacos of Mexico City for al pastor lovers.
There are locations all over, but the one in Centro Historico near the Mexico City Zocalo is my go-to.
While there are a tonnn of amazing al pastor tacos in Mexico City, all the good ones seem to be in more hectic locations, or grab-and-go street stands.
By contrast, the slogan here is “Taco al Pastor Gourmet.” I also loved eating at Taqueria El Huequito because it was always calm and peaceful.
When you come here, you get the bonus of a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of downtown, as well as some damn good tacos in CDMX.
- El Huequito Address: Ayuntamiento 21, Centro Historico CDMX
- El Huequito Condesa: Transito, Bajo Puente S/N-Local 4, Colonia Condesa
- El Huequito Coyoacan: Calle Malintzin 148, Coyoacan CDMX
- Order: The Pastor Especial, a giant plate of al pastor meat mixed with guac mixed in. It comes with fresh corn tortillas on the side, so you can make your own tacos.
BEST tacos IN MEXICO CITY
8. Taqueria los Cocuyos
Mexico City Michelin Tacos (Bib Gourmand), As seen on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Mexico City
While it is hard to label any one place as the “best taqueria in Mexico City,” this is certainly my favorite place for the best tacos in CDMX.
For fans of the late, great, Anthony Bourdain, he ate at Taqueria Los Cocuyos when he filmed in Mexico City for his No Reservations show.
Señor Bourdain recommends the suadero — and in fact, Taqueria los Cocuyos is said to have some of the best suadero tacos in Mexico City.
In short: If you’re looking for the best suadero tacos in Mexico City, you found them!
For those who want to get a glimpse of Mexico City street food culture, this is one of the real deal, locals-approved, $1 taquerías in Centro Historico, Distrito Federal.
You can eat quickly on the busy streets like the locals and office workers on lunch break do, or grab a table inside.
Besides the famous fatty suadero tacos, you can also get tacos al pastor at Taqueria Los Cocuyos, and organ meat tacos from the giant pot of stewed meats simmering at the entrance.
The menu includes all things offal — from eye to brain to inner ear (you read that right) to surtida, which basically means “whatever mix of things you happen to get.”
For those who don’t eat offal (organ meat), opt for the “less adventurous” meats like longaniza (chorizo sausage), pastor (pork) and suadero (flank steak).
- Taqueria Los Cocuyos Address: Calle de Bolívar 57, Centro Historico
- Adventurous Eater Order: Suadero (flank), cabeza (head tacos), lengua (tongue tacos), campechano (a variety of meat)
- Non-Adventurous Eater Order: Suadero (flank), longaniza (red chorizo sausage), green chorizo sausage
BEST tacos IN MEXICO CITY
9. Taquería El Califa de León — The Only Michelin Star Tacos in Mexico City
A Mexico City Michelin star restaurant!
Open since 1968, Taquería El Califa de León received a coveted star from the Michelin Guide Mexico 2024 — the first year the guide came to Mexico.
They are famous for their taco de gaonera, as well as other taco options like with bistec (steak), chuleta (pork chop), and costilla (ribs).
El Califa de León is located in Colonia San Rafael, just a quick Uber ride from the main tourists spots in Roma, Condesa, and Reforma.
- Taqueria los Abanicos Address: Avenida Ribera de San Cosme 56, San Rafael, Colonia Cuauhtémoc
- Order: Tacos de gaonera — This is what they’re famous for!
- Pro Tip: This place is cash only, and the tacos are about 75 MXN pesos each.
BEST tacos IN MEXICO CITY
10. Taqueria El Gran Abanico
If you survey 10 Chilangos (locals), 9 out of 10 of them will likely tell you Taquería los Abanicos serves the best carnitas in Mexico City.
To be honest, they serve some of the best tacos in Mexico City, period.
Taquería El Gran Abanico (AKA Taquería el Abanico or Taquería los Abanicos) is always crowded, but when it comes to CDMX carnitas, this is a must try place.
Also, the line moves fast, so don’t let it intimidate you.
