Mexico City is a real culinary paradise, it offers a large variety of delicious meals and interesting gastronomic adventures. However, finding a restaurant in this city and choosing what to eat can be quite daunting, especially if you are on the go and looking for cheap eats. Being a resident of the city and having tried several restaurants numerous times, I have found several best cheap eats in Mexico City that have the best food and are fairly cheap.
Leave Behind the Popular Sites, Go for the Cultural Destinations
Ditch the clichés and go to the places where the people of the country hang out. They are the best places to understand the spirit of the city and try the real local cuisine served by friendly people. So where do locals eat in Mexico City?
What to Eat in Mexico City
Fasten your seat belt as we take you on a journey of food. From the simple food stands on the streets to the local small-scale Mexican restaurants, Mexico City has it all. It ranges from delicious tacos and bowls of hot posole to rich mole and chilled ceviche. Here are some dishes you may enjoy in Mexico City.
Tacos
- Al Pastor
- Carnitas
- Suadero
- Birria
Soups and Stews
- Pozole
- Menudo
- Caldo de Res
Mole
- Mole Poblano
- Mole Verde
- Mole Negro
Seafood
- Ceviche
- Aguachile
- Tlacoyos
Most Popular Food in Mexico City
1. Tacos
Hands down, tacos reign supreme in Mexico City. The variety is endless, from the classic al pastor (marinated pork) and carnitas (slow-cooked pork) to more regional specialties like birria (stewed goat) and suadero (beef brisket).
2. Pozole
This hearty stew, made with hominy, meat (usually pork or chicken), and a flavorful broth, is a staple for special occasions and cold weather.
3. Enchiladas
These rolled tortillas filled with various fillings (chicken, cheese, beans) and smothered in a sauce (mole, verde, roja) are a comforting and delicious classic.
4. Mole
This complex sauce, made with a blend of spices, chiles, chocolate, and other ingredients, is a true culinary masterpiece. Mole poblano is the most famous, but there are many regional variations.
5. Tostadas
Crispy fried tortillas topped with various ingredients like beans, meat, cheese, and salsa are a popular street food option.
6. Tamales
These steamed corn husk-wrapped bundles filled with savory or sweet fillings are a traditional favorite, especially during the holidays.
7. Quesadillas
Simple yet satisfying, these grilled tortillas filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients like mushrooms, squash blossoms, or chorizo are popular snacks or light meals.
8. Churros
These crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated fried dough pastries are a beloved dessert, often enjoyed with hot chocolate.
9. Elote
Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, is a popular street food snack.
Cheap Places to Eat Breakfast in Mexico City
Mexico City is a breakfast lover’s paradise, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious and authentic morning meals.
Here are some cheap places to eat breakfast in Mexico City.
1. Panaderías (Bakeries)
What to expect
Panaderías are a staple in Mexico City, offering a wide variety of fresh-baked breads, pastries, and sweet treats.
Must-tries
Conchas (sweet bread rolls), pan dulce (sweet bread), and bolillos (rolls) are perfect for a quick and affordable breakfast.
Price range
You can usually get a pastry and a coffee for under 50 pesos (about USD 2.50).
2. Cafeterías (Cafés)
What to expect
Cafeterías are a great option for a more relaxed breakfast. They offer coffee, tea, juices, and light breakfast options.
Must-tries
Huevos rancheros (eggs with salsa and tortillas), chilaquiles (tortilla chips with salsa and cheese), and quesadillas are popular breakfast choices.
Price range
Expect to pay around 50-100 pesos (about $2.50-5 USD) for a light breakfast.
3. Street Food Stalls
What to expect
Street food stalls offer a diverse range of breakfast options, from savory to sweet.
Must-tries
Tamales (steamed corn husk-wrapped bundles), quesadillas, and tacos are common breakfast choices.
Price range
You can usually find a satisfying breakfast for under 50 pesos (about USD 2.50).
4. “Comida Corrida” Restaurants
What to expect
These budget-friendly restaurants offer set menus that often include a soup, main course, and drink.
Must-tries
“Comida corrida” often includes breakfast options like eggs, beans, and tortillas.
