There has never been anything I’d been so quick to review. During my most recent stay in Mexico City, I was travelling solo. Whenever I’m alone, I love to join a group tour. While I do personally enjoy my solitude, I also enjoy meeting new people and getting to experience new adventures with others. I knew a food tour was in order, as I think there is no better way to get to know someone than having a meal with them! But it took me a while to find a tour that really piqued my interest. But then I found Eat Like a Local.

About Eat Like a Local

Eat Like a Local is a female-owned Mexico City Food Tour company that strives to be one of the best in sustainable tourism. It pays its female-only employees a proper wage and supports female-owned businesses in the market places. Plus, part of the tour price helps young girls go to school to learn to speak English. Providing them with a rich education that sets them up to succeed and grow. Any extra money the tour company earns goes towards sending some of the girls to go on a trip of their own. Anywhere around the world. Allowing them to see the same world of travel, they help tourists experience in their own city.

Giving back to the Community

The company even uses part of the tour price to support the infrastructure of the marketplaces. Helping to improve them. So many tours I saw listed seem to use the marketplaces as a tourist attraction. These tours don’t actively view the marketplace as a real place of work and community. While eating inside the marketplace is great to support the individual businesses, supporting the infrastructure where they work is a sign of a true venture into sustainable tourism. So with all that in mind, and a promise of some truly phenomenal street food, I booked my ticket and joined the tour.

The Best Foor Tour in Mexico City!

1. About Eat Like a Local
2. The Tour Details
3. The Overall Experience
4. La Condesa
5. Taking the Metro
6. Jamaica Market
7. La Merced Market
8. Juarez Gelato Shop

The Tour Details

Cost

Eat Like a Local offers three different food “safaris” for you to choose from. Each one costs $115 USD. This covers all the food you’ll eat on the tour as well as your transportation. I opted for the Mexican Food 101 tour as it seemed to cover the widest variety of food. They also have a Flower Market and Mezcal tasting tour but since I don’t drink very much I thought that one might not be for me. There is also a street food at night tour that I really can’t wait to check out next time I’m in town!

When you book, you’ll only pay half of the total tour price online via their website. The other half you MUST pay in CASH upon meeting the guide. They use this cash to pay for the food along the way. So it’s essential to bring the right amount of money when you arrive at the meeting point. Don’t think you can just stop at the ATM after the tour is over.

How Big is the Tour

Like any good tour group, the size of the group is small. This means you have a much more intimate experience. But with the guide and the rest of the group. I cannot stress enough how the five of us felt like old friends by the end of the day. I even knew all their kids’ names! Small tour groups really are a sign of a great experience to come.

How Long is the Tour?

The entire tour lasted about four hours. In that time we covered a lot of ground (thanks to hopping on and off the metro.) They say that you’ll walk about 4.5 miles throughout the tour. I loved all the walking as it really helped make room for more food! Dress comfortably, and wear good walking shoes. Be sure this means closed-toe shoes since the marketplaces can get wet.

A Note about Safety

When booking the tour, one of the things that both intrigued, excited and made me a bit nervous was the fact we would travel via the metro. I had long wanted to experience taking the metro in Mexico City. But after hearing so many stories about how dangerous it was, I was always hesitant. But my tour guide Panda made the experience fear-free and super explanatory for future trips. The metro was so efficient and I never felt unsafe. And aside from drawing attention to ourselves as a group of loud English speakers on a tour, I don’t think anyone would have given us a second look.

I was careful to bring only my phone with me and kept it in a bag with an internal zip when required. Panda was great about letting us know when we should be more careful. Just like any big city, some areas are more prevalent with pickpockets. The largest market in Barcelona is a huge hot spot for pickpockets, so don’t think it’s just CDMX. I never felt the least bit afraid anywhere we went on the tour. So don’t let their overly cautious advice put you off! Use common sense, leave your large camera at home and don’t wear or bring anything flashy. Our tour guide also took lots of pictures and even emailed them to us afterwards. So if you wanted to just leave everything at home, and immense yourself, you’ll still get lots of souvenir pictures to take home.

Accessibility

This tour might be challenging if you’re travelling in a wheelchair or have issues with accessibility. Both are due to the distance covered and the lack of accessible entrances in various parts of the marketplace. But, you can absolutely reach out to the tour company directly to book a private tour. They do lots of private tours and they will be able to curate a specific tour just for you.

Bathrooms

I am definitely someone who has a small bladder, so bathroom breaks are always imperative for longer tours. There were plenty of stops along the way for bathrooms. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need to use one. Most of the bathrooms inside the marketplace cost 5 pesos to enter, so bring a bit of change to use them. Our guide also had some coins for those who didn’t have any on them.

Dietary Restrictions

The tour states they can accommodate all different dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Be sure to let them know in advance. This way, they can ensure something will be available for you at every stop. We had a vegetarian with us on our tour, and it was so fun to see all the different alternatives to our dishes. He definitely had to skip one of two stops but there were plenty of options at most places. And honestly, there is so much food on tour, missing out on one or two places might actually be a good idea!

The Overall Experience

Their website lists all the different types of food you’ll taste along the way, so I’m not giving anything away by detailing my experience here. I wanted to share the wonderful stories from my experience as a means to encourage those travelling to Mexico City to book a tour for themselves. But also as a way for those who read my blog to feel immersed in another world to travel along with me. Even if they can’t go themselves. Even if I did give you step-by-step instructions on where to go, you’d never be able to explore these places for yourself. There are too many hidden secrets and tiny sellers that only locals can guide you to.

La Condesa

We met up in La Condesa to start the tour off right with a coffee! This gave us all a chance to meet each other and get to know our guide. Our guide, Panda, was one of the most hilarious and fun people I’d ever met. From the minute she starting she felt like an old school friend and had us all smiling from ear to ear. After grabbing our coffees, we needed a little sweet treat. So we set out for pastries! We stopped at a Condesa institution which sells concha (sweet bread.) The perfect starter to get our stomachs prepped.

Tacos de Canasta

Next, we explored two different street food stalls in La Condesa. One was selling the classic breakfast staple Tacos de Canasta, aka sweaty tacos. These tacos are made by filling a taco with stew and bathing them in oil or butter. They are then layered up inside baskets and sold all over the city. Sometimes on the back of bicycles, but in this case at a street food stall.

The man working here had been selling them for over 35 years!! He is so popular that he made enough money selling these tacos to be able to send his kids to university! Here you had the options of a variety of fillings, from pork to potato and chicharron. Once you pick your filling, you could smother them in hot sauce. I was so surprised by how delicious they were. I had never tried tacos de canasta before because I thought they’d be soggy. But that wasn’t the case at all! I could have honestly eaten a dozen. But knew I had to save room in my stomach, as this was only our second stop!

Mixiotes

The next stop was tacos mixiotes. Mixiotes are made from stewing meat inside an agave leaf bag. The meat was so flavourful, seasoned with a mixture of all different chillies. This stand had almost a dozen other toppings you could add to your taco. I wanted to really savour the flavour of the meat, so I just went with a few slices of nopales (cactus) pads. And, of course, a squeeze of lime and hot sauce.

It was about now that I realized I would never be able to finish everything we sampled at this rate. As much as I wanted to because everything we ate was delicious. Thankfully, Panda, our guide, stepped in and told us no one would be offended if we didn’t finish. And we could split what we could share, or she could ask the vendor for a smaller portion. I felt so relieved as I’m always so worried that my small stomach and inability to always finish what’s on my plate is apt to offend the cook!

Taking the Metro

After this stop, we hopped onto the metro at Baldera station. I had been pretty nervous about riding the metro. But from the minute we descended down into the station, I realized how perfectly normal and unintimidating it was. All your tickets are paid for upon entering, but Panda took us through how to buy your tickets and use the system in case you want to ride the metro on your own after the tour.

The metro platforms were incredibly clean and actually super pretty to look at. The floors and walls were made of beautiful stone that looked like the station were carved out of the ground. While we were on tour, the metro was fairly empty, only getting busy near mid-afternoon. Most of the time, we could all get seats with no problem. When the cars were super full, we simply waited for the next train. They come very frequently so we had no trouble getting enough space and feeling safe. Interesting to note that there are also female-only train cars. These are marked on the floor of the station platform with pink signs marked with “Solo Dames y Menores de 12 Anos.”

Jamaica Market

The next stop on tour was inside Jamaica Market! Although you might read the word “Jamaica” and think of the country, Jamaica actually means “hibiscus flower” in Spanish. The Jamaica Market is home to the largest flower market in the city, with over 1,150 stalls selling over 5,000 different varieties of flowers! Almost all of them grown around Mexico.

The market is divided into two different areas; the first is almost devoid of flowers entirely and primarily sells produce, meat and other grocery staples. When you cross over to the second section of the market, you’re immediately overwhelmed with the smell of flowers. Before you can even see the flowers, you’ll know you’ve arrived.

Tacos Carnitas & Tepache

Our first stop was at a long communal table right at the market entrance. Pig heads hung in the butcher shops down the aislse, and you knew right away this was the place to get pork! The order was simple, tacos de carnitas, topped with raw onions and cilantro. While I thought I’d had carnitas before, after tasting this, it felt like I had never eaten them before in my life. This was the best-tasting taco I’ve ever eaten, and I still dream about it! While we were eating, Panda explained to us the myths about why you are almost always given two tortillas with every serving of tacos. But I’ll leave that tidbit for you to discover on tour…

To pair with our tacos, we got to sample tepache. Tepache is a fermented pineapple drink made from the peel and the rind of pineapples and refined cane sugar. It had that tang you get from other fermented drinks like kombucha. It was super sweet but so delicious and definitely cleansed the palette from the fatty pork tacos. The perfect combination!

