Discovering the Best Tacos in Mexico City (CDMX)

Mexico City is a true paradise for taco lovers, boasting an incredibly diverse and rich culinary landscape. From traditional street-side stands to more established taquerias, the city offers an overwhelming array of delicious options. To help you navigate this flavorful world, here's a comprehensive guide to some of the best tacos you can find in CDMX:

Iconic Taquerias and Their Signature Tacos

Several taquerias consistently appear as top recommendations, each with its own unique charm and specialty:

El Huequito

A true institution in Mexico City, El Huequito is renowned for its tacos al pastor. Established in 1959, they are often credited with pioneering this iconic taco style. Their marinated pork, slow-cooked to perfection and often topped with a piece of pineapple, is a must-try. You can find multiple locations, with the original nestled in the Centro Histórico.

Taquería Los Cocuyos

Located in the heart of the Centro Histórico, Taquería Los Cocuyos is a beloved spot for traditional taco fillings. They are particularly famous for their tacos de suadero (beef brisket), which is cooked until incredibly tender and flavorful. They also offer other classic options like cabeza (head), lengua (tongue), and tripa (tripe), all prepared with expertise. This taqueria is a favorite among locals and often stays open late, making it a perfect late-night stop.

Tacos El Vilsito

The unique charm of Tacos El Vilsito lies in its dual identity: an auto repair shop by day and a bustling taqueria by night. They are highly acclaimed for their tacos al pastor, featuring juicy, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. The lively atmosphere adds to the authentic experience.

El Califa

El Califa offers a more modern and upscale taqueria experience without sacrificing the quality and flavor of traditional tacos. With several locations throughout the city, they are known for their high-quality meat selections, particularly the tacos de bistec (steak) and tacos de rib eye. Their commitment to cleanliness and fresh ingredients makes them a popular choice.

Taquería Orinoco

Originating from Monterrey, Taquería Orinoco has gained significant popularity in CDMX for its hearty and flavorful tacos. Their specialties include tacos de trompo (similar to al pastor), carnitas (braised pork), and asada (grilled beef). The vibrant atmosphere and generous portions contribute to their appeal.

Exploring Taco Varieties and Where to Find Them

Mexico City's taco scene is incredibly diverse, with various types of tacos catering to different tastes. Here's a breakdown of some popular taco styles and recommended places to try them:

Tacos al Pastor

Perhaps the most iconic Mexico City taco, tacos al pastor feature thin slices of marinated pork stacked on a vertical spit and cooked with a flame. They are typically served on small corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and sometimes a piece of pineapple. Besides the aforementioned El Huequito and El Vilsito, consider these excellent options:

Tacos El Betin: Known for their exceptionally flavorful al pastor with a special spice blend.
La Taquiza al Carbón: Offers some of the best tacos al pastor with a rich orange marinade.
Taquería el Torito: A long-standing taqueria with flavorful tacos al pastor.

Tacos de Suadero

Suadero is a thin cut of beef, typically from the intermediate layer of skin between the muscle and the hide, that is slow-cooked in oil until incredibly tender and slightly crispy. It's a beloved filling in Mexico City. Besides Taquería Los Cocuyos, check out:

Tacos El Paisa: Famous for their succulent suadero tacos.
Los Cocuyos: Offers juicy and crispy suadero tacos.
Taquería el Torito: Known for their flavorful suadero tacos.
Taquería Los Parados: A standing-only spot known for their delicious suadero tacos.
Tacos Tony: Offers excellent suadero tacos.
El Pantera: Beloved for their flavorful suadero tacos.

Tacos de Canasta (Basket Tacos)

Tacos de canasta are a unique and affordable street food staple. These small, soft tacos are filled with various ingredients like potatoes, beans, chicharrón (fried pork skin), or adobo pork, then layered in a basket and steamed, keeping them warm and moist. You'll find vendors selling them throughout the city, especially in busy areas and markets.

Seafood Tacos

For a refreshing change, explore Mexico City's excellent seafood taco offerings:

El Turuleto Tacos: A top spot for seafood tacos, offering options like the Galan taco with creamy shrimp and the Vallarta taco with pan-fried octopus.
La Pescadería: Specializes in fresh seafood tacos, including shrimp, fish, and octopus.
Los Tacos de la Guerrerense: Located in the Mercado de San Juan, famous for their fish and shrimp tacos.
El Pescadito: A popular spot specializing in fish tacos with multiple locations.

Other Notable Taco Styles and Taquerias

Birria Tacos at La Original Birria Don Chuy: Known for having some of the best birria in Mexico City, with various flavor profiles and homemade blue corn tortillas.
Smoked Meat Tacos at Tizne Tacomotoro: Specializes in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and pork belly tacos with curated salsa pairings.
Milanesa de Pollo Tacos at Taquería el Tarasco: Famous for their delicious breaded and fried chicken breast tacos.
Tacos Árabes at Taquería el Greco: Serves excellent tacos árabes, including doneraki (similar to pastor).
Campechano Tacos at Taquería el Torito and Tacos Tony: A mix of different meats, often including suadero and longaniza (sausage).
Cochinita Pibil Tacos at El Turix: Specializes in Yucatan-style slow-roasted pork tacos.
Vegetarian/Vegan Tacos at Por Siempre Vegana: Offers a wide variety of delicious plant-based taco options.
Tacos de Cabeza at Los Cocuyos and El Pantera: Features various parts of the cow's head, cooked until tender and flavorful.
Tacos de Tripa at Taquería Los Cocuyos: Crispy or soft-cooked tripe tacos.
Tacos de Lengua at Los Cocuyos and Tacos Gus: Tender beef tongue tacos.
Tacos de Chorizo and Tacos de Pollo at La Tostadería: Offers these and other innovative combinations.
Tacos de Oreja at Tacos Gus: Pig ear tacos for the adventurous eater.
Tacos de Bola at Taquería Arroyo: Traditional Mexican meatball tacos.

Tips for Your Taco Adventure in CDMX

Go Where the Locals Go: Often, the best and most authentic tacos are found at street stalls and in local markets.
Embrace the Variety: Don't be afraid to try different types of tacos and fillings to discover your personal favorites.
Salsa is Key: Experiment with the various salsas offered, as they can significantly enhance the flavor of your tacos. Be mindful of the spice levels!
Consider the Time of Day: Some taquerias specialize in certain types of tacos or are only open during specific hours.
Be Prepared to Stand: Many popular taquerias, especially street stands, have limited or no seating.
Stay Hydrated: Enjoy your tacos with agua fresca, a soda, or a beer.
Check for Cleanliness: When eating at street stalls, observe the hygiene practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Exploring the taco scene in Mexico City is an essential part of experiencing the city's vibrant culture and culinary heritage. With so many delicious options available, you're sure to find many tacos that you'll love. ¡Buen provecho!