- Taqueria los Abanicos Address: Francisco Javier Clavijero 226, Transito, Colonia Cuauhtemoc
- Order: Carnitas — This is what they do best! My favorite cut is the espaldilla (known as Boston butt or shoulder meat in English).
BEST CARNITAS IN MEXICO CITY
11. Carnitas Meche y Rafael
Located in Mercado Medellin, one of the best markets in Mexico City, the Proveedor de Carnes y Carnitas Meche y Rafael comes in at a close second behind Taquería los Abanicos.
🌮 Note: The carnitas taco side of the business is sometimes called Taco Libre.
There is, however, a very practical reason for this silver medal: They only serve carnitas on Saturdays.
Still, they do serve some of the best carnitas Mexico City, so if you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss out.
While the butcher shop side of their business is open all week, you’ll only find Meche y Rafael’s famous Mexico City carnitas one day per week.
- Carnitas Meche y Rafael Address: Medellin 20, Roma Norte CDMX (in Mercado Medellin)
- Order: Carnitas — Then take a walk around the colorful Mercado Medellin.
BEST TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
12. Contramar Mexico City
Mexico City Michelin Restaurant (Bib Gourmand), As seen on Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico
Looking for the best seafood tacos in Mexico City?
Contramar is definitely the fanciest restaurant for tacos on the list, but it’s also one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, so don’t overlook it.
Contramar is on every foodie’s CDMX bucket list, and constantly gaining more and more international attention thanks to Chef Gabriela Camara’s seafood creations.
The hype is worth it though — their seafood is always fresh, the people watching is entertaining, and you’ll get some amazing food photos.
Their signature red and green pescado a la talla is one of the most is Instagram worthy Mexico City dishes.
- Contramar Address: Calle de Durango 200, Roma Norte CDMX
- Order: Tacos de charal, Tuna tostadas, and Pescado a la talla
- Looking for other fancy gourmet tacos in Mexico City? Head to Cityzen, Testal, Azul Condesa, and the taco omsake at Pujol Mexico City.
BEST tACOS IN MEXICO CITY
13. El Pescadito
For the best fish tacos in Mexico City, and the best shrimp tacos in Mexico City, head to El Pescadito.
It is favorite of locals and visitors alike for their giant tacos at reasonable prices.
El Pescadito has locations all over Mexico City, thanks to their delicious Sinaloa style seafood tacos.
Make sure you try one of the tacos with marlin ahumado (smoked marlin), my personal favorite.
- El Pescadito locations in Roma Norte, La Condesa, Centro Historico, Polanco, the San Rafael neighborhood, and throughout Mexico City
- Order: Ta-cotote and Que-sotote
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
14. Taqueria el Greco
Looking for the best tacos arabes in Mexico City? Taquería el Greco in La Condesa CDMX is a must-try.
This small CDMX taqueria has only about 8 tables, so there’s usually a wait. However, it’s well worth it (even if you do have to wait a long time).
- Taquería el Greco Address: Av. Michoacán 54-B, Condesa CDMX
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
15. El Turix Cochinita Pibil
As seen on the Eater Mexico City tacos list
For the best tacos in Polanco Mexico City, and the best cochinita pibil in Mexico City, you have to visit El Turix. It’s even a stop on this Best Polanco food tour.
Don’t let the long lines at this no-frills, locals spot deter you; they move quickly.
While cochinita isn’t local to CDMX or Central Mexico, it’s one of the most delicious types of meat tacos in Mexico, and El Turix (pronounced tour-eesh) is the place to try it.
If pastor is the king of meats in Mexico City, in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s all about cochinita pibil — where this dish originates.
Cochinita pibil are the favorite tacos in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
- El Turix Address: Avenida Emilio Castelar #212, Polanco CDMX
- Order: Panuchos with cochinita pibil
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
16. Tacos de Canasta los Especiales
On the hunt for the best tacos de canasta in Mexico City (basket tacos)?
This Centro Historico taqueria is the go to place for chilangos (Mexico City locals) to get their tacos de canasta fix.