Jicaleta

Next up, we walked around the market to the brightly coloured bins of what looked like powdered sugar. Beside these pins were huge round discs on popsicle sticks that looked like white lollipops with the words “Rico Jicaleta.” I have seen these signs all over the city and always wondered what they were! It turns out the giant thing on a popsicle stick is a Jicama, a root vegetable.

To convince kids to eat their vegetables, someone came up with the genius idea to cover the jicama with chamoy (pickled plum with chile sauce) and then dip the veggie in powdered sugar. Since the jicama is pretty neutral in its flavouring it allows itself to be the vehicle for these amazing flavours of powered sugar. Everything as simple as strawberry or blueberry to more exciting flavours like mango chilli and tamarind. You can even use the other colours to create a cool rainbow-like pattern on the jicama. I can see why these are such a popular treat with both kids and adults.

Piñata Market

Next up on tour, we walked deeper into the marketplace amongst hundreds and hundreds of piñatas. The Jamaica market is known for its huge piñatas selection. Design range from traditional stars to cartoon characters. And I even saw a covid one! What a perfect thing to bash away at, a way of taking out all the pent up frustration over the loss of the last two years.

Chorizo Verde

Sitting down outside a small shop beside piles of bright fruits and vegetables, we tried what I thought was the most incredible taco innovation of the whole tour; green chorizo! The proud owner displayed all his different types of chorizo sausages outside the shop. But none were as eye wateringly delicious to look at as the green chorizo. The pork-based sausage is mixed with a blend of fresh green veggies like spinach and lettuce. Then zesty green herbs are added to ramp the flavour up. Anything from cilantro, thyme, marjoram, whatever is in season.

After this they add green chillies (because heat is a staple of the chorizo sausage) and the most important and unique ingredient – NUTS! Yes, that’s right, they add anything from peanuts to pumpkins seeds or almonds to the meat. We ate it completely plain to start to ensure we could appreciate the flavour of all the ingredients. And OMG, I cannot explain how incredible this was. Truly one of the most unique and surprising parts of the tour. I wish I could remember where this was so I could go back to eat more!

Heading down to the other side of the market, we stopped at a few more stalls for some tiny samples as we went. Crispy tortillas covered in locally made crema y queso (cream cheese) and a bite of chicharrón (deep-fried pork skin).

Fresh Fruit Stalls

On the other side of the market, where the smell of flowers filled the air, we stopped for a selection of fresh fruit. The fruit was just what the doctor ordered to change things up and refresh my palette. I always admire the beautiful spreads at these fruit stands when I pass by. So many different fruits I’ve never tried, let alone seen before. Lucky for me, when we stopped, the friendliest man came out from behind the piles of fruit with these little banana leaf trays. Inside were slices of all kinds of fruits. Panda took us through what each bite was, and we dove in.

My taste buds were exploding. I couldn’t believe how delicious some of these fruits were, things I’d never tried before, which set my mouth alight. My favourite by far was the Soursop, which was tangy, sweet, and, as the name indicates, sour. I need to find this in Toronto! And my other favourite was the black zapote, which tastes like chocolatey permission pudding! The Chirimoya blew my mind as it tasted like a strawberry blended with a kiwi. I was truly entranced by all the flavours and vowed to make more of an effort to buy fresh fruit next time I’m in town.

Wholesale Flowers

Walking around the flower market was the best kind of chaos. We didn’t have a ton of time to admire the flowers; this is a working market, after all. People were milling about, grabbing carfuls of flowers for their stands in the city and small bouquets for their homes. Voices cried over one and other as people haggled for the best price.

During the Day of the Dead ceremonies, this market is packed to the rooftops with trucks full of orange Mexican marigolds. These are the most popular flower synonymous with the festival. They are used to decorate the ofrendas of past loved ones as the brightly coloured flowers are thought to guide the spirits of those who have passed back home.

As we moved through the crowds of people, we arrived at the back, where the larger floral displays are located. These are for celebrations like communions and quinceaneras in addition to funerals and weddings. But apparently, one of the most popular reasons people buy huge floral displays is to apologize for cheating on their wives…or at least that’s what Panda told us! The bigger the arrangement, the more sorry you are!

Esquites

The next stop on tour was for a cup of esquites fritos. Esquites are fire-roasted corn kernels, stewed in lard, and mixed with aromatic herbs and arbol chillies. I’ve had esquites many times before, as they are one of my favourite street snacks, but none as delicious as the ones we got here! There are definitely some secret ingredients at work here.

Before leaving the market, we stopped at a tortilla maker cranking out hundreds of perfect corn circles every hour. There is genuinely nothing more fresh than eating a hot tortilla right off the press. With nothing more than a sprinkle of salt, you can really appreciate how simple and complex the flavours are. And why this tiny disc has become such a staple of Mexican food throughout the centuries.

La Merced Market

After a quick bathroom break, we hopped back on the metro. We transferred from the teal line (#4) to the pink line (#1) and made our way directly into the Mercados de la Merced. Mercados de la Merced, or La Merced Market, has its own dedicated metro stop. And unlike other metro stations where you need to exit onto the street to get to your next destination, this stop exits right into the heart of the market. This is actually the only way you should enter the market. The exterior streets around here are a little dangerous but by entering directly inside, you avoid the exterior entirely.

History of the Market

La Merced Market is named after the monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Merced de Redención de Cautivos. The monastery was established here in 1594, just after the Spanish Conquest. The neighbourhood that sprang up around the monastery also goes by the name La Merced. After the conquest, this part of the city, being just on the outskirts (before the expansion of what is now CDMX), was a hotbed for traders. They would arrive here from all different parts of the country and beyond. They could easily dump their goods here for sale and transfer further into the central part of the city.

By 1860, almost the entire neighbourhood was one big market. So the city decided to move the marketplace into a permanent, covered building. By now, the old La Merced Monastery has been closed down for years. But the empty building proved to be the perfect place to establish the new permanent market.

20th Century Market

In the 20th century, the market continued to expand becoming one of the largest wholesale markets in the city. Here you can find everything from fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, toys, clothes, flowers, candy and more.

Sadly, there is a dark history to the building as well. In 1988 a fireworks stall exploded inside the marketplace, killing more than 60 people! Then again, in 1998, there was another fire due to faulty wiring that destroyed much of the old main hall and 572 stalls. Luckily no one was killed in that fire, but the damage was extensive. Despite the accident occurring almost 20 years ago, repairs are still ongoing.

Just in front of the entrance to the market from the metro station, you’ll see a cheerful cartoon map of the marketplace. Each different section of the market is dedicated to a different specialty, so you know exactly where to go for what. I was immediately drawn to the candy section and was delighted to hear we would be stopping in there near the end of the tour.

Insects

Our first stop inside the market threw us right into the deep end of Mexican cuisine, at the Insectos stand. Yes, that’s right, bugs! I actually really like bugs as food; I’ve had them a few times around the world and find the flavour pretty interesting. If you don’t want to try them, just politely say no. Don’t make a big show of being grossed out or anything like that. Insects have been eaten and used in cooking here for centuries. It’s disrespectful to act disgusted by a kind of food they consider pretty normal.

I do recommend trying them at least once. And when you stop here at the stall, they also give you a glass of freshly pressed pineapple juice to chase down the bugs. In case it’s just not for you. My favourite was the crickets, but I was actually surprised how much I liked the little worms! The scorpion was the least tasty, a little too earthy for my liking, but I’m sure it would be great in other dishes.

Micheladas

We walked through the crowds of stalls towards the outer edge of the market, along Rosario street. Despite being a working street, with cars and lorries driving through, it also feels like an extension of the marketplace. Stalls pour out onto the streets with their wares leaning out so far they almost touch either side of the road. It’s so tight that often when a big truck comes thru, some stores need to move things they’re selling back inside to allow the cars to pass. It’s a very cool bit of choreography to watch.

We took a seat inside a casual bar where we gathered around a large table, welcomed by the smiles of the locals. Then we were given a series of brightly colours bowls, jars and glass bottles, like a modern-day apothecary in the centre of Mexico City. We were greeted by the amazingly kind Arely, one of the girls from the 80IQ program. 80IQ is a program created by the Eat Like a Local founder that funds the education of these young women and where they also receive mentoring.

With her adorable son in tow, Arley came to our table to practice speaking English and teach us to make a Mexican Michelada. Micheladas are such a fun beverage to make and we loved learning all the steps and ingredients that go into it! First, cover the rim in chamoy and dip in caramelized sesame seeds. Next, add more chamoy, Worcestershire, and hot sauce then filled the glass with a cold beer! Since I don’t drink beer, so I was given a glass of fizzy pineapple juice, and let me tell you mixture was just as delicious!!! We took this chance to enjoy our cold drinks, a refreshing break from the heat of the day. We grabbed for a bit, chatting with Arley and even celebrating an anniversary in our little group!

Quesadillas

From here, Arley handed us over to Wendy, another girl from the program. Wendy spoke incredibly well at only 14 years old and was such a great guide! She took us to her grandmother’s street food stall, where a series of women bustling around a hot comal. They went about serving us bite-size pieces of a variety of classic Mexican street food samples.

Huitlacoche

The one I was most excited about trying were the quesadillas. Although this might not seem very exotic, the filling inside the quesadilla was ‘huitlacoche‘ or, as it is known in English, corn smut! Huitlacoche is considered a delicacy in Mexico, even though it might not seem very appetizing. The word comes from the Nahuatl language and means “sleeping excrescence,” because the corn is transformed by a fungus that impedes them from developing. Thus, they remain “sleeping.” If the fungus doesn’t sound appealing to you, I’d ask, “well, have you ever eaten mushroom?” because the flavour is essentially the same. I couldn’t believe how complex the flavour was, and I was so happy I had finally been able to sample it! 

