A day in Mexico City is always delicious.
“One of my favorite things to do when I visit my hometown, Mexico City, is to enjoy the excellent gastronomy that it has to offer,” says chef Jose Luis Flores, owner of De Mole in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “Ask any local chef in Mexico City where to go for a great meal and they will direct you to one of our many markets. This is where all the locals go for something fast, affordable but most importantly, tasty.”
Visitors less familiar with the Mexican capital, or Distrito Federal (D.F.) may feel overwhelmed when scouring through the vast number of busy, fragrant and popular markets sprawling throughout the city. Thankfully, Flores has a few suggestions for a day of eating throughout the most populous city in the Western Hemisphere.
Breakfast in Mexico City: Fonda Margarita
Chilaquiles at Fonda Margarita in Mexico City
“In Mexico, we take the phrase ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ to heart,” Flores says. “For my breakfast, I head over to Fonda Margarita in Colonia Benito Juarez. They offer a variety of moles, chilaquiles, and other breakfast favorites.” Flores’ go-to order is a plate with meatballs, refried beans, and scrambled eggs. Those who aren’t morning people (or jetlagged) may also be thrilled to learn that the old school restaurant, dating back several decades, is also on UberEats.
Lunch in Mexico City: Xochimilco
Traditional Mexican machetes with cabbage and red salsa
“For lunch, I like to go to Xochimilco, which means flower fields,” Flores says. “You can't go wrong with any of the local stalls.” Flores’ lunch of choice is a machete, a quesadilla, which he describes as over a foot and a half long. Various fillings like huitlacoche, chicharron, and mushrooms are on offer. “Go to stall, 5 de Mayo Delegación Xochimilco, the owner Elena Vargas makes the best ones,” he says. “The machetes, of course, should be accompanied by good pulque, an acenterol indigenous drink made from fermented sap of the maguey plant. Take a walk over to another stall El Templo de Diana, owned by Federico Olvera. I usually get the plain but the offer flavors infused pulque like mango, mamey and coconut.”
Dinner in Mexico City: The Mixcoac Market
Shrimp Ceviche tostadas in Mexico City
“Usually, for dinner, I like to get some fresh seafood, The Mixcoac Market is my favorite for some great seafood! I have been coming here since I was a little boy with my mother,” Flores says. “There are not a lot of mercados dedicated to seafood, but if seafood is what you're looking for this is where you go! I often come here for the ceviche, but there are so many other great choices.” At De Mole, Flores serves various ceviche dishes and riffs on seafood inspired by what he tastes at Mixcoac. “Go to stall number 35, La playa for an amazing ceviche vuelve la vida, it will bring you back to life,” Flores says.
A Quick Snack in Mexico City: El Convento
Churros in Mexico City
“There are so many places in Mexico City for a snack, but if you want to try the best churros in town, go to Colonia San Angel and stop at El Convento,” Flores says. “Churros are their specialty, and they are the spot where are the locals go-to for fresh churros. Get them with a cup of their hot chocolate!”
