Tips for Tacos del Valle, CDMX

Del Valle, a vibrant neighborhood in Mexico City (CDMX), offers a rich tapestry of taco experiences, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary twists. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating and enjoying the best tacos in Del Valle:

Top Taco Spots in Del Valle

These are some of the must-visit taquerías in the neighborhood, each with its own unique offerings:

1. El Vilsito

   • Address: Av. Universidad 264, Narvarte Poniente, 03020 CDMX
   • Specialties: Tacos al Pastor (marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, or trompo, often served with pineapple), Tacos de Suadero (thinly sliced beef), Tacos de Tripa (crispy beef tripe)
   • Peak Hours: After 8 PM, when the trompo is in full swing and the atmosphere is most lively.
   • Tips: To order, you can simply point to the trompo and say, "dos al pastor, por favor."

2. Tacos Manolo

   • Address: Av. División del Norte 439, Del Valle Centro, 03100 CDMX
   • Specialties: Tacos de Suadero, Longaniza (spicy sausage), Tacos Campechanos (mixed tacos, often combining suadero and longaniza)
   • Peak Hours: Lunchtime (12 PM–3 PM) for the freshest tacos.
   • Tips: Try the green salsa, and if you're unsure about spice levels, ask, "¿Es muy picosa?"

3. Taquería El Califa

   • Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 810, Del Valle Centro, 03100 CDMX
   • Specialties: Rib-eye tacos, Tacos al Carbón (charcoal-grilled tacos)
   • Peak Hours: Dinner hours (7 PM–10 PM).
   • Tips: This is a slightly more upscale taquería with a bilingual menu.

4. Tacos Don Eraki

   • Address: Av. Coyoacán 2000, Del Valle Centro, 03100 CDMX
   • Specialties: Tacos Árabes (Arab-style tacos with spiced pork in a flour tortilla), Tacos de Tripa
   • Peak Hours: Late afternoon (4 PM–6 PM).
   • Tips: For a crunchy texture, ask for your tacos de tripa "bien dorados."

5. Taquería Orinoco

   • Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 559, Del Valle Centro, 03100 CDMX
   • Specialties: Tacos de Trompo (with a paprika-heavy marinade), Chicharrón tacos (crispy pork skin), beef tacos
   • Peak Hours: Dinner and late-night (7 PM–12 AM).
   • Tips: The red salsa is very spicy. Pair your tacos with horchata (a sweet rice milk drink).

6. Tacos Joven

   • Address: Av. Insurgentes Sur 1234, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, CDMX
   • URL: www.tacosjoven.mx
   • Specialties: Tacos de Canasta (steamed tacos with fillings like chorizo, adobo, and chicharrón)
   • Peak Hours: Late afternoon to early evening (4 PM - 7 PM).
   • Tips: Offers online ordering for convenience.

7. Taquizas CDMX

   • Address: Av. Universidad 5678, Del Valle, Benito Juárez, CDMX
   • URL: taquizas-cdmx.com.mx
   • Specialties: Classic tacos and guisos (stews)
   • Peak Hours: Evening hours (6 PM - 9 PM).
   • Tips: Great for larger groups or events, with catering services available.

Unique Ingredients and Preparation Styles

• Suadero: Slow-cooked beef brisket with a tender texture and rich flavor.
• Trompo: Vertical spit used to cook marinated pork for tacos al pastor, a hallmark of Mexican street food.
• Chicharrón: Crispy pork skin, either fried or stewed, adding a delightful crunch or melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Handmade Tortillas: Many taquerías pride themselves on making tortillas by hand, pressed and cooked on a comal.
• Slow-Cooking Methods: Meats like carnitas are slow-cooked for hours to achieve tender and flavorful results.
• Blue Corn Tortillas: Some taquerías use heirloom blue corn for their tortillas, offering a nuttier flavor and vibrant color.

Tips for Tourists

1. Navigating Language Barriers:

   • Learn basic Spanish phrases like "¿Qué recomiendas?" (What do you recommend?), "Un taco al pastor, por favor" (A taco al pastor, please), "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much does it cost?), and "Sin picante, por favor" (No spice, please).
   • Use visual aids: Pointing to menu items or the food itself often works well.
   • Utilize translation apps like Google Translate.

2. Special Ordering Tips:

   • Specify the number of tacos you want: "Quiero tres tacos de suadero, por favor" (I want three suadero tacos, please).
   • Ask about toppings: "¿Qué lleva?" (What does it come with?) or say "Con todo" (With everything).
   • If you're new to tacos de tripa, ask for them "bien dorados" (well-crisped).

3. Peak Visiting Hours:

   • Lunchtime (12 PM–3 PM) and dinner (7 PM–10 PM) are generally the busiest.
   • Late-night taquerías like El Vilsito thrive after 8 PM.

4. Street Etiquette:

   • Many taquerías are standing-room-only. Don't be shy about eating at the counter or sharing a table.
   • Bring cash, as most street vendors don't accept cards.
   • It's common to eat tacos with your hands, embracing the local custom.

General Taco Scene in CDMX

• Flavor Profiles: CDMX tacos are known for their diverse flavors, from the sweet and savory taste of tacos al pastor to the hearty flavors of northern Mexican styles.
• Popular Ingredients: Common ingredients include corn tortillas, meats like carne asada, carnitas, and pollo, along with toppings such as onions, cilantro, lime, salsas, guacamole, and crema.
• Cultural Significance: Tacos are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine and culture, reflecting the city's rich culinary heritage. Tacos al pastor, for example, have Lebanese roots due to the shawarma techniques brought by immigrants.
• Family-Run Establishments: Many taco stands and restaurants are family-run, preserving traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations.

Additional Recommendations

• Street Tacos: For an authentic experience, try street tacos from vendors around Del Valle. These are often the most affordable and offer a true taste of local flavors.
• Vegan Options: CDMX has a growing vegan taco scene, with some spots offering plant-based al pastor and other vegan options.

Exploring Del Valle's taco scene offers a delicious and immersive cultural experience. By following these tips and embracing the local customs, you'll enjoy some of the best tacos CDMX has to offer. ¡Buen provecho!