Pambazo

We also got quesadillas with squash blossoms filled with cheese from Oaxaca. Then there was a slice of tlacoyo filled with black beans and covered in requeson (like ricotta cheese) and more nopales. The last item on the place was Pambazo. The pambazo sandwich is apparently the most authentic Mexico City street food. One that originated here. It is made from a white bun that has been dipped in adobo sauce and then filled with chorizo, cheese, cream and lettuce.

Candy

After all this, I thought there was no way I’d ever be able to get up. But somehow, we shuffled out of the tiny chairs outside the street food stall and bid a sad farewell to Wendy’s family. They waved goodbye to us with big smiles as we headed back into the crowded marketplace. But I perked up as we learned we were on our way to the candy district. There are many reasons I love Mexico City, but one of them has got to be their love of bulk candies. You can find little carts wheeling around the neighbourhood every day. Filled with candy fills at the ready for your cravings. But here in the marketplace must be where they all come to load up these carts every morning.

Candies exploded out of bins and baskets in rainbow colours everywhere we looked. We sampled a few unique varieties like dried mango with chilis, tamarind candies, spicy candied almonds and, of course, lots and lots of flavoured powdered sugar. My favourites are these little fruit-shaped gummies that look like they are made of glass. Almost too pretty to eat! I could honestly have been here for hours, but I was too full to try anything more, lucky for my blood sugar.

Juarez Gelato Shop

To arrive at our last stop on tour, we hopped once more on the metro and made our way over to the Juarez neighbourhood. This part of town is just starting to become a new hot spot for hip eateries. We stopped at one of the chicest gelato shops, where we were greeted by flavours out of this world. Tamarind & mezcal, Oaxacan chocolate, cempasúchil (marigold), tonka bean, olive oil, lavender, and even epazote elato leaf are just some of the falvours that are on rotation here. We got to sample any three flavours we wanted. Although I had felt like I couldn’t eat another bite earlier, there seems to always be a second stomach for dessert.

This was our last stop, so we all just sat around chatting while eating our ice cream. None of us wanted to leave. We had all really become friends by the end of the day. Panda gave us all her recommendations based on the questions we asked along the way. After much hesitation, we all eventually parted ways! Leaving with full bellies, smiles on our faces, and lots of stories to share with our friends and family. The perfect end to the perfect tour.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Tipping is always a considerate thing to do at the end of a tour just as at the end of a meal. It’s a way to say “thank you” to the guide for their time, effort and expertise. While it’s not required, it is appreciated. Don’t feel the need to financially burden yourself but honestly, even a little bit goes a long way to show your appreciation.

I truly can’t say enough good things about this tour and I really hope if you get the chance to visit Mexico City you put booking this Mexico City Food Tour with Eat Like a Local at the top of your list!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Street Food Tour in Mexico City! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

But if you’re just looking to dip your toe into street food, as you’re a little hesitant to eat an entire meal, Mexican Street Snacks are a great alternative! Plus, these snacks can really fill you up if you manage to sample a little bit of everything. Below are a few of my favourite Mexican Street Snacks! Keep your eyes out for these reliably delicious and traditional treats.

Mexican Street Snacks

1. Fresh Fruit Vendors
2. Chicharron
3. Duritos
4. Dorilocos
5. Papas
6. Paletas
7. Snack Cart
8. Tamarind Candies
9. Mangonada
10. La Molienda
11. Vero Mango
12. Slaps Lollipop
13. Mazapanes de la Rosa
14. Takis
15. Pepitoria
16. Churros

Fresh Fruit Vendors

My favourite treat is always found at the fruit vendors. Their food carts are always easy to spot as they feature vibrant red or striped umbrellas. Underneath, their glass front carts are filled with brightly coloured fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple and papaya.

After selecting what kind of fruit you want the vendor will ask you if you want the traditional toppings. This includes; lime, salt and chilli. I know what you’re going to say, “salt and chilli on fruit?!” and I know it sounds strange, but if you’ve never tried it, you need to try it at least once. The salt contrasts the sweet fruits so perfectly! And the hint of spice adds another level of flavour.

Another topping often drizzled on top of the fruit is chamoy. Chamoy is a savoury condiment made from pickled fruit. The flavour is salty, sweet, sour, and spiced with chilis. It’s wonderful and something you need to try at least once!

Chicharron

Chicharron can be found in two different varieties. One is a large piece of pigskin, which has been deep-fried. It looks like a giant piece of foam insulation, but I promise it’s more than edible. Chicharron also comes in a bite-size variety if you prefer not to eat one large piece. The fried skin is doused in chilli sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. (You’re starting to see a pattern with the lime and chilli aren’t you?)

Duritos

Duritos (not to be mixed up with Doritos) are pinwheel-shaped snacks. They are definitely the most adorable of all the Mexican Street Snacks. The treat is made from deep-frying a wheat-based batter into these cute little shapes. They are crunchy and very addictive. Top it with hot sauce and lime to crank up the flavour.

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Dorilocos

Also found at the chips stands is a dish called Dorilocos. This invention was actually made right here in Mexico City in recent years. It consists of a bag of Doritos sliced open and topped with various fresh ingredients. These can be anything from carrots, cucumber, peanuts, radishes, corn, and peanuts. Then you can add sauces like chamoy, Valentina and of course a fresh squeeze of lime. It’s eaten with a fork and looks like a chip salad!

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Papas

For something a little more simple, hit up the Papas stands. Papas are freshly made potato chips. There is really nothing like fresh potato chips and these really make bagged chips seem so sub-par. Once more, they are offered with a topping of hot sauce and lime if you want.

Paletas

On a hot day, the best thing you can get is a cool Paleta. These are frozen fruit bars made with fresh and natural ingredients. They are made with either milk or fruit juice base. You’ll often even find chunks of fresh fruit, like strawberry and mango, inside the pop. My favourite has got to the mango and chilli!

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Snack Cart

When I first walked around the Parque Mexico in La Condesa, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a man pushing a huge blue cart chock-a-block full of sweets and nuts. I have the world’s largest sweet tooth and couldn’t resist walking about to see what was on offer. I was a bit shy, as I didn’t know how to order. But after just pointing to a few items, he placed them in a bag and handed them over to me for what felt like pennies! The candies were mostly fresh, save for a few outliers, but more than worth what I paid.

You can also usually find some candies pre-packaged and, therefore, a set price. Easier for people who don’t speak much Spanish. We would pick these pre-packaged sweets up anytime we saw them, trying to get a taste of every different flavour. While the candies are the easiest to identify, you should try so many other things. Red chile plantains, cinnamon almonds, roasted pumpkin seeds and more can all be found on these carts!

Tamarind Candies

Mexico is known for their super unique candy. Found at busy parks you’ll always find lots of vendors selling brightly packaged sweets. If you’ve never tried Mexican candy before, you need to give them a try. They are all so cheap you don’t have much to lose. One of the most popular varieties is tamarin-based snacks. Look for brands like Tama-Roco, Pulparindo or Pelón Pelo Rico. For the most part, they contain a sweet tamarind paste combined with other flavours. Tamarind candy has a sweet and sour taste and I found it pretty addictive. There is also Salsaghetti which is watermelon candy in the shape of spaghetti noodles. And it comes with a packet of “sauce” which is, of course, made of more tamarind paste.

Mangonada

Often seen next to the prepackaged tamarind candies are empty plastic cups with a bright yellow straw covered in thick red paste. This is a Banderilla Tamarindo, a straw-covered in a sweet, spicy tamarind paste and rolled in chilli powder. They are used to drink the famous mangonadas that are sure to cool you down on a hot day! The mangonadas are made from fresh mangoes chopped into a puree. Then the purree is layered inside the cup with chamoy and topped with more fresh mango. As a final flourish, a sprinkling of Tajín (chilli lime salt) is added. All of this is drank through the huge Banderilla Tamarindo. It’s something you can only find in Mexico and a must-try if you see one!

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La Molienda

A simple yet delicious treat is the La Molienda. La Molienda is a coconut candy bar in the colours of the Mexican flag. An excellent choice for almost anyone but a real hit with kids. Plus, the fun colours make it all the most enjoyable to eat.

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Vero Mango

Perhaps the most famous Mexican candy is the Vero Mango. Vero Mango a mango-flavoured candy lollipop, in the shape of a mango. But as these candies can never just be that simple, the lolly is then covered in chile powder! The sweet and spicy balance out perfectly.

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Slaps Lollipop

Everywhere you look, you’ll see these colourful paddle-shaped lollies hanging off the street vendors’ umbrellas. Often held up by vibrant clothes pins. The flat lollipops are placed between plastic wrap as they are actually fairly malleable. They are called Slaps and are the Mexican version of a fruit roll-up. A sweet fruit leather made with pectin. To eat them correctly, once they are out of the plastic, wrap them around the stick like a lollipop or else you’re in for a mess! They taste just like a jolly-rancher.

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Mazapanes de la Rosa

Mazapanes de la Rosa are peanut-based sweets. They are famous for the fact that the crushed peanuts and sugar just crumble upon biting into the little disk. But that crumbly texture is also what makes them such a delight to eat. They are light, sweet and nutty. Absolutely delicious!

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Takis

Ok, now I know Takis has become popular out here in North America in recent years but for many Europeans or people who just might not have tried them before Takis are a must. Takis are a rolled corn tortilla chip known for the spciy and intense flavouring. There is something about corn chips that just hits different and I have to say, I prefer a Takis over Doritos any day! In Mexico there are lots more flavours than in the States so definitely keep your eye out for those unique tastes.

