Food destinations within easy reach of Mexico City, worth the early start.
Food destinations within easy reach of Mexico City. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Famous for: Mole poblano, chiles en nogada and cemita tortas
Puebla is the colonial capital 2 hours east of Mexico City, the birthplace of mole poblano and chiles en nogada, with the 1531 city centre and the cemita sandwich on Calle 4 Poniente.
Famous for: Sunday market tlacoyos and ice cream
Tepoztlan is the magical pueblo 1.5 hours south of Mexico City, with the Sunday street market on Avenida Revolucion selling tlacoyos, chalupas and the ice creams of Tepoznieves in every flavor.
Famous for: Sunday morning pit-roasted barbacoa de borrego
Teotihuacan is the pre-Hispanic pyramids site 1 hour north of Mexico City, with Sunday morning barbacoa pits scattered along the highway and the village of San Juan Teotihuacan serving maguey-pit lamb at dawn.
Famous for: Cecina de Yecapixtla and Morelos chiles rellenos
Cuernavaca is the city of eternal spring 1.5 hours south of Mexico City, with the colonial centre, the cecina de Yecapixtla beef-jerky restaurants and a strong cafe scene along Avenida Morrow.
Famous for: Floating-trajinera tamales, esquites and pulque
Xochimilco is the city's southern lake-and-canal district with floating trajineras since the Aztec era, where mariachi boats serve tamales, esquites and pulque on the canals all Sunday afternoon.
Famous for: Lakeside dining and Saturday market trout
Valle de Bravo is the lakeside pueblo magico 2.5 hours west of Mexico City, with sunset dining over Lago Avandaro, Saturday market fresh trout from the lake and craft beer terraces along the malecon.
Peak food season in Mexico City is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Mexico City rewards trust.