Unlike the tourist driven beach cities of Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico City lies nestled in the middle of the country high above sea level. This sprawling city is the largest city in North America based on population, and has an undeniable cultural richness. While I had always wanted to visit Mexico City, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The crowds and filth of large cities often overshadow their beauty, and I didn’t see why this city would be any different. However, when my boyfriend asked if I wanted to go on a quick four day trip to Mexico City with 12 of his friends, I of course agreed. What I was met with upon arrival wasn’t dirt or overcrowding, but rather breathtaking architecture and a thriving sense of artistic pride in all aspects of daily life. The people were proud and welcoming, the culture was inclusive, and the food warmed my soul. I left Mexico City on the fourth day feeling as though I had experienced so much, and yet only brushed the surface. While we had many adventures during that short period, the food was definitely the highlight. We ate some classic street tacos, of course, but we also had so many fun things I had never tried before. There were huitlacoche (corn smut) quesadillas off a boat in Xochimilco, tuna tostadas from Contramar, molcajete from Mercado Roma, and lots of cerveza and mezcal. We got to eat and drink to our heart’s content, and spend very little money while we were doing it. Listed below are just a few of my favorites.
Taqueria Orinoco
Av. Insurgentes Sur 253, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
I couldn’t tell you exactly why these tacos were so good, but we ended up coming here three times in four days. Living in Southern California, I’ve had my fair share of delicious tacos, but these were next level. The freshly shaved al pastor was flavorful and crispy on the edges, but still tender. These trompo tacos were served with little bits of pineapple on top, and smashed potatoes on the side. The potatoes were golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and all around amazing. While the price was slightly higher than other taquerias, and there was usually a line, I would say it’s completely worth it.
Huset
Colima 256, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Due to the very reasonable cost of food in Mexico City we were able to eat at nice restaurants for a fraction of what it would have cost us in California. Huset was a prime example of this. Self-described as “comida de campo” or country food, it is a farm to table style Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. There is a beautiful patio with wooden tables, italian string lights, and an overhead cover that can be moved into place in case it starts raining, as it did when we were there. We ordered a spread of food to share including mole, ceviche, burrata salad, a vegetable dish, and two types of fish. Everything had unique and complex flavors, and paired nicely with the shot of aged mezcal the waiter suggested. The entire meal cost us around 375 pesos each, half of which was the cost of the alcohol.
Café El Jarocho
Av México 25, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
While this cafe is popular with locals for the quality coffee, and with tourists for its close proximity to the Frida Kahlo Museum, I think the true hidden gem was the tortas. For around 30 pesos you can get a sandwich with your choice of meat, including sausage, ham, or even hamburger. They came speared with fresh chipotle peppers which made them spicy but delicious, and one torta was more than enough to fill you up for breakfast or lunch.