Mexico City: The Best Tacos in Town

When visiting Mexico City for the first time, you will instantly become aware of the hundreds and hundreds of taco stands that inhabit almost every street corner and intersection of the city, and it will only be a matter of time before you are tempted to try one. But before you do you should know two things. First there is no enforced health code in Mexico City, which means you will be eating at your own risk, and second you better be prepared for a little "picante"-meaning, it will be spicy. However, do not let these things dissuade you from experiencing the best-made tacos on the planet.

When selecting your first taco stand to try I would suggest a few things. First of all look for a stand that has a lot of people around it, don't go to the stand that only has one or two people at it, even though you might be tempted to as to not attract attention to yourself, trust me you will attract more attention to yourself by going to the less peopled stand than the one that is packed. Another reason for going to the more heavily patroned stand is quality. The more people that are at a stand the more likely it is that the food they make is not only good tasting but also well-prepared and less likely to make you sick. Next, you want to look at the types of people eating there, if the large amounts of people eating at the stand are tourists-you don't want those tacos. They have been tailored to the tourist taste and not only will be lacking in real Mexican flavor, but will be ridiculously over priced. Basically, you would be better off to avoid all the stands located in the areas know as Cuauhtemoc and Miguel Hidalgo, and while there may be one or two worthwhile stands in these areas, most are more tourist oriented, and therefore overpriced and under-flavored.

When looking for the best tacos you'll need to travel a little in the city, and go a little out of your way from the traditional tourist areas. But believe me, after having eaten at well over 200 different taco stands within Mexico City, I have found that the small journey is well worth the price. I can recommend to you three great taco places within the city. The first is called "El Pastorcito," owned and operated by Raymundo Espinoza Isidro you will find here the best, and I mean the best "tacos al pastor" in all the city. At 15 pesos a taco the prices are a little higher than the other two stands I will recommend but the taste is well worth the price. Located near the middle of the city any taxi service can take you there in minuets. Just tell your driver to take you to:

Lorenzo Boturini #4503
Colonia 24 de Abril
Delegación V. Carranza, México D.F.
Or you can call them from within the city at 57-64-11-85

Make sure you ask for the "tacos al pastor con queso" you will not be disappointed.

The next place I would recommend is located on the corner of Bosques de Los Naciones and Bosques de Vietnam in the colonia Joyas de Aragon, this taco spot is famous for their "gringas," A "gringa" aside from being a female from the United States of America, is a type of food that consists of a mixture of two different types of cheese, bacon, beef, and ham. All mixed and cooked together, then either placed between two flour tortillas served quesadilla style or served on a plate with the tortillas separate so you can make your own tacos from the meat and cheese. This wonderful treat will cost you about 30 pesos or three dollars, and is worth every penny of it.

The last place on my list of taco stands is a true taco stand. Located in the colonia La Providencia on the avenue called the "Constitución de la República" right across the street from the street "Estado de Mexico" here you will find the lowest prices for your tacos, at 3 pesos a taco, you will find a true street flavor you can really taste. I recommend trying the "tacos de suadero" at this place. These kinds of tacos are my favorites, made from tender cuts of meat, the taco meat literally dissolves in your mouth, and at only 3 pesos a taco you can eat until you reach your fill.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico City in the future, make sure you visit these three taco stands, and don't miss the opportunity to try some real authentic Mexican food. Oh, and make sure you either speak Spanish fluently or have someone with you to interpret because these places are purely Méxicano.