Try several varieties from Los Especiales, including chorizo con papas (chorizo sausage and potatoes), frijoles (beans) and chicharron (fried pork skin), because canasta tacos are famous cheap eats in Mexico City at just 25¢ per taco.
At such a low price, you might expect small tacos — and canasta tacos usually are. However, the tacos at this great place are actually huge, and very filling.
- Tacos de Canasta los Especiales Address: Avenida Francisco I. Madero 71, Centro Historico CDMX
- Order: Chorizo con papas (chorizo sausage and potatoes) is the “standard” type of tacos de canasta
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
17. Tacos Hola el Guero
Mexico City Michelin Restaurant (Bib Gourmand), As seen on Netflix Taco Chronicles Mexico City
Tacos los Güeros CDMX has been a hot spot in La Condesa for tacos guisados for 30-plus years.
Wondering, What are guisado tacos? Guisado means “stew,” and these are home cooking-style fillings you wrap in a tortilla.
At Hola el Güero, don’t miss their steak and short rib in tomatillo sauce, mole verde con pollo (green mole with chicken), chulata (pork chops), and chicharrón en salsa verde (pork skin) tacos.
On Fridays, head there for the famous carnitas (fried pork) tacos at Hola el Güero.
Depending on who you ask, they may tell you these are the best tacos guisados in Mexico City.
You’ll also find many other kinds of tacos guisados fillings, like these: frijoles charros (beans cooked in pork sauce), tinga de pollo (shredded chicken in tomato sauce) and rajas con crema (roasted poblano peppers in cream sauce).
- Tacos Hola el Güero Address: Amsterdam 135, La Condesa CDMX
- Order: Tacos Hola Mexico City, and all tacos guisados shops rotate their menus daily, so always ask for the staff recommendations on that day.
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
18. Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria
Rated 5 Stars on Happy Cow
In Mexico, the country, pork is a staple food; but in Mexico City, the city, the emerging vegan scene is definitely challenging the status quo.
For most, they’d say Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria is the undisputed king of Mexico City vegan tacos, and the long lines will prove it.
Seriously, get there when they open if you want to avoid the long lines.
For me, these were the best vegan tacos in Mexico City, by far. In fact, this is one of the few places both vegans and non-vegans alike seem to champion.
🌱 Note: I’m not vegan. However, I love all vegetables and enjoy all delicious food equally, so I dabbled in Mexico City vegan taco shops while living there.
- Por Siempre II Mexico City Address (Restaurant): 169/A Cuauhtemoc, Colonia Roma Norte CDMX
- Por Siempre Mexico City Address (Street Cart, Original Location): Manzanillo 18, Colonia Roma Norte CDMX
- Order: Seitan al chimichurri, vegan pastor tacos, and if they have them available when you visit, tacos de huitlacoche (corn fungus)
- Mexico City Tacos Tip: There are two locations, located just a block or so from one another. At Por Siempre II, there are tables to sit at, while the original Por Siempre is a street cart.
BEST VEGAN TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
19. La Pitahaya Vegana
In a city with more and more vegan taco shops and vegan restaurants opening every month, La Pitahaya cleverly stands out with their pretty pink tortillas.
Their tiny Roma Norte cafe is perfect to sit outside and enjoy your instagrammable tacos and people-watch on a nice day.
They have another location in the Coyoacan neighborhood, where you’ll also find the Frida Kahlo Museum AKA Casa Azul (Blue House).
- La Pitahaya Address: Queretaro 90, Roma Norte CDMX
- La Pitahaya Address: Miguel A. De Quevedo 353, Coyoacan CDMX
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
20. El Autentico Pato Manila
Looking for the best fusion tacos Mexico City has?
In Mexico City’s sea of pork tacos, El Autentico Pato Manila serves unique and delicious Peking duck Mexican-Chinese fusion tacos.
These must try tacos in CDMX are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
In fact, this CDMX taquería got so popular, they now have three locations. My personal favorite is the original location in La Condesa Mexico City.