Price range
Expect to pay around 50-80 pesos (about $2.50-4 USD) for a complete breakfast.
5. Local Markets
What to expect
Markets are a great place to find fresh produce, fruits, and local specialties. Many markets also have food stalls offering breakfast options.
Must-tries
Fresh fruit, juices, and pan dulce are popular breakfast choices in markets.
Price range
Prices vary depending on the market and the food you choose, but you can generally find affordable breakfast options.
Average Cost of Dinner in Mexico City
Prices may differ depending on the restaurant and the place, but a decent meal would cost about 100-200 pesos ($5-$10) at a local restaurant.
Let’s Dive into My Top 9 Cheap Eats in Mexico City.
1. El Califa (Centro Histórico)
This famous restaurant has been making some of the most delicious tacos in Mexico City since the year 1950. One of their specialties is the “Suadero” tacos; these are tacos made out of very soft beef that is slow-cooked. I usually ask for their “Quesadillas de Chicharrón” on the side – that’s a guilty pleasure, crispy and cheesy. This is one of the best restaurants in Mexico City’s historic center. Visit the Instagram of the restaurant.
Why It’s Great
Authentic Flavor
El Califa represents the best of the Mexican cuisine in its traditional sense.
Affordable Prices
The price range of the taco is around 20 pesos and this makes it to be an affordable food.
Historic Charm
Situated in the historical district of the city known as the Centro Histórico, El Califa gives a history of the city.
2. La Casa de Toño (Centro Histórico)
This is a Mexican family restaurant that offers authentic Mexican food such as ‘Enchiladas Verdes,’ ‘Mole Poblano,’ and ‘Pozole,’ which is a soup made from hominy and meat that is very suitable for winter. There you can visit the official website of the restaurant.
Why It’s Great
Home-Style Cooking
La Casa de Toño provides the meals that people get to enjoy in Mexican homes.
Generous Portions
What makes their food quite appealing is that the portions served are quite large, so you are always sure to leave full.
Warm Atmosphere
The staff is always welcoming and friendly and the overall atmosphere is homey.
3. Tacos de Canasta (Various Locations)
These mobile taco kiosks are common in Mexico City. They come in a basket and are made of a warm tortilla that has either chicharron, potatoes, or beans as fillings. It is also nice to take a couple of these for a tasty snack. Let’s visit the Instagram of Tacos de Canasta.
Why It’s Great
Convenient and Affordable
As Tacos de Canasta is quite small in size, it is extremely enjoyable as a quick snack or a very cheap meal.
Variety of Fillings
It will be possible to get all types of fruits depending on the preference which one has.
Authentic Street Food
Taste the best of the Mexican street food.
4. El Vagoncito (Roma Norte)
This is one of the best restaurants in Mexico city for lunch is the place where people from Puerto Rico like to eat, they offer really tasty meals and the price is cheap, they serve “Tortas.” The most popular “Tortas” in this restaurant is “Tortas de Chicharrón” – a crispy pork sandwich. I always accompany it with their spicy salsa on the side. Visit El Vagoncito here.
Why It’s Great
Unique Tortas
El Vagoncito has many different creative and delicious torta options to choose from.
Fast Service
The fast service also makes it ideal for lunch or dinner especially if one is in a hurry.
Lively Atmosphere
There is a good mood which creates an atmosphere that is conducive to eating.
5. La Casa de los Tacos (Colonia Condesa)
La Casa de los Tacos is a modern taqueria located in the Colonia Condesa that serves a contemporary form of Mexican tacos. I would recommend their ‘Tacos de Birria’ – slow-cooked goat meat tacos that come with a side of warm consommé. The variety of tastes and the modern vibes of the place are the things that I enjoy.
Why It’s Great
Modern Twist
La Casa de los Tacos provides food that is modern Mexican cuisine inspired by traditional Mexican preparation styles.
Creative Fillings
The restaurant in Mexico City menu offers various, tasty, and relatively new taco options.
Stylish Ambiance
The furniture and interior designs are great and complement the eating experience.
