Navigating grocery shopping in a new city can be challenging, especially when dealing with different shopping cultures and food systems. This comprehensive guide will help you understand where and how to shop for food in Mexico City, from traditional markets to modern supermarkets.

Traditional Markets (Mercados)

Mercado de la Merced

The city’s largest traditional market deserves special attention:

• What You’ll Find
  • Fresh produce at competitive prices
  • Bulk dried goods and spices
  • Mexican kitchen equipment
  • Traditional sweets and snacks
  • Fresh meat and seafood sections
• Navigation Tips
  • Go early morning for best selection
  • Bring small bills and coins
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Keep belongings secure
  • Consider hiring a guide for first visit

Mercado de San Juan

Known as the chef’s market:

• Specialties
  • Gourmet and specialty ingredients
  • Imported foods
  • Exotic meats and seafood
  • Artisanal cheeses
  • International produce
• Shopping Tips
  • Higher prices than other markets
  • Quality-focused vendors
  • Many vendors speak English
  • Great for special occasion shopping
  • Best selection early in day

Mercado de Medellín

Popular with the Latin American community:

• Highlights
  • International Latin American products
  • Fresh tropical fruits
  • Colombian coffee
  • Venezuelan arepa ingredients
  • Cuban products

Supermarket Chains

Superama (Now Walmart Express)

Upper-middle range supermarket:

• Advantages
  • Clean, organized stores
  • International products
  • English-speaking staff
  • Home delivery available
  • Accept international credit cards
• Best For
  • Imported products
  • Western-style groceries
  • Organic products
  • Ready-made meals
  • Wine and spirits

Chedraui

Mid-range supermarket chain:

• Features
  • Good balance of local and imported items
  • Competitive prices
  • Fresh produce section
  • In-house bakery
  • Basic household items
• Shopping Tips
  • Join loyalty program for discounts
  • Check weekly specials
  • Busiest on weekends
  • Some locations open 24/7
  • Bring your own bags

City Market

High-end supermarket:

• Specialties
  • Premium products
  • Extensive wine selection
  • Imported cheeses
  • Organic products
  • Gourmet items
• Considerations
  • Higher prices
  • Better selection of imported goods
  • Quality produce
  • Excellent customer service
  • Locations in upscale areas

Specialty Stores

Organic Shops

Growing segment of the market:

• Notable Stores
  • Green Corner
  • Aires de Campo
  • Mercado El 100
  • Small neighborhood shops
• What to Expect
  • Higher prices
  • Certified organic products
  • Local sourcing
  • Seasonal produce
  • Bulk options available

Asian Markets

For Asian ingredients:

• Key Locations
  • K-Mart (Korean)
  • Asia Market (Various)
  • Japanese markets in Little Tokyo
  • Chinese shops near Viaducto
• Available Items
  • Asian vegetables
  • Authentic seasonings
  • Specialty ingredients
  • Cooking equipment
  • Imported snacks

Farmers Markets (Tianguis)

Organic Markets

Weekly markets for organic produce:

• Popular Options
  • Mercado el 100
  • Sullivan Tianguis
  • Roma Verde Market
  • Bazaar Sábado
• What to Know
  • Usually weekend-only
  • Bring own bags
  • Cash preferred
  • Direct from producers
  • Seasonal offerings

Neighborhood Tianguis

Mobile street markets:

• Characteristics
  • Different neighborhoods different days
  • Very competitive prices
  • Fresh produce
  • Local vendors
  • Community atmosphere

Online Grocery Shopping

Major Platforms

Growing option for busy expats:

• Popular Services
  • Cornershop
  • Rappi
  • Walmart online
  • Amazon Fresh
  • Mercado Libre (non-perishables)
• Tips for Online Shopping
  • Check delivery zones
  • Watch for minimum orders
  • Compare prices across platforms
  • Schedule deliveries in advance
  • Check substitution policies

Shopping Tips by Category

Fresh Produce

Best practices for buying fruits and vegetables:

• Where to Buy
  • Traditional markets for best prices
  • Supermarkets for convenience
  • Organic markets for quality
  • Street vendors for ripeness
• Selection Tips
  • Learn seasonal availability
  • Check for freshness
  • Negotiate at markets
  • Buy frequently in smaller quantities
  • Wash all produce thoroughly

Meat and Seafood

Guidelines for protein shopping:

• Recommended Sources
  • Trusted market vendors
  • Supermarket butcher counters
  • Specialty butcher shops
  • Seafood markets
• Safety Tips
  • Observe handling practices
  • Check storage temperatures
  • Buy early in the day
  • Use within 24 hours
  • Transport with ice packs

Pantry Items

Staple shopping strategies:

• Best Places
  • Bulk sections in markets
  • Supermarkets for packaged goods
  • Specialty stores for imports
  • Online for heavy items

Money-Saving Tips

General Strategies

• Compare prices across venues
• Buy seasonal produce
• Join loyalty programs
• Watch for promotions
• Buy in bulk when appropriate

Best Days to Shop

• Markets: Early morning for best selection
• Supermarkets: Mid-week for fewer crowds
• Tianguis: Know your neighborhood’s schedule
• Weekend markets: Early for best selection

Cultural Tips

Shopping Etiquette

• Greet vendors with “Buenos días/tardes”
• Don’t squeeze produce unnecessarily
• Ask before taking photos
• Negotiate respectfully
• Build relationships with vendors

Language Tips

• Learn basic food vocabulary
• Know your numbers for prices
• Learn weights and measures
• Basic pleasantries go far
• Ask for help when needed

Seasonal Considerations

Rainy Season (June-September)

• Shop early to avoid afternoon rains
• Consider online delivery
• Stock up on non-perishables
• Watch for produce quality
• Expect some price variations

Dry Season (October-May)

• More street vendors
• Better for market shopping
• Longer shopping hours
• More outdoor markets
• Fresh produce abundant

Getting Started

First Week Shopping List

• Identify nearest supermarket
• Find local tianguis schedule
• Stock pantry basics
• Buy small quantities initially
• Test different vendors

Building Shopping Routine

• Explore different options
• Establish vendor relationships
• Create shopping schedule
• Learn best times for each venue
• Keep track of prices

Remember that adapting to a new shopping culture takes time. Start with familiar supermarkets and gradually explore traditional markets as you become more comfortable with the language and local customs.