- El Autentico Pato Manila Address: Culiacan 91, La Condesa CDMX
- El Autentico Pato Manila Address: Guanajuato 19, Roma CDMX
- El Autentico Pato Manila Address: Virgilio 25, Polanco CDMX
- Order: They only two things, taco kim and tacos manila — so try them both!
Best TACOS IN MEXICO CITY
21. Taquería Arandas
A personal favorite, this is a no-frills, local’s spot in Centro Historico, or Downtown Mexico City.
You can get a table inside, or just grab some tacos on the street and keep enjoying the city.
- Taquería Arandas: Av. 5 de Mayo 46, Centro Historico CDMX
22-60: More of the best tacos in CMDX
We’ve made it through a pretty long list, covering many different types of tacos in Mexico.
“I hate tacos,” said no Juan ever.
Get more taco quotes and Mexico captions for IG!
For the rest of the list, you’ll find the type of taco, and suggestions for places to try them.
🌮 Best Barabcoa in Mexico City
22. Los Tres Reyes in Alfonso XIII
23. Barbacoa de Santiago in Napoles (just south of Roma Norte and La Condesa)
24. Barbacoa de San Angel in San Angel (near Coyoacan)
25. Barbacoa Díaz in La Condesa — This street food stand “disappears” during the week, but will be back on the weekend
🌮 Best Tacos al Pastor in Mexico City
26. Taquería Álvaro Obregon in Roma Norte
27. Taquería El Pastorcito in Héroes de Churubusco
28. El Califa locations in Roma Norte and La Condesa
29. Taqueria Gabacho in Heroes de Churubusco
30. Taquería El Caifán in Centro Historico
🌮 Best Carnitas Tacos in Mexico City
31. Tacos Don Juan in La Condesa — Carnitas are only served on Fridays, but this is a favorite Mexico City taco shop for locals all week long
32. La Reina de la Roma in Roma Norte
33. Los Panchos in Anzures, between La Condesa and Polanco
🌮 Best carne de res Meat Tacos in Mexico City
34. Taqueria El Chupacabras in Roma Norte and Coyoacan, order suadero (flank) and the signature Chupacabra taco
35. El Farolito in La Condesa, order cecina (dried/cured meat)
36. Tacos Charly in Tlalplan near Coyoacan, order suadero (flank) — Michelin Star CDMX Tacos with a Bib Gourmand Distinction
37. Taquería El Borrego Viudo in Tacubaya, just south of La Condesa, order suadero (flank steak)
38. Las Costillas de la Condesa in La Condesa, order costilla (rib)
39. Hayito Tacos Arabes in Narvarte and Del Valle (both just south of Roma Norte), order tacos árabes
40. Moloch Cochinita Pibil in Mercado Medellin, Roma Norte, order cochinita pibil
41. La Original Birria Don Chuy in Centro Historico, order birria
42. Tacos El Kalimán in La Condesa
43. Taquería El Paisa de los Reyes in Coyoacan
44. Ricos Tacos Toluca in Centro Historico — Michelin Star CDMX Tacos with a Bib Gourmand Distinction
🌮 Best tacos de canasta in Mexico City
45. Los Exquisitos de Boturini in Héroes de Churubusco
46. Tacos Joven in Narvarte, just south of Roma Norte
47. Lady Tacos de Canasta in Centro Historico — As Seen on Netflix!
🌮 Best Guidaso tacos in Mexico City
48. Taquería El Jarocho in Roma Sur (just south of Roma Norte) — Michelin Star CDMX Tacos with a Bib Gourmand Distinction
49. Taquería El Gato Volador in Roma Norte
50. El Parnita in Roma Norte
51. Taquería La Negra in Roma Norte
🌮 Best Seafood Tacos in Mexico City
48. Tres Galeones in Roma Norte
49. Mi Gusto Es locations in Polanco and Narvarte
50. Las Hijas de la Tostada in La Condesa and Polanco
🌱 Best Vegan tacos in Mexico City
55. Gatorta in Roma Norte
56. Gold Taco Roma in Mercado Roma, Roma Norte
🌮 Best Tostadas in Mexico City
57. Mercado de Coyoacan, the famous market in Coyoacan Mexico City
58. Las Hijas de la Tostada in La Condesa and Polanco
🌮 Best Flautas in Mexico City
59. Flautas Vertiz in Narvarte CDMX
60. El Rey de las Ahogadas Flautas in Narvarte
best tacos in Mexico City
Best Mexico City Taco Tours
Are you someone who enjoys culture trips?