6. Los Cocuyos (Centro Histórico)
Need the best restaurants in Mexico City’s historic center? This restaurant has been around for more than 50 years and specializes in Mexican food. Their specialty is the ‘Enchiladas Suizas’ which is chicken enchiladas topped with a delicious green sauce. I usually have to get a side of their refried beans and rice.
This is one of the best restaurants in Mexico City for dinner. Visit the Facebook page of the restaurant.
Why It’s Great
Historic Legacy
Cocuyos is a restaurant that will give the guests an idea of what Mexican cuisine is like in Mexico City.
Classic Dishes
They offer traditional Mexican meals which are prepared and taste like the original ones.
Affordable Prices
They offer their products at fairly cheap prices making it a cheap company.
7. El Cardenal (Centro Histórico)
El Cardenal is a tasteful restaurant that gives a classy feeling to the guests, this restaurant focuses on Mexican food with a twist. Their ‘Mole Poblano’, which is a dark, thick sauce made from chocolate and spices is a speciality that should not be missed. I like that it is classy and the food is good.
Why It’s Great
Elegant Ambiance
El Cardenal is a fine dining restaurant.
Fine Dining on a Budget
Their prices are somewhat higher in comparison with other options on this list, but they will provide you with good value for the money spent and the quality of the food and service provided by them.
Historic Location
Serving delicious food amid the city’s historical district, El Cardenal is a great place to learn more about Mérida.
8. Mercado de la Merced (Centro Histórico)
This is a very active market for food and there are foods for all food lovers and all types of foods, from fresh foods to seafood and even street foods. It is always fun to walk around the market and find some of the best fruits, and even delicious tacos. Here you can check the review of the place.
Why It’s Great
Authentic Experience
La Merced Market is a perfect place to get acquainted with the real Mexican spirit of Mexico City.
Variety of Options
You will get both raw foods and well-cooked foods all at very cheap prices.
Cultural Immersion
The market is a colorful place with a lot of people’s traffic, which gives a view of the culture of the city.
9. Mercado de Coyoacán (Coyoacán)
Mercado de Coyoacán is a colorful and pretty market located in the Coyoacán district where you can find Mexican trinkets, food, and other items. I usually order a couple of ‘Churros’ which are sweet, crispy, and rolled in cinnamon, and their ‘Elote’ which is grilled corn on the cob.
Why It’s Great
Charming Atmosphere
One of the great advantages of the Mercado de Coyoacán is the fact that it appears to be quite laid back and rather endearing.
Unique Finds
Most of the shops offer specialty items and handmade products in addition to food items.
Kid-Friendly
The market is perfect for children as there are many things to do and to see.
Beyond the List- Food Trails of Mexico City
This list is only for basic recommendations. Mexico City is a city that never sleeps in terms of restaurants and the new best street food Mexican city stands that can be found in almost every corner. Never let yourself be afraid to look for more and find the things that are not popular but can be considered treasures.
Tips for Finding Cheap Eats in Mexico City
Ask the Locals
Never hesitate to seek the assistance of the locals. They will be more than willing to give tips on the places they like.
Look for “Comida Corrida”
These set menus are priced for the dish and it is all-inclusive of the prices thus making them very pocket-friendly.
Explore Neighborhood Markets
The markets are excellent for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other seafood, and street foods are relatively cheaper.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
Mexico City is a city of food exploration. Accept new dishes and flavors for them.
The Departure
These tips will help you to have the best of Mexico City’s food trip and do not forget to enjoy the moment. Savor the tastes, do not rush, and feel the spirit of the country. Bon appétit!
FAQs
How is it possible to get affordable meals in Mexico City?
The best way is to avoid overpopulated tourist attractions and start wandering around the districts of cities. Just ask the people around where they can eat good food, check out the “Comida Corrida” set menus, and also go to the local markets to get some fresh produce and food from the streets.
What is the likely cost of a meal in Mexico City?
It is possible to have a rather satisfying meal at a local restaurant for 100-200 pesos which is approximately $5-10.
What are some of the specialties that can be recommended in Mexico City?
Tacos, pozole, mole, enchiladas, tortas, and churros are all good and yummy meals to eat. It is important to note that you should not be afraid of the change and should expand the choice of Mexican dishes!
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