The Best Tacos in Mexico City Chosen by Chef Tyler Henry
The Best Tacos in Mexico City Chosen by Chef Tyler Henry
CDMX is the city of the taco. From pastor (marinated shaved pork) to bistec (beef steak) to duck, chorizo, rib and tongue – the list of combinations is endless.
Born in Washington, DC, chef Tyler Henry has lived and worked in many areas around the world such as NYC, New Orleans and Peru. Currently, he works in Mexico City where he runs the Thai restaurant Choza. As a spice aficionado and local chef, Henry, of course, knows exacly which taco joints are the best spots in CDMX. Below are his top eight choices.
In this Guide
Jenni's Street Quesadillas
“If you only eat one thing off the street it should be this. It’s a spot on Colima for quesadillas during the day. The huitlacoche and queso is incredible, so is [the] chicken tinga. But the green mole with chicken and cheese is otherworldly. A great entry point to street food as it's approachable, delicious and fairly simple. I probably eat here more than anywhere else in Mexico City. One mole verde con queso, one huitlacoche con queso.”
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El Habanerito
“Yucatecan home cooking. Soulful, spicy and hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone, relaxing to good music with a book. My go-to order is the sopa de lima followed by panuchos de cochinita, an agua de chaya and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman, Jocyln, who started the place using her mother's recipes. One sopa de lima, four panuchos de cochinita, one whatever else is inspiring.”
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Taqueria Los Parados
“Tacos of chargrilled meats. I love, love, love the poblano con bistec with a side order of chiles toreados. The alambre de pastor is very good. Poblano de bistec. ”
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Los Cocuyos
“In centro, this is an OG taco spot open late and serving the best suadero and campechano tacos in Mexico City. I often bike here late at night to crush a few tacos. Be very, very careful walking around the surrounding area after dark. [Order] four campechano, two suadero.”
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Tacos "El Betin"
“A tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space. It pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, flavourful taco joint all for myself. The al pastor and the tripas tacos are perfect. The torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. I'm here at least once a week. Four pastor, one tripas.”
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La Tonina
“An old-school joint cooking northern Mexican staples, and a great place to sit in a booth crushing beers and tacos for a long lunch. I often find myself here with chilaquiles on a slow Monday morning.”
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La Polar
“Easily a top five spot for me in Mexico! The coldest, best beer in Mexico! OG joint serving just birria, side of avocado, side of queso, amazing beers and tequila. Get the beer “campechano” – it’s a mix of their dark and light drafts in a huge, ice-cold mug. Live music, photographer running around. A celebratory place, great for groups and rowdy fun. Go here! Birria, side of queso, side of avocado, at least three campechano cervezas.”
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El Vilsito
“Commonly referred to as the best al pastor in the city. During the daytime it's an autobody shop; at night it turns into a massive al pastor operation that is not just delicious, but an awesome experience and vibe to eat at with giant, ripping pastor spits and people from all walks of life. Four pastor, one gringa.”
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