The best way to sample a lot of tacos in one day is on a Mexico City Taco Tour with CDMX locals to show you all the best places.
Led by local guides who know where all the most famous taco shops and all the hidden gem Mexico City tacos are, you’ll get a nice sampling of all the delicious tacos in Mexico City.
best tacos in Mexico City
Mexico City Map: Best Tacos in Mexico City
Note: A taco 🌮 represents tacos al pastor and meat tacos; a fish 🐟 is for seafood tacos; and a leaf 🌱 for vegan — as there’s different types of tacos in Mexico City for everyone!
🗺 Where are the best tacos near me?!
This taco map of Mexico City contains all the unique types of tacos you can try.
In case you didn’t know, there are 10+ distinct types of CDMX tacos, including tacos de canasta (basket tacos), tacos de barbacoa (barbeque) and tacos al pastor, which is the first type you’ll learned about in this article.
Best Mexico City Tacos FAQ
What is the most popular taco in Mexico City?
It depends on who you ask, but most people will say it’s the taco al pastor.
However, other types, like tacos suaderos, tacos guidasos and tacos de canasta, are contenders for this title as well.
best tacos in Mexico City
Where did Anthony Bourdain go in Mexico City?
While in CDMX, Anthony Bourdain visited several places inducing Taquería Los Cocuyos, Maximo Bistro, Fonda Margarita and Migas La Guera in the Tepito Market.
best tacos in Mexico City
What is the most authentic Mexican taco?
It depend where you are in Mexico, but in Mexico City, it’s al pastor tacos and suadero tacos.
However, in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s cochinita pibil tacos; and in the Baja Peninsula, it’s baja style fried fish tacos.
best tacos in Mexico City
What is the oldest taco shop in Mexico City?
La Jalisciense opened 1875 — which was more than 150 years ago.
It is located in the Tlalpan neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City, not far from the popular Coyoacan neighborhood and Xochimilco.
best tacos in Mexico City
What tacos are famous in Mexico City?
There are lots of popular tacos from Mexico City, but tacos al pastor are the most famous.
However, there are other great options, like tacos guidasos, barbacoa tacos and tacos de canasta.
best tacos in Mexico City
How much is the average taco in Mexico City?
On the street, you can get tacos de canasta (basket tacos) for only about 25¢, but in high end restaurants like Pujol, tacos can be $15-20 USD each!
As you can see, prices can vary a lot depending on where you’re eating — but for the cheapest tacos in Mexico, head to the street stands and carts.
best tacos in Mexico City
What are tacos al pastor?
Tacos al pastor contain marinated pork meat that’s cooked on a spit.
They are traditionally served in one or two corn tortillas, and you can top them with diced white onion, cilantro, pineapple and cheese, if you choose.
For many, these are the undisputed king of Mexico tacos!
Funny enough, these tacos actually originated in the Middle East. You might have even guessed this based on the trompo, the Arabian-style spit the meat is cooked on.
You see, Mexico had a tremendous influx of Middle Eastern (mostly Lebanese) immigrants from about 1880-1935.
They brought with them their design esthetic, architecture styles, customs, and cooking techniques.
Essentially, Mexican cooks took a gyro or shawarma and made these adaptations:
- The meat is pork instead of beef, lamb or turkey
- The use of chile guajillo and chile de arbol (tree chili), among other spices common to Central Mexico
- The addition of pineapple, located at the top of the trompo.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What is barbacoa?
Barbacoa translates to barbecue. Depending on where you are in Mexico, barbacoa can be made with res (beef), borrego (sheep), chivo (goat), or lamb.
While barbacoa in Mexico differs from American BBQ, it is taken just as seriously as barbecue is in U.S. BBQ meccas like Texas and Tennessee.