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Pepitoria

Pepitorias were one of my favourite discovering while visiting the historic Dulceria de Celaya candy shop in the Historic Centre. And I was thrilled to see after trying them that there were available all over at these street vendors. Pepitorias are made of crunchie wafers, in a rainbow of colours, and sandwiched between honey or caramel. They are then decorated with little pumpkin seeds that poke their heads out of the wafers. So cheap and so delicious!

Churros

While the trendy Churrería El Moro is known for the world’s best churros, and rightly so, that doesn’t mean it’s the only place where you can find them. Usually found on the weekends or holidays, churro vendors can either be found pushing their large cart of hot oil and dough or seen with their baskets of freshly made churros walking around the park. They are so cheap and really delicious even if they weren’t made right before your eyes. Covered in cinnamon sugar, they are a delight, and you won’t be able to stop eating at just one!

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I hope you enjoyed this little guide of my favourite Mexican Street Snacks. Let me know in the comments what your favourite street snacks were or any foods you want me to cover next!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Complete Guide to Mexican Street Snacks! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Truthfully, the answer isn’t simple. Some people might say no trip to Mexico City is complete without trying street food. Others will implore you to never even sample a single bite of anything on the street. And the truth, like most truths, falls somewhere in the middle.

I have never gotten food poisoning in Mexico City. But I HAVE had mild food poisoning in Lisbon, California and even in Canada, where I live! Travellers often get sick from new bacteria, which is a risk in any foreign country. Does that mean you should go right out and drink the tap water? No. But there are plenty of ways to keep safe while still enjoying yourself and indulging in local cuisine.

Table Of Contents

1. Eating TIPS
2. Foods to Avoid
3. What to do if you get Sick
   • Treating the Symptoms
   • When to go to the Doctor
4. Take a Street Food Tour
5. Handy Foodie Translations:
6. Where to Find Street Food?
7. Tips on How to Order
8. What To Eat for Breakfast
   • Fresh Orange Juice
   • Coconuts
   • Tamales
   • Elotes/Esquites
   • Tlacoyos
   • Tortas
   • Pan Dulce
9. Antojitos Mexicanos
   • Quesadillas
   • Sopes
   • Huarache
   • Gorditas 
   • Flautas and Taquitos
10. Snacks
    • Fruit and Chilli
    • Chips, Sweet and Chicharrónes
    • Dorilocos
11. Tacos
    • Tacos al Pastor
    • Barbacoa 
    • Carne Asada
    • Carnitas
    • Birria Tacos
    • Tacos de Canasta
12. Desserts
    • Churros

Eating TIPS

These are some of my key tips to follow to ensure you eat as safely as possible when going out in search of street food. Remember, there are always risks involved but if you follow these tips you’ll have the best chance of making it out without the rath of Montezuma!

• Eating in the morning ensures the food hasn’t been sitting out all day. Look for food that is being freshly cooked. Pre-cooked meat, sitting out on a hot stove, is how bacteria is formed.
• Look for stall where the cook isn’t the same person who handles the money. If there is only one staffer, see if they use a glove or plastic bag when touching cash or coins. Money is a bacteria playground.
• Always look out for busy stalls. This means people come back time and time again and mostly likely, haven’t gotten sick.
• Be sure to sanitize your hands before eating. Often it won’t even the food that made you sick but the bacteria from your hands.
• Many cooks will use their bare hands when cooking. You might be appauled they aren’t using gloves to cook but don’t be. If they wore gloves but also didn’t wash their hands it would be just as unhygenic. And you’d be surprised how many restaurants all over the world have chefs using their bare hands to make your food. So long as they’re clean, it’s absolutely fine.
• Before going on holiday take some immune boosters and probiotics for your gut health.
• Trust your gut. If you get a bad vibe or just can’t suss out if its safe or not, give it a miss. There are so many opportunities everywhere you go, don’t feel like you missed out if you decide to skip it.

Foods to Avoid

While there are plenty of foods you should try, there are also several things I would recommend avoiding. While others might encourage you to try it all, these things can easily be sampled elsewhere.

• I usually avoid Pico de Gallo and salsa at street food stalls. These salsas tend to sit out in the hot sun all day, and therefore are ripe for bacteria growth. Unless I can see either it being fresh made or some sort of refrigeration I usually give it a miss. And if you aren’t great with hot sauce, definitely avoid the salsa. Even the mild tends to knock the socks off some people.
• The same applies to the sour cream sauce or ‘cream,’ which is sometimes drizzled on top of tacos.
• Avoid washed, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Often it is the bacteria from the unfiltered water that could cause some stomach discomfort. This is most prominently an issue with salads, avoid those completely! I often eat the onions served with tacos as the onions are simply peeled and cut. Peeled fruit is another safe bet as it doesn’t need to be washed.
• Avoid Agua Frescas and Licuados. Aguas frescas are fruits based beverages mixed with sugar and water. In addition to fruits, these also could be flavoured with tamarind, hibiscus, and horchata. Licuados are similiar but are made with evaporated milk to give it a creamy taste. While they all look so delicious these could have been made with unfiltered water. Stick to ordering these in restaurants where you can easily ask the staff if they are made with potable water.
• If you are really hesitant you can always avoid the uncooked veg and meats. A cheesy gordita is almost always a safe bet.

What to do if you get Sick

Even if you follow all these tips, you might get sick. Perhaps with Montezuma’s revenge or even just with a touch of an upset stomach from overeating. They call traveller’s diahrea ‘Montezuma’s revenge,’ caused by drinking the local water or eating foods containing E. Coli bacterium. The sickness is seen as “retribution” for the Spanish’s slaughter and enslavement of the Aztec people.

Treating the Symptoms

Traveller’s diarrhea usually lasts from 3 to 7 days and is rarely life-threatening. Symptoms include abrupt onset of diarrhea, Fever, Nausea and vomiting, Bloating, Malaise (weakness or discomfort), Explosive and painful gas, Stomach cramps, Loss of appetite. I am always sure to pack antidiarrheal medication, which is often the worse part of the sickness. Pepto-Bismol and Tums are also great to help soothe the symptoms. I am also sure to pack Hydralyte packets that help restore lost electrolytes. If you are especially worried, you can go to a travel doctor who will prescribe you some antidiarrheal medication that is stronger than the over-the-counter options.

When to go to the Doctor

If none of these work for you and the symptoms worsen, you should immediately get yourself to a doctor. In Mexico City, many large chain pharmacies have doctors inside. These doctors can see you almost immediately and either prescribe some medication there on the spot or send you to the hospital if it is serious enough. Medical treatments in Mexico are generally fairly inexpensive but having traveller’s insurance will help cover these unforeseen circumstances.

Take a Street Food Tour

If, after all these tips, you’re still hesitant, take a street food tour! Street food tours are an amazing opportunity to have a local guide you around to tried and true places. These staple stops in their community have been vetted, and the guides know them to be hygenic and delicious.

Handy Foodie Translations:

Where to Find Street Food?

Why the street, of course? But it’s true, finding the perfect area to indulge in everything on this list is virtually impossible. There are definitely some areas where the vendors converge. But for the most part, it’s one of the joys of travelling to discover your favourite stalls. But here is a shortlist of some surefire spots where you can almost always find quality street food.

Local tianguis

Your local tianguis is always an excellent opportunity to try some fantastic street vendors. A tianguis is an open-air market held on certain market days. These markets are a tradition that has its roots well into the pre-Hispanic period and continues almost unchanged into the present day. La Condesa’s Tuesday Tianguis is my personal number one pick!

Markets

The Mercado Medellín in Roma Sud is another hot spot for the street vendors that surround the outer edges f the marketplace. Any street food around a market is sure to have the freshest ingredients as they would have been purchased just next door inside the market.

If you want to find a place with all the best Antojitos Mexicanos inside the Antojitos Mexicanos Market Juanita in Coyoacan. Inside the red brick, arches is a small open-air room which a series of stalls around the edges serving the best Mexican bites. Everything here is made fresh and on the spot and a very reliable place to check out!

Popular Streets

Puebla Street in Roma Norte has a large confluence of incredible street vendors. As they seem to congregate on the edges of this new trendy community, they tend to have a better edge of trendy and popular food.

If you walk south of Alameda Central, head down Calle Lopez until you reach Vizcainas Street. On this corner, there are several permanent stalls that serve up the cities best tacos!

Early in the morning, on the corner of Alfonso Reyes and Av. Tamaulipas in La Condesa, you’ll find the most popular Torta de Chilaques vendor in all of the city. People start lining up even before the stall has arrived, and by midday, everything will be gone. Show up to the corner in the morning and just get in line; you won’t be disappointed.

Parks

Walking around some of the cities most popular parks is a great way to come across street vendors. My favourites are Alameda Central in the Historic Centra, Parque México in La Condea, Alameda de Santa María in Colonia Santa María la Ribera, and ofcourse, the great Bosque de Chapultepec.

Tips on How to Order

Most street food vendors will not speak much English, so don’t come expecting them to cater to you. But also, don’t let that scare you away. Street food stalls are always plastered with signage, so it’s easy to see what’s available and how much it costs. Using this guide, you’ll be able to learn the words for the various must-have dishes. 

Always greet them with cheery Buenos días, Buenas tardes, or Buenas noches, depending on what time of day it is. A smile goes a long way. Simply point to the item on the grill or even the sign which advertises the dish. If you don’t want something, just point at that item and say sin (without.) And always say por favor (please.)

Cash is the only way to pay, so be sure you have some on hand. Never come with big bills and if possible try to have exact change. Usually, if you are eating several things, you settle up after you are finished eating. Unless you are taking something to eat elsewhere, it’s typical and considered polite to pay at the end. Just follow what the locals are doing, and you’ll get the drift.

