Mexico City’s culinary scene is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, making it one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. This guide will help you navigate everything from street food to fine dining, ensuring you make the most of your gastronomic adventures in your new home.

Understanding Mexican Meal Times

One of the biggest adjustments for many expats is adapting to local meal times and customs:

Breakfast (Desayuno): 7:00-11:00 AM

• Light breakfast (desayuno ligero) early morning
• Larger breakfast (almuerzo) mid-morning
• Many cafes offer special breakfast menus
• Common dishes include chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and pan dulce
• Coffee culture is growing with both traditional and modern cafes

Lunch (Comida): 2:00-4:00 PM

• Main meal of the day
• Many restaurants offer “comida corrida” or set lunch menus
• Businesses may take long lunch breaks
• Most formal business meetings happen over lunch
• Expect multiple courses and a relaxed pace

Dinner (Cena): 8:00-11:00 PM

• Usually lighter than lunch
• Popular time for social gatherings
• Many restaurants stay open until midnight or later
• Street food stands are particularly active
• Reservations recommended for popular spots

Street Food Culture

Essential Street Foods

Tacos

• Best eaten at stands with high turnover
• Popular varieties include:
  • Al pastor: Marinated pork with pineapple
  • Suadero: Tender beef
  • Campechanos: Mixed meats
• Look for stands with fresh salsas and garnishes
• Busiest from 8 PM onwards

Tlacoyos and Quesadillas

• Found at morning markets and street stands
• Made with blue corn masa
• Various fillings including requesón (ricotta-like cheese)
• Usually served with nopales (cactus)
• Best eaten fresh off the comal (griddle)

Tamales

• Available early morning and evening
• Listen for the “tamales oaxaqueños” call
• Various fillings: rajas (peppers), mole, dulce (sweet)
• Often sold from bicycle carts or street corners
• Perfect breakfast on-the-go

Street Food Safety

• Look for busy stands with high turnover
• Observe handling and cleanliness practices
• Start with simpler items to adjust
• Always check that meat is thoroughly cooked
• Keep hand sanitizer handy

Markets and Food Halls

Traditional Markets

Mercado de la Merced

• City’s largest traditional market
• Vast selection of ingredients
• Multiple prepared food sections
• Best for:
  • Fresh produce
  • Mexican spices
  • Traditional sweets
  • Kitchen equipment

Mercado de San Juan

• Gourmet and specialty ingredients
• Popular with chefs
• Exotic meats and imported items
• Best for:
  • Cheese selections
  • Premium meats
  • International ingredients
  • Fresh seafood

Modern Food Halls

Mercado Roma

• Contemporary food hall in Roma Norte
• Multiple upscale vendors
• International and fusion options
• Rooftop beer garden
• Popular with young professionals

La Casa de los Azulejos

• Historic building housing Sanborns
• Traditional Mexican dishes
• Colonial atmosphere
• Popular for breakfast meetings

Fine Dining Scene

High-End Mexican Cuisine

• Pujol: Enrique Olvera’s modern Mexican masterpiece
• Quintonil: Innovative use of indigenous ingredients
• Sud 777: Contemporary Mexican with global influences
• Máximo Bistrot: Farm-to-table Mexican-French fusion

Reservation Tips

• Book at least a month in advance for top restaurants
• Many take reservations through WhatsApp
• Lunch reservations usually easier to secure
• Dress codes vary but smart casual is usually appropriate

Regional Mexican Cuisines

Oaxacan Restaurants

• Multiple varieties of mole
• Tlayudas and memelas
• Artisanal mezcal selections
• Traditional ingredients like chapulines (grasshoppers)

Yucatecan Spots

• Cochinita pibil
• Panuchos and salbutes
• Recados (spice blends)
• Habanero-based salsas

International Dining

Asian Cuisine

• Korean restaurants in Zona Rosa
• Japanese izakayas in Polanco
• Chinese options in Viaducto-Piedad
• Vietnamese pho shops emerging

European Options

• Italian restaurants in Roma Norte
• French bistros in Condesa
• Spanish tapas bars
• German beer halls

Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian/Vegan

• Growing number of plant-based restaurants
• Traditional options like huitlacoche and flor de calabaza
• Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions
• Popular areas: Roma and Condesa

Gluten-Free

• Many naturally gluten-free Mexican dishes
• Corn-based rather than wheat-based
• Increasing awareness in restaurants
• Special bakeries available

Coffee and Café Culture

Traditional Cafes

• Café de Tacuba: Historic atmosphere
• La Habana: Literary heritage
• El Popular: 24-hour traditional cafe

Third Wave Coffee Shops

• Almanegra: Specialty roasts
• Quentin: Australian-style café
• Buna: Local roaster with multiple locations

Practical Tips

Making Reservations

• Use OpenTable for high-end restaurants
• WhatsApp common for direct bookings
• Call during off-peak hours
• Have your address ready for directions

Tipping Culture

• 10-15% standard in restaurants
• Small change for street food vendors
• Tip bartenders per drink
• No need to tip at counter service

Payment Methods

• Cash preferred at street stands
• Cards accepted at most restaurants
• Some places don’t accept American Express
• Always carry some cash as backup

Food Delivery Apps

• Rappi: Most extensive options
• Uber Eats: Reliable service
• DiDi Food: Often cheaper
• Many restaurants have their own delivery services

Seasonal Specialties

Spring

• Mangoes and citrus fruits
• Chiles en nogada season begins
• Fresh herbs and vegetables

Summer

• Tropical fruits
• Light seafood dishes
• Aguas frescas varieties

Fall

• Pan de muerto
• Pomegranates and tejocotes
• Start of pozole season

Winter

• Ponche navideño
• Rosca de reyes
• Hot atole and tamales

Mexico City’s food scene is constantly evolving while maintaining its deep cultural roots. As an expat, taking time to explore and understand the local food culture will enrich your experience and help you feel more connected to your new home. Don’t be afraid to try new things, ask questions, and embrace the city’s incredible culinary diversity.