5 tips for street food in CDMX

Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the top destinations for food in the world. With bold, delicious and authentic flavors, it is THEE hub for foodies, travelers and locals.

If you are skeptical of what is cooked in the street in CDMX, this is a post you MUST read. I'm going to give you the necessary tips you need to know before choosing a street vendor in the city. Some of the best meals I've had in CDMX have come from street vendors. Everyone eats the street food. Whether you are looking for hand-pressed tortillas, tacos, gorditas, quesadillas etc... your mind will be blown by the cuisine. Let's dive in!

Tip #1: Go where the locals go

Simple, if people are waiting in line at a particular street vendor, automatically that tells you that it's good... like really good. The locals know what's up. They stand there for a reason, and it's always worth the wait. If it's your first time eating street food or just in general in CDMX... Don't eat the street food for every meal. Your body needs time to adjust to the new climate and different types of food (just like anywhere in a new country).

Tip #2: Order one of everything

Typically tacos are small here, so ordering one of everything is totally cool. Also, I love this approach because when you order one of everything you can see which is your favorite. Then, you know what to get at the next place. In CDMX there are a variety of filling combinations you can choose from.

My favorite tacos in order are:

- Cochinita Pibil: Pork marinated in orange juice. SO EFFING GOOD.

-Tacos Al Pastor: Pork + pineapple. This is a signature here and people go cray cray for them.

-Chorizo and Potato: Don't ask questions. Just order it.

-Arrachera: Hanger steak, also known as butcher's steak.

Tip #3: Expect the unexpected

Most tacos (and street meals) are served on a plastic plate with a plastic or paper liner over the plate. They do this so they do not have to wash the dishes (smart right)? When ordering tacos they come dry, meaning no salsa or guacamole. All places have a salsa station with cut limes. Usually served in buckets or bins, you find 2-4 types of salsas for you to decorate your taco with. Sometimes vendors have beans, chips and raw onions - it depends on the place. But if you want onions, cilantro or cheese, just ask!

Tip #4: Try the salsa first

DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE. Mexicans take their spice seriously, so you never know what you're going to get based on spice level here. Before dedicating a quart of salsa to a taco, put a little on your plate, then dip your finger in it to taste. Salsa is different with every vendor, some spicy AF and some super mild. In all seriousness, you do not want to be hurting after you force yourself to eat the world's spiciest taco... lol.

Tip #5: Eat when the locals are eating

The best time to eat street food is during lunch. In Mexican culture, lunch is the largest meal of the day. It is usually eaten anytime between 1:30-3:30PM. This does not mean that vendors do not serve food before 1:30... Street vendors are usually cooking all day and typically close down shop around 5 or 6 PM. If you are used to eating around 11:30 or 12PM you can certainly sought out street vendors however, it is more difficult to tell which one's the locals are in line for.

Welp, that's all from me folks! Enjoy the world's best city for street food and remember the 5 tips above :)

If you have more tips, or street food experiences... comment below!

xo-

Eatz