Often street food stalls serve the food on a plate covered in plastic wrap to eat on top of. When you’re done, simply hand the plate back to the cashier. Each plate is “cleaned” by removing the plastic, and a new sheet is placed on top for the next customer.

What To Eat for Breakfast

Fresh Orange Juice

There is nothing better than freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice in the morning. Now, unfiltered water is a sure-fire way to catch Montezuma’s revenge. But freshly squeezed fruits, made right in front of your eyes, are a safe bet! The perfect way to enjoy a morning beverage without worrying about any contamination. I always ask for a fresh one if I see some pre-made ones sitting out just in case.

Coconuts

Another beverage you can safely drink is from the coconut vendors. These are less frequently found, but don’t hesitate to run after him down the street if you see one. The vendors will slice open a fresh coconut for you to drink the sweet nectar within. And don’t worry, you won’t need to lug around the entire coconut. The vendor will pour the liquid into a tall and thin plastic bag. He then inserts a long straw to take your drink on the go.

Tamales

Stepping out of your hotel in the morning, you are frequently greeted by a series of the same sounds. There are the street sweepers, cleaning the many fallen leaves from the surrounding tree. The recycling collectors with their repetitive announcements playing over loudspeakers on top of their car. And then there are the melodic sounds of the cycling tamales vendors. Tamales have been eaten in Mexico since as far back as 8000 BC! It is like biting into a piece of history. Tamales are made by taking dried corn husks and stuffing them full of corn masa, cheese, chicken or pork. The filling is often topped with salsa or, in some cases, mole and cooked in the corn husk casing.

Tamales are the perfect handheld food. Therefore, a great choice in the morning to enjoy on your walk to work. Or, in our case, a walk around the neighbourhood. Best of all, no waste! Just throw away the corn husk, and it will biodegrade in no time. But yes, please be sure to throw it away in a garbage bin and not on the ground!

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Elotes/Esquites

One of my favourite ways to warm up on a chilly morning is with a cup of Esquites. Elote and Esquites are made with either regular yellow corn or the thicker hominy variety. Usually, it’s easy to tell the difference as the hominy is like corn kernels on steroids. The ingredients in the dish are the same whether you get an elote or an esquites. It is simply how it is served that is the main difference. Elote is served on the cob of corn itself, whereas esquites are served off the cob in a cup. Both are topped with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, salt and usually a sprinkling of chilli. It’s messy, and it’s delicious!

I usually advise people to opt for an elote as they tend to be more consistently fresh. Whereas the esquites can often just boil away for hours. The bad ones can be rather unpleasant, but keep trying until you find a reliable vendor. And since they only cost a dollar you won’t need to worry about losing out too much.

Tlacoyos

When I first came to Mexico City, I was enthralled with these blue corn, oval-shaped lumps of dough. Groups of women would hover over their hot grills every morning like a coven of good witches. I learned that these were called Tlacoyos, and the grill was, in fact, called a comal. Like so many street foods, this dish has pre-Hispanic origins. The word tlacoyo is derived from the Nahuatl word tlahtlaōyoh, which means snack or appetizer.

A tlacoyo is made with blue corn masa and stuffed with pork, cheese or beans. And my favourite, sliced nopales. Nopales are cactus paddles usually cut into fine strips and folded into the tlacoyo. They have a bit of a crunchy texture and sour taste resembling asparagus or okra. I love the bite it leans to the dish and how it completely transforms the flavours around it.

Tortas

Tortas are another popular breakfast item you’ll see being made on the street every morning in Mexico City. A torta is essentially a HUGE breakfast sandwich. The key ingredient in the torta is the bread. Specifically a bolillo roll. This is the Mexican version of crusty french bread. A rigid exterior melded with a light and fluffy interior. The bun is sliced open and filled with a myriad of different toppings. 

Tortas de Chilaquiles

Tortas de Chilaquiles is a popular variation found mainly in Mexico City. Chilaquiles on their own is a fantastic breakfast option but usually found in restaurants. Chilaquiles consist of a plate of tortilla chips doused in green or red chilli sauce. Then they are topped with a fried egg, cheese and sliced green onions. Most of the time, this dish requires a fork and spoon to eat. So, to create an on-the-go version, inventive vendors simply put the entirety of the dish inside the hearty bolillo roll. And there you have it; Tortas de Chilaquiles!

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Torta Cubano

You’ll also often see signs on the street for the Torta Cubano. The Torta Cubano is stuffed to bursting with ingredients. Despite the name, the sandwich has little to do with Cuba. In the 1950s, a cook opened his restaurant on the Calle Republica de Cuba in the historic centre. He made a name for himself, selling his tortas stuffed with a multitude of different meats he was trying to use up at the end of the day. The dish caught on and goes by the name of the street in which it was first invented!

Today a Torta Cubano still is served with a pile of meat. It can be a combination of roasted pork, chorizo, carne asada, ham and beef. Then it is further topped with lots of cheese and grilled veggies. Every vendor makes his a bit differently, his own particular recipe or whatever meat was on offer that day. These Tortas are a BIG MEAL! So ome with a BIG appetite.

Pan Dulce

Early in the morning, you’ll see vendors peddling around town hauling huge plastic bags or baskets full of fresh pastries. These are called Pan Dulce which means “sweet breads”. The vendors also tend to pull along with them a huge orange thermos filled with fresh coffee. The variety of pastries changes based on what’s available that day. These pastries are a sure-fire option if you’d squeamish about street food. They are very cheap so if you see someone riding by, be sure to stop them! Often the pastries are from local, well-established bakeries. So despite the understated appearance, these tend to be extremely tasty!

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Antojitos Mexicanos

Many a street stall will feature the words “Antojitos Mexicanos” in large lettering. Below this, there will usually be a smaller menu featuring a list of the available options. Antojitos Mexicanos translates as “little cravings.” Just a little something to tide you over until dinnertime. The list of items found on an Antijitos truck is enormous. But usually, they are all made from generally the same set of ingredients but assembled a bit differently. Antojitos Mexicanos are a great option if you don’t eat meat and have a bit of experience speaking Spanish. You can easily ask for the meat to be left out. And because many of the dishes contain beans you’ll still get a nice and filling snack.

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Quesadillas

One of the most popular items you think you might be familiar with is the quesadillas. But authentic quesadillas are not exactly what you might expect. Authentic quesadillas are indeed made with a folder tortilla but not automatically filled with cheese. In fact, unless you order the queso quesadilla, you probably won’t get any cheese.

Instead, the tortilla is slathered in a layer of guisado (meat stew.) Then the tortilla is grilled or fried. The stew can be made of anything and sometimes contains meat offcuts such as tongue, cheek, eyes, nose, stomach. If you want to avoid the guisado, you can opt to order the polo (chicken), queso (cheese) or even champignons (mushrooms). While you might start with something more familiar I definitely recommend trying the guisado at least once.

My favourite variety, though, is the deep-fried quesadilla. There is something about biting into that crunchy exterior to discover that soft stew inside that is so hypnotizing. Often vendors top the fried quesadillas with shredded Lechuga (lettuce). The lettuce should be avoided as it could have been washed in unfiltered water. Simply ask for it sin Lechuga (without lettuce.)

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Sopes

Sopes are made with thick corn masa dough. They are placed onto the hot comal and pressed into a round shape with pinched edges. Then the fillings or guisado are spooned inside the edges. It’s almost like an edible plate! Sometimes the dough is made with crushed beans, so you get this very savoury tasting dough.

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Huarache

The only big difference between a sope and a huarache is the shape. Huarache translates into “sandal,” which is the shape the dough is formed to resemble. Once crispy, the dough is topped with beans, meat, salsa and cotija. Same deal applies to the lettuce.

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Gorditas 

Gorditas are made with the same dough as the sopes and huaraches. But instead of placing the filling on top, the filling is placed within. Gorditas are shaped into smaller but thick, circular disks and fried up on the comal. After cooking, they are left on the edge of the grill to be kept warm. Once ordered, the cook will grab a hot gordita, slice it open, and fill the interior with meat, salsa, cilantro, and onion. You can also have a deep-fried gordita where they stuff the filling inside first and then fry it up.

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Flautas and Taquitos

Flautas and Taquitos are two of my favourite Antijitos as they are actually bite-sized. So they won’t fill you up too much. The two dishes are very similar, consisting of a small tortilla filled with shredded chicken or beef. The tortilla is rolled up like a cigar and fried until crispy. They can then be topped with shredded lettuce or cabbage, crema, cojita cheese and guacamole. The main difference is that Flautas are made with a slightly larger flour tortilla. While Taquitos are made with smaller-sized corn tortillas.

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Snacks

Fruit and Chilli

My favourite afternoon sweet treat is always found at the fruit vendors. Their food carts are always easy to spot as they feature vibrant red or striped umbrellas. Underneath, their glass cabinets are filled with brightly coloured fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple and papaya.

After selecting what kind of fruit you want the vendor will ask you if you want the traditional toppings. This includes; lime, salt and chilli. I know what you’re going to say, “salt and chilli on fruit?!” and I know it sounds strange, but if you’ve never tried it, you need to try it at least once. The salt contrasts the sweet fruits so perfectly! And the hint of spice adds another level of flavour.

Another topping often drizzled on top of the fruit is chamoy. Chamoy is a savoury condiment made from pickled fruit. The flavour is salty, sweet, sour, and spiced with chilis. It’s wonderful and something you need to try at least once!