In Mexico, much like the U.S., barbacoa is a weekend food.
This doesn’t just mean something eaten on the weekends, but also that it’s only available on weekends (and sometimes Friday), as barbacoa takes nearly all week to cook.
In fact, many Mexico City barbacoa street food taco stands disappear during the week, and return for weekends only.
WHERE IS MEXICO CITY BARBACOA FROM?
Mexican food is incredibly regional, and varies from state to state. The place most associated with barbacoa is Hidalgo state, located next to Mexico City.
The type of meat used differs from region to region, but Hidalgo style barbacoa is made from borrego (sheep).
when do you eat barbacoa in mexico city?
On weekdays, families and businesses from Hidalgo and Estado de Mexico (Mexico State) cook the barbacoa.
Then, very early Saturday morning, they package it all up, load it into vans, drive it to Mexico City, and set up their temporary street stand.
Chilangos (locals) eat barbacoa tacos for breakfast (and as a hangover cure!) and lunch only.
🍲 Mexico City Tacos Tips: Mexican barbacoa is usually eaten with a side of consome (soup broth).
The stands are actually only open from about 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. With only a short window to eat barbacoa in Mexico City, so don’t miss it.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What is carnitas?
Carniatas is a preparation of fried pork that’s most associated with Mexico City’s neighboring state of Michoacan.
Like all great Mexican food, carnitas have also found their way into the hearts of Mexico City locals.
Now, no one said carnitas were healthy, but I think we can all agree fried pork is delicious as a “sometimes” treat.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What are tacos guisados?
Guisado means “stew,” and tacos guisados are basically the traditional home cookin’ style Mexico City tacos — the ones you’d find in someone’s home.
You’ll know a traditional guisado restaurant because they will have all their taco fillings in cazuelas.
These are the orange-colored earthenware clay pots, or casserole dishes, which the food is both cooked and served in.
For those wanting to eat some mole in Mexico City, guisado taco restaurants and street food stands always have good mole.
🍽️ Side Note: Mole is a traditional Oaxaca food or Poblano food from Puebla state, and not one from Mexico City.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What are tacos de mariscos?
Tacos mariscos are seafood tacos, and they can have everything from shrimp and fish, to octopus and lobster.
While CDMX isn’t exactly known for its seafood tacos, there are some places deliciously highlighting the country’s two main seafood taco styles — Estilo Baja and Estilo Sinaloa.
🌮 Estilo Baja Tacos (Baja style)
Coming from the Mexican state of Baja California, this is what most Americans are familiar with.
This consists of fried shrimp or fish with a colorful cabbage slaw on top.
🌮 Estilo Sinaloa Tacos (Sinaloa style)
From the state of Sinaloa, this style is more commonly found in restaurants throughout Mexico.
Although there’s not a vast difference between the two, one of the highlights of Sinaloan seafood is the famed marlin ahumado (smoked marlin) and tacos gobernador (shrimp and melted cheese).
Best Mexico City Tacos
What are tacos de canasta?
Tacos de canasta, which means “basket tacos,” are sold from a large basket.
Looking for cheap tacos in Mexico City?
These are usually the cheapest tacos you can find — but only cheap in price — as tacos canastas always pack a flavorful punch, and CDMX locals love them.
Canasta basket tacos are usually part of a traveling operation, and some even call them the original Mexico City street food taco.
These street vendors/sellers bikes around the city streets, pausing at certain spots to sell their tacos out of a basket for a short time before biking to the next spot to repeat the process.
You can spot vendors because their canasta (basket) often has bright blue plastic linings sticking out of it.
You’ll also spot them by the containers of salsa strapped to the sides of the bikes.
Nowadays, the more well known canasta vendors are moving or have moved to brick and mortar operations, like Tacos los Especiales in Downtown Mexico City.
Regardless, the spirit of these eat-them-on the-go Mexico City street food tacos remains.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What are tacos arabes?
Arabian tacos have the same pork meat as taco al pastor but different seasonings, which explains why taco arabe meat isn’t red.
