Top 3 Cities in Mexico for Passionate Foodies

Ah, Mexico! A country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene, breathtaking landscapes, and of course – out-of-this-world gourmet experiences. From the spicy kick of street food to the gentle nuances of haute cuisine, Mexico’s dishes are as diverse as they are enticing.

It is a cornucopia of gastronomic options and, today, we’ll help you familiarize yourself with both the foodie hotspots and the dishes that are the absolute must-try. So, pack your most comfortable pants and grab car insurance for your Mexico trip, so you can enjoy peace of mind as you embark on the gourmet adventure, and let’s get started!

Which city in Mexico is known for food?

No matter where you go in Mexico, you’ll be able to enjoy gems of local cuisine. That being said, some places are universally considered foodie paradises, mainly due to the sheer diversity of unique options – and their undeniable quality.

Oaxaca City

Widely hailed as the “Gastronomic Capital of Mexico”, Oaxaca City’s culture is a blend of indigenous and colonial influences, which is reflected in the food, as well as in every other aspect of life.

The city’s markets, most notably Mercado de Tlacolula and Mercado de Abastos, will drive you into sensory overload the moment you step foot inside – and we mean that in the best possible way! 

Here, you can try an insane assortment of dishes, from freshly made moles to exotic mezcal varieties. However, the one thing you must not miss – under any circumstance – is the region’s specialty: Tlayudas. 

These oversized, light, crispy corn tortillas feature a spread of refried beans or unrefined pork lard (“asiento”), topped with Oaxacan cheese (“quesillo”), shredded lettuce or cabbage, avocado, and grilled meats like tasajo, chorizo, or carnitas. Guaranteed to leave you yearning for more!

Mexico City

The capital of Mexico is the true melting pot of different cultures and traditions, making it one of the best places in the country to try foods that are as diverse as they’re tasty. Here, every neighborhood is a culinary wonderland in its own right, offering an immersive and memorable gastronomic experience.

If you’re a fan of fine(er) dining, the upscale restaurants in Polanco or Roma provide the opportunity to enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine in all its glory. No less tasty are street foods you can find throughout the bustling neighborhood of La Condesa, ranging from every variety of taco imaginable to exotic snacks such as Maguey Worms (“Gusanos de Maguey”).

Our choice of a must-try dish in Mexico City is definitely Taco al Pastor. This gourmet taco is filled with thin slices of pork that have been marinated in achiote (annatto), chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. and then slow-roasted on a vertical spit (“trompo”). Traditionally, it is served over small corn tortillas and topped with diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and pineapple.

Puebla

The last – but definitely not the least – on our list, is the city that’s as famous for its culinary heritage as it is for well-preserved colonial architecture and incredible pottery. Puebla’s gastronomic scene offers the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary, where even the most demanding foodie is guaranteed to find something to tickle their palette.

The dish that Puebla is famous for is Mole Poblano – a thick, rich sauce renowned for its complex flavor and deep, dark color. Traditionally, Mole Poblano is made from dried chili peppers (typically ancho, pasilla, or mulato), nuts, seeds, garlic, onion, and – believe it or not – chocolate! A combination that leaves no one indifferent, and that’s an understatement!

However, while Mole Poblano is definitely a must-try, our favorite is Chiles en Nogada. It features poblano peppers stuffed with a sweet-savory filling made from ground meat, fruit, and spices, topped with Nogada (creamy walnut sauce), and garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley to represent the Mexican flag.

That’s right, this is a festive dish, typically served only during the Independence Day celebration. Therefore, if you’re planning on visiting Puebla, try to time your trip around September 16, so you can enjoy both this incredible dish and lively, vibrant festivities.

Caesar