Chips, Sweet and Chicharrónes

Often found while walking through parks and plazas are the huge stalls and carts covered in various chips, nuts and sweets. These stalls are so vibrant they also pull you in towards them. There is usually a combination of freshly made chips in plain plastic bags and brand-name chips in their neon packaging. In addition to the chips, they also carry tall bags stuffed full of Chicharrónes. Chicharrón are fried pork rinds; they are wonderfully crispy, full of flavour and naturally salted. To amp up your afternoon snack, most stalls will also offer to cover your chips in lime, chilli and sometimes salsa!

Dorilocos

Also found at the chips stands is a dish called Dorilocos. This invention was actually made right here in Mexico City in recent years. It consists of a bag of Doritos sliced open and topped with various fresh ingredients. These can be anything from carrots, cucumber, peanuts, radishes, corn, and peanuts. Then you can add sauces like chamoy, Valentina and of course a fresh squeeze of lime. It’s eaten with a fork and looks like a chip salad!

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Tacos

By far the most popular thing people come to Mexico City in search of are tacos! There are so many different varieties and most than I could list here. But I’ve done my best to lay out the most popular varieties to find in street stalls all over the city.

Tacos al Pastor

Taco al pastor or “shepherd style” tacos are made from spit-grilled pork. The dish was created after Lebanese immigrants introduced shawarma to Mexicans. The pork is marinaded in adobada (red chile) paste and spit-roasted with a giant pineapple placed on top. When served, it is accompanied by sliced onions, cilantro, and the all-important roasted pineapple. Added to give it that hint of sweetness. Taco al pastor is my favourite kind of taco, and there is no visit to Mexico City without trying them.

Barbacoa 

Barbacoa is an elusive taco as it is usually only available in street stalls on the weekend. The word Barbacoa translates into Barbeque as the meat is made from a long and slow braising method. These tacos are usually made of sheep as this is the most traditional meat for Barbacoa. It is only available on the weekends because the process takes all week to ensure the meat is perfectly cooked. The method of preparation dates all the way back to pre-Columbian times. They begin by digging a hole in the ground and covering it with heated stones. The stones heat the hole for an entire day before the core temperate is hot enough to cook the meat.

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After this, the prepared sheep is wrapped in maguey leaves. The leaves give the meat insulation from the hot stones and also flavour the meat while it cooks. The oven is then covered in the same leaves and a layer of earth. A fire is lit on top, and the meat is left to cook for around 12 hours or more. The result is incredible and not to be missed if you spot it!

Carne Asada

Carne Asada tacos are made from freshly grilled beef. The dish comes from the Sonoran province of Mexico, where they have large rattle ranches. The flap steak or short loin cuts are grilled over hot charcoal giving it that iconic char-grilled flavour. These tacos are also called Al Carbon after the carbon or “charcoal” they are cooked with.

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Carnitas

Carnitas are another popular variety made from fatty pork shoulder. Instead of being grilled, this meat is made by cooking the pork in its own fat. The pork is marinated in orange and garlic and cooked for a long time on low heat. Once cooked, it is chopped up finely, as carnitas translate to “little bits of meat.”

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Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos are made from a stew of marinated goat meat. The stew is slathered over a corn tortilla with onions, cilantro and salsa. It is then often paired with a cup of consomé or the broth from the stew. You can either just sip on this or dunk your tacos into the broth, almost like a french dip sandwich. Many locals eat Birria Tacos as a cure for their hangovers so you’ll often see these stands out in the morning.

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Tacos de Canasta

Tacos de Canasta are a popular cheap snack in Mexico City. The term Tacos de Canasta translates into “Tacos of the basket,” which is precisely what they are. Walking around busy areas of town, you might spot men and women with large cloth-covered baskets filled with steaming tacos. There is no kitchen on wheels, just premade tacos stuffed into baskets. On the backs of their bikes are often small jars of toppings to add to the “sweaty tacos”. These aren’t my favourite as I can’t get behind the slightly moist tortillas. But they are incredibly inexpensive and a very Mexico City thing to eat.

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Desserts

Churros

Churros are a late-night snack to keep your eyes out for. A churro is an iconic Mexican pastry that resembles a doughnut. It is made by deep-frying unsweetened dough in super hot oil. It is then sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon. They come in both straight and spiral varieties. The fancier versions you might find in restaurants usually come with a dipping sauce on the side. But the street versions typically have the fillings pipped inside the hollow center to make for an easy on-the-go snack. The most commonly found filling is chocolate, but you might also see dulce de leche, strawberry and vanilla.

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In the end, if you are worried about street food making you sick, don’t stress yourself out. There are hundreds of excellent restaurants in this city. In many of them, you’ll be able to try a variation of street food in what may feel like a more comfortable environment. But always be aware that food poisoning can get you anywhere; it’s not exclusive to street food or Mexico City. Follow my advice and start slowly. Soon you’ll be running down the street to catch your favourite tamale vendor before they run out before 9 am!

Let me know in the comment what your favourite street food city is or what dish from this list you’re most looking forward to trying.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Ultimate Mexico City Street Food Guide: Dive into the Delicious first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

There are plenty of food tours of this area, but it’s easy to do it yourself. While going with a guide is a great way to ask questions and learn more from a local’s perspective, doing it on your own means it’s up to you to find your way around and interact with the locals. A map of all the locations can be found at the bottom of this post, so it’s easy to get from place to place.

The Best Street Food in Asakusa

1. Access
2. History of Nakamise Street
3. #1. Kibi Dango
4. #2. Asakusa Kagetsudo
5. #3. Asakusa Kurikoan
6. #4. Sekine
7. #5. Iriyama Senbei
8. #6. Asakusa Menchi
9. #7. Toyofuku Curry Bread
10. #8. Umezono
11. #9. Kimura Ningyōyaki
12. #10. Age Manju

Access

To make your way to Nakamise street, just take the metro to Asakusa station by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line. Look for signs in English for “Nakamise Street,” and you’ll pop out right in front of the Karimon Gate, the entrance to Nakamise street.

History of Nakamise Street

Nakamise Street is over 100 years old and 250 meters long. The name means “inside street,” as the road is technically located within the temple grounds. These days the shops mainly sell different types of souvenirs. Although you might seem dubious about buying anything here since it looks like a tourist trap, the prices here were more than reasonable! These shops have offered traditional Japanese handicrafts for over a hundred years. So don’t be afraid to pick something up! I’m not saying you’ll get the best deal, but by no means are you paying top dollar. But what you’re really here for is the FOOD! And there is plenty of it.

#1. Kibi Dango

Start your street food adventure with Kibi Dango! This place serves up freshly made sweet and savoury Dango! Dango is a mini round mochi ball (made from pounded out rice) which is topped with various different toppings. The most popular and traditional are the powdered soybean ones, which are perfectly sweet without being overpowering. Grab a cup of green tea to go alongside for the perfect combo.
Price: A pack of 5 dango is ¥330 and the green tea will run you ¥100

#2. Asakusa Kagetsudo

Asakusa Kagetsudo is a to-go place for the infamous melon pan (melon bread). This store has been open since 1945 and is so popular that its house is “open till sold out.” And trust me, it happens quicker than you think. If you stop here mid-afternoon, you’ll be sorry to find that “closed” sign posted on their shudders. Melon-pan is a sweet bread that doesn’t have any melon in it but is named as such because its outer, later once baked, resembles the texture of a melon. The bread is delicious but even better when served with ice cream in the centre in the summertime.
Price: ¥200

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#3. Asakusa Kurikoan

Head to Asakusa Kurikoan for their soft and warm Taiyaki filled with premium matcha cream. Taiyaki is a popular Japanese treat made with a pancake-like batter poured into a mould in the shape of a cute fish. It’s then filled with a variety of fillings like chocolate, vanilla custard or the best of them all, matcha!Price: ¥176

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#4. Sekine

Head off from the main street towards Sekine for some hot and fresh dumplings! Sekine serves up Nikuman, soft buns filled with pork and vegetables. These are incredibly big and filling, so if you’re planning to hit up all the different places on this list, you can easily split one between two people if you’re not a huge eater.
Price: ¥260

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#5. Iriyama Senbei

Iriyama Senbei, located down the street from Sekine, is a nice and light contrast to the heavy, rich buns. This shop has been open for over 100 years, serving classic senbei rice crackers. Made from rice mixed with sugar and syrup, it is flattened into a dough-like texture and then cut into perfect circles. This shop ages the dough for three days in the sun before they’re broiled over top of some burning coals to cook, giving them a distinct roasted flavour.

What makes these so popular on this street is that legend has it that the senbei were invented in Asakusa and first sold right here under the Thunder Gate. There are dozens of flavours of crackers, from sweet, to savoury to super spicy. My favourite was the sweetened seaweed which had a lovely taste but a Price: beautiful colour from the crispy seaweed. These crackers are a little pricier than the other ones on the main street, but they are thick and much deeper in flavour than their skinnier cousins.
Price: ¥130 per cracker

#6. Asakusa Menchi

Up the street, along a quiet lane, you’ll find my two absolute favourite things to eat! The first is menchi-katsu, a fried meat croquette served up piping hot! This place gets quiet in the queue around lunchtime as the shop is no more than one meter wide, but the line moves quickly as they dole out the crispy treats.
Price: ¥200

#7. Toyofuku Curry Bread

Toyofuku Curry Bread serves up crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, curry pan. Curry pan can be found all over Japan and is fried bread filled with different flavours of curry. You can choose spicy or non-spicy, although my preference and recommendation would be the spicy version. The bread crisps up so nicely that these great puffs of fried dough dot the exterior of the treat. These are especially good if you’re visiting on a cold day!
Price: ¥290

#8. Umezono

One of the oldest shops on the street is Umezono, which has been open since 1854! They make traditional Japanese sweets, which can be viewed in a display case outside the shop. These plastic treats in the window are exquisitely painted and look almost more authentic than the real thing. The inside has a cafe where you can sit down to eat, but we’re here for street food, and their most popular offering is the dorayaki. 