These tacos traditionally come served on pan arabe (Arabian bread, basically pita bread), but you can order them with corn or flour tortillas too.
While the quintessential Mexico City taco is undeniably the taco al pastor, it’s meat-on-a-spit cooking technique comes straight from the Middle East and Mexico’s large number of Middle Eastern immigrants.
When these (mostly Lebanese) people migrated to Mexico, they brought with them the trompo (vertical spit).
The same trompo is used to cook both tacos al pastor and tacos arabes.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What is cochinita pibil?
Traditionally slow cooked in an underground oven called a pib, this Yucatecan food delicacy gets its unique taste from achiote powder and naranja agria (sour orange), flavors unique to the Yucatan.
Try your cochinita on a taco, or the more traditional panucho, a tortilla stuffed with refried black beans.
Both cochinita pibil tacos and panuchos should be eaten topped with pickled red onions and (at least a little) habanero salsa.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What is a flauta?
Flautas (meaning “flute”) are tacos that get rolled like cigars, and fried. They’re often called or taquitos in the U.S.
While you can get them all over the city, the Narvarte neighborhood is the place to eat Mexico City flautas.
There are two kinds you can try, regular flautas and flautas ahogadas (drowned flautas).
Personally, I prefer regular because the drowned ones are less crispy.
With the standard type, these crispy delights come topped with sour cream, lettuce and cheese, while flautas ahogadas come “drowned” in salsa.
Best Mexico City Tacos
What is a tostada?
Tostadas are basically open-face tacos. Unlike a taco, they are fried flat, with the taco “filling” just placed on top.
The Coyoacan Market is known as the best place to eat tostadas in Mexico City, and is a lively traditional mercado (market) worth visiting in the Coyoacan neighborhood.
Mexican Salsas: Here’s What You Need to Know
What is salsa?
Salsas are a mixture of chili peppers, red tomatoes (for red salsa), green tomatoes (for green salsa), garlic, herbs, spices, and more.
All these ingredients are combined, sometimes hand mashed and sometimes blended together, to make the perfect taco topping.
Best Mexico City Tacos
Green or red: Which salsa is hottest?
It depends — All heat levels in salsas are dependent on their recipe, which is why you have to try them before adding any to your tacos.
Sometimes red can be hotter, and sometimes it’s the green — but here’s what you must know about salsas in Mexico: They’re pretty much all spicy.
The purpose of a salsa in Mexican food is to add heat. Since so many things are is handmade in Mexico, the heat levels can vary a lot.
🌶️ How to try salsas
The way you determine the salsa spice level is by putting a small drop of the salsa on your hand, in the space between the thumb and pointer finger.
After a taste, you decided if you want it on your taco, or if you want to sample another.
🚫🌶️ What if i don’t want salsa?
With tacos, you add your own salsa if you want it, but with other dishes, always order with the request “sin picante, por favor,” which means not spicy, please.
Instead, opt for adding onion, cilantro, salt and lime juice as seasonings.
Final Thoughts on the Best Tacos in Mexico City
Best Taco Tour in Mexico City: BIKE to taste the world’s BEST TACOS! (4.95 out of 5 Stars, and 6,850+ ratings)
I’ve eaten at all the foodie-famous and best Mexico City restaurants like Pujol (twice!), Quintonil, Rosetta, Maximo Bistrot, La Docena, etc. — so I say this with certainty:
If you want to understand Mexico City through food, you must seek out the $1 street tacos and hole-in-the-wall taco places in Mexico City over the fancy restaurants and posh places to eat in Mexico City.
They say it’s hard to eat a bad meal in Mexico City. I lived there, on and off, for about three years in total, and I know this to be true!
It really is one of the best cities to eat in, and truly earns a spot as one of the best places for foodies in Mexico.
Among the best things to eat in Mexico City: Tacos, including these CDMX Michelin Star Taco Shops (and Bib Gourmand taco shops).
I hope this list helps you find your best taco in Mexico city, so you get enough Vitamin T on your Mexico City trip.