Dorayaki is a soft pancake dessert made of two patties wrapped around a filling of sweet Azuki red bean paste. You can get these in convenience stores all over Japan, but the fresh and delicate textures in this shop differ from what you’ll find. They have a seasonal filling of mashed sweet potato and chestnut during the fall, which is UNBELIEVABLE!
Price: ¥218

#9. Kimura Ningyōyaki

Another take on the sweet batter filled with the red bean can be found at Kimura Ningyōyaki. This shop makes Ningyo Yaki, or “doll cake,” a sweet cake filled with sweet red beans. But this time, the batter is formed into the shape of a bird, a cat, an anime or cartoon character or even a geisha doll. This shop’s kitchen has a window on the street where you can watch the cooks make the pastries at world-record speeds!
Price: ¥500 for 7

#10. Age Manju

Our last stop on tour is at Age Manju. This shop has some of the most friendly old ladies working there I’ve ever met. We might not have been able to speak the same language, but they chatted with me for a while as I chowed down on a few different of their offerings. “Age” means deep-fried, and “Manju” is a Japanese snack, typically mochi stuffed with a particular filling. This shop has over a dozen different flavours, but my favourite HAS to be the Sakura. It is cherry blossom flavoured and even wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf for extra authenticity.
Price: ¥120-200

The post The Top 10 Most Delicious Street Foods you MUST EAT in Asakusa, Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. 1. Don't believe everything you hear about the crime
2. 2. The Altitude
3. 3. Street Food is Delicious, but do keep away from the water
4. 4. Buildings are a virtual living rainbow of colours
5. 5. Ubers are convenient, cheap and clean
6. 6. IT'S SO GREEN!
7. 7. People are so Friendly!
8. 8. The city really is THAT BIG
9. 9. Learn Spanish!
10. 10. Always carry Tissues & Hand sanitizer

1. Don’t believe everything you hear about the crime

There is so much out there in the media about Mexico which is either just plain untrue, exaggerated or even just circumstantial. Sure, there is crime, but you’ll find crime in any big city. I think shows like ‘Narcos‘ and everything being said in the US media about Mexico has vastly, and falsely, influenced people’s opinions about Mexico. Don’t rely on what you hear, instead of doing the research about safety for yourself.

Although other areas of Mexico are under travel advisories and warnings, Mexico City is not under any travel restrictions. What we learnt when visiting is that crime in the city, especially that related to tourism (IE., pick-pocketing, financial kidnapping and taxi scams) has been vastly reduced over the years.

Unfortunately for the country, crime in Mexico is more gang-related, and therefore there is less petty theft. So if you stick to areas of town you know aren’t a problem, you shouldn’t experience any issues. We never felt unsafe in the tourist areas. And the increased police presence throughout the city, enforced by their new president, always makes you feel at ease. I felt much more unsafe in Barcelona than I ever did in Mexico City.

Tips to Keep Safe

That doesn’t mean you should travel without a care in the world. Keep your wits about you, and be mindful of your surroundings. And always keep an eye on valuable items. We spent some time researching which areas to avoid and the safest areas to stay in. That way, even at night, we knew we were sticking to the safest areas of the city. Neighbourhoods like La Condesa, Roma, Polanco and Coyoacan are amazing neighbourhoods to explore day or night. While the Historic Centre is great to visit during the day, at night, everything closes down. And it’s a bit of a dead zone, so even if it’s safe, it does feel a bit eerie. Areas like Tepito, Doctores, Ciudad Neza, and Iztapalapa should be avoided. Just like you probably have areas in your own hometowns which you avoid as well.

2. The Altitude

Mexico City is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft)! That’s over 600 meters more than in Denver, which sits at an altitude of 1,560 meters! But what does this really mean? Many people don’t even consider the altitude when choosing Mexico City as a destination. And some of them are never any the wiser. For other people, they might experience altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can range from something as subtle as feeling more tired than usual. To full-on bouts of severe exhaustion, nausea, headaches and vertigo.

As someone who has experienced severe migraines and vertigo before in their life, I wanted nothing to do with this altitude sickness. While there is no way to know if you’ll be at risk (there is no correlation between altitude sickness and physical fitness, for instance), there are some things you can do to prevent it if you’re worried. One is just to ensure that you’re properly hydrated before landing. Avoiding salty food, eating carbs and maybe avoiding excess alcohol for the first few days.

Prescriptions for Altitude Sickness

I went ahead and visited my local travel doctor before leaving. I got a prescription for Acetazolamide, which is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. My doctor said it wasn’t absolutely necessary since the altitude is just below the number where you’d usually be prescribed the medication. But since I wanted peace of mind I went ahead with the prescription. I am happy to report, I felt zero symptoms of altitude sickness!

The best thing is to know what to expect, how to prevent it and what to do if you get sick. If you do get sick, REST is BEST! Sleep it off and continue to drink lots and lots of bottled water. And in a day, you’ll have acclimatized to the altitude, and you’ll be ready to take on the city.

3. Street Food is Delicious, but do keep away from the water

Mexico City has some of the best food I’ve eaten anywhere in the world. And did I avoid eating on the streets? No, I did not. Street food is just as delicious as some of the food I got in fancy restaurants. And avoiding this iconic piece of Mexican cuisine would be like visiting Paris and not eating a baguette. And while street food is delicious, you do need to be careful about what you’re eating and who you’re eating it from.

If you’re choosing to get anything to drink from a street vendor make sure it’s always without ice. You can ask for no ice by simply saying ‘sin hielo‘. If you’re looking to get an Agua Fresca (drinks made with water and fruit) make sure you ask them if it’s made with purified water or ‘Agua Pura‘. If you see bottles of purified water behind the counter, you’ll be fine. But if you see any water coming directly from a pail of water in an unidentified container, I would skip it altogether.

Don’t Drink Unpurified Water

Unpurified water is one of the most common ways that people get sick in Mexico City. And it’s not just drinking the water which can get you sick. Eating raw food which has been washed in unpurified water is another big culprit. Many people avoid salads for this exact reason. Something which I was concerned about was raw cilantro and onions on my tacos and guacamole. I took the risk and went ahead and ate all this. And was totally fine. But I did choose to avoid things like lettuce since I knew this veggie is always washed in water before serving.

Another popular street treat sold all over the city are containers of fresh fruits. In most cases, these fruits have been peeled or had their outer casing removed with a knife. That means they are fine to eat since no water was involved. I would make sure that the fruit hasn’t been sitting out too long since this might expose the food to disease-carrying insects. And airborne bacteria. It’s always good to ask for a fresh sliced mango, pineapple or papaya instead of one that has been sitting out in the sun.

Eat what the locals eat

Another tip for eating street food and not getting sick is to try to eat what the locals eat. Searching for something that is very Americanized might mean it’s actually quite unpopular with the locals. And therefore not very fresh. Look for long lines, study what the locals are ordering, and just go for it! You probably won’t get sick, and even if you don’t know what you ordered, street food in Mexico is so cheap it’s always worth trying something new!

Timing is Key

Be sure to eat when the locals eat. If the locals are eating at noon, try to match their schedule. Even if it means lining up, you know you’ll get the freshest food. One piece of advice that you might hear all the time is to avoid sauces. This is because most sauces are kept at room temperature meaning they’re more susceptible to bacteria. But if you’re visiting Mexico, you’ll know that sauces are everything! Salsa isn’t just that tomato-based condiment you find in the US. Salsa actually just means ‘sauce’ in Spanish. It’s a term for everything from pico de gallo to guacamole. And trust me they’re all delicious and all need to be sampled.

My best piece of advice for avoiding getting sick with sauces is just to take a good look at it. See if it looks fresh or looks a bit off. The smaller the container it’s in, the better. Because that means they’re replenishing it more frequently. Either with a large container kept in the fridge or made a new batch fresh.

What to do if you get Sick?

In the end, you could follow all this advice and more, and you still might end up getting sick. Just by pure coincidence. Although having travellers’ diarrhea might be pretty awful in the moment, it would be an even greater waste to go to a country like Mexico and not sample some of their amazing local cuisine. So what do you do if you do get sick? It’s always worth visiting a travel doctor before you leave for vacation. They’ll make sure that all your shots are up-to-date. And also give you some medication which can help prevent travellers’ diarrhea. This means that even if you happen to ingest a little bit of bacteria, you might be able to handle it better than if you had not had this medication. It’s a touch pricey, but I highly recommend it.

Your doctor might also prescribe you some prescription diarrhea medication as well as some rehydration tablets. These are all great to have on hand to help you recover should you get sick. I also always carry some probiotics, digestive enzymes, activated charcoal and ginger tea. No matter where I’m travelling.Just in case I, or my travel companions, get sick. Mint or ginger tea is a great remedy that you can find in most cafes in Mexico City, perfect for even a tiny stomach bug.

4. Buildings are a virtual living rainbow of colours

Before arriving in Mexico City, I had heard about all the colourful buildings and streets which cover the landscape. But I never really understood just how astoundingly vivid it could be until I saw it for myself. Even when we were flying into the city, I peered out of the airplane window and was mesmerized by how bright and eccentric the buildings looked. Even from high above the city. It looks like a kind of patchwork quilt of colours and patterns. Everywhere you go, even in some of the poorer neighbourhoods, you’ll see fantastical coloured buildings. There is also incredible hand-painted signs, artistic murals on every street corner and even the cars and buses are just as vibrant as the city around it.

An artists’ collective known as the German Crew even transformed the working-class “barrio” of Las Palmitas into a giant, colorful mural. In an effort to change its gritty image. And it worked! There was a reduction in crime in those areas as people felt more pride in their neighbourhood. And actively wanted to make it a better place to live. It’s amazing what a little bit of colour can do.

You can wander the streets for hours and hours and never get sick of seeing these unbelievable paintings along the way. When planning a trip, sometimes you’re so focused on visiting sites and museums or famous landmarks that you forget that a simple wander down a few side streets might be just as meaningful.

5. Ubers are convenient, cheap and clean

If you’re one of those people that is really concerned about safety, one of the greatest inventions to calm your mind is Uber! Uber moved into Mexico City only a few years ago. And it’s value to both tourists and locals alike is unmatched. Taxis are notorious for either changing their fares along the way to unsuspecting tourists. And rumours of taxi kidnappings were prevalent in the 90s. This is when a taxi driver would drive you to a location and basically just force you to pay an exorbitant sum to get you to where you really wanted to go. Although those cases are rare nowadays, it was definitely a scar on Mexico City’s reputation. One that often puts off tourists from visiting. Uber solves a myriad of these problems. You know exactly what you’re going to pay upfront, and can see where you’re headed. As well a look at the reviews of your driver.

Using Uber in CDMX

Also, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier since you can input the address yourself. We took Ubers absolutely everywhere. From door to door we had nothing but incredible experiences. We would chat with the drivers who spoke some English. And even tried our best to chat with the drivers in Spanish. They were always so kind and in a city where the traffic is as hectic as Mexico City, we felt they were all great drivers. The cars were clean, had charging cords for phones, and a bottle of water to cool off on hot days.

The traffic in Mexico City is just as bad as you hear. But don’t let that detract you from enjoying the city. Traffic, when you’re in an Uber, can be an added bonus. It allows you to see lots of parts of the city you might otherwise miss. We thought of it as a free sightseeing bus tour. Just make sure to leave with plenty of wiggle room in your schedule, as traffic can come out of nowhere.

Uber Pricing

And if you’re wondering about the price, Ubers are super cheap! Most of our rides were less than $4 USD. Even from the airport, our trip was less than $15 USD. While the metro in Mexico City is incredibly cheap, (around $.30 US), there are differing opinions about its safety. I’m sure some people have no issues. But even locals do warn tourists that they should be careful when riding. So if you’re like me and you like to enjoy the scenery around you as you travel, I highly recommend sticking with Uber.

6. IT’S SO GREEN!

Something I heard over and over before visiting Mexico City was about the pollution. And look, there is pollution. Every day we were there I would check my weather app. And there was definitely a high level of smog in the air. Even when we flew into the city, we could see the smog as we cruised down from the clouds. But was this something that I noticed day to day? No, not at all. And the reason why? The parks! Everywhere we seemed to go, they were palm trees as high as the eye could see. Lush tropical plants sprawl out over everything, covering not only just the parks but the side streets, the avenues and even on street corners.

Mexico City is home to Chapultepec Park, the largest city park in the western hemisphere, measuring over 686 hectares! They call this park the lungs of the city. As it pumps fresh oxygen into the valley of Mexico. But in addition to this park, the city has made huge efforts is creating greenspaces all over the city. To help combat the pollution. And it’s working. The air felt fresh in most of the places in the city that we went to. And by walking in the shade of the trees, even during the hottest time of the day, you never felt uncomfortable.

7. People are so Friendly!

For a country that often gets associated with crime and violence, I have to say, everyone I met or interacted with was nothing but kind, happy and helpful. People went out of their way at times to help us out. Be it with directions or even navigating a menu we couldn’t read. When we attended a busy Lucha Libre show, our friend dropped their phone down the seat risers. And our group couldn’t retrieve it. When the show was over, a huge group of locals all joined together to help us disassembled the risers. And got her phone back. It was a really sweet show of support from a bunch of strangers. Just one example of how everyone went out of their way to show visitors kindness.

8. The city really is THAT BIG

Mexico City is ranked the 5th largest city in the world! Over 21 million people live within its borders. Having been to the #1 spot on this list, Tokyo, we felt very prepared for the density and size. But for anyone who hasn’t visited one of these megacities, prepare yourself. In busy areas, the crush of people can be a bit overwhelming. But it’s all about finding those side streets, away from the main drags, where you can easily escape the crowds without going too far out of the way.

But in relaxing districts like La Condesa or Roma, it’s so peaceful and quiet you can’t even believe you’re in Mexico City. It feels more like a small town. One of the best ways to deal with a city this large is to ensure you plan out your days by neighbourhood. That way, you’re not running from one end of the city to another. Because at busy times of the day, it can take over an hour to get from end to end.

9. Learn Spanish!

Despite being a country so close to both Canada and the United States, most people in Mexico City do not speak English. And rightly so. Spanish is a fantastic language and a beautiful one to learn as a tourist. When you’re the one visiting a foreign country, you should be learning their language. Not the other way around. Spanish is fairly simple to speak and also to learn. Especially compared to my experience with learning Japanese or even Danish. Even if you just learn a few key phrases, that goes a long way with the locals. It shows them respect for their language and culture. Google Translate works really well if you have access to the internet or a roaming package. Either type in what you want translated or use the camera function to easily translate most menus.

10. Always carry Tissues & Hand sanitizer

Ok, this is a weird one, but I thought it needed to be discussed. One of the things which throws some people for a loop when visiting Mexico is the toilet situation. Most toilets in Mexico City require you to throw the toilet paper in a wastepaper basket, not down the toilet. It seems odd when you’re used to flushing, but it’s important you don’t, as it’s really bad for their plumbing.

Another thing which is important to know is most public toilets sometimes lack toilet paper altogether. So it’s a good idea to keep some Kleenex in your bag at all times. Some washrooms will also charge a few pesos for toilet paper so keep some small change with you. Since the water isn’t potable and could contain bacteria, I would almost always use hand sanitizer after using the restroom. We had travel-sized hand sanitizer on us at all times for these cases. They both take up so little room in your travel pack, so it’s a good idea to put those on your packing list!

Conclusion

I have so much more to say about Mexico City and can’t wait to post all about the different places we explored, culinary delights we ate and other exciting adventures we took while visiting this amazing city! Let me know if you have any questions about Mexico City and I will be sure to answer them all in the comments!

The post The Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide: 11 Essential Tips You Need to Know! | UPDATED 2023 first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

You’ll often hear stories of travellers returning from their trip to Japan and going on and on about how expensive the food was. But did they just walk into the first place that had a giant English menu out front or only go to restaurants recommended by their English-speaking concierge? While it might be true that Japan is more expensive than Thailand or Vietnam, there are plenty of low-cost options you can find with a little bit of research and some exploration to boot.

Table Of Contents

1. #1. Street Food
   • Taiyaki
   • Takoyaki
   • Yakisoba
   • Rice Cakes
   • Curry Bread
   • Manju
2. #2. Japanese Convenience Stores or Konbini 
   • Onigiri
   • Bento Box
   • Fried Chicken
   • Drinks | Coffee, Tea, Juice and More!
3. #3. Markets
   • Fresh Fish
   • Mochi
4. #4. Yakitori
   • What to Order at a Yakitori
5. #5. Vending Machine Ramen Restaurants
6. #6. Gyoza
7. #7. Soft Serve Ice Cream
8. #8. Conveyor Belt Sushi
9. #9. Depachika
10. #10. Japanese Fast Food
    • Japanese Fast Food Restaurant Chains
11. #11 Ekiben
    • Happy Eating, Adventurers!

#1. Street Food

Street food is one of Asia’s best-kept not-so-secret-secrets. There are hundreds of different kinds of street foods available in Japan. A simple internet search for it will reveal hundreds of results. The best thing to keep in mind when sampling street foods is to be adventurous! Dishes won’t always look or taste familiar, but I’ve almost never tried something I didn’t completely fall in love with! And the few times I didn’t like something, they never cost more than a few dollars. 

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is one of the cutest and most delicious treats to eat in Japan. The fish-shaped sweet pancake dessert is filled with all different flavours. Depending on where you are in Japan they will often have unique special fillings only available in that prefecture. The most common option is fresh red bean, but my favourite is the custard and matcha. These usually cost about $1.50 and at that price you can afford to try them all!

Takoyaki

Not to be confused with Taiyaki, Takoyaki is a fried ball of batter filled with octopus tempura, covered in green onions, pickled ginger and shaved fish flakes (which look like they’re alive as the shiver and shake atop the hot batter). These are most popular in Osaka but can be found all over Japan. Cover them with a sweet and savoury sauce for added flavour and devour before they get cold. A tray will only run you about $5, and they are surprisingly filling.

Yakisoba

If you might think a tasty noodle dish wouldn’t be something you can get on the street, you have never tried Yakisoba. These wheat noodles are fried on a large griddle and come with stir-fried pork, vegetables and served with a tangy sauce. They can be topped with various toppings like mayo, fish flakes, and pickled ginger served beside the vendor much like a hot dog vendor would serve his condiments. An entire tray will only cost $5 and is more than enough for two people to share.

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a quick and delicious snack served all over Japan. They are crispy and come in an assortment of flavours. You can often buy them hot off the grill and make for the perfect thing to eat while you meander. You can usually get 2-3 for under $2. 

Curry Bread

Curry Bread is one of the most delicious grab-and-go treats. It is deep fried bread, covered in additional breadcrumbs filled with curried meats. Hot, spicy and saucy, this pastry costs $1-$2 and will warm you up on a cold day.

Manju

Manju is another sweet treat you can sample almost anywhere you find street vendors. They are small, round steamed cakes filled with a variety of flavours. In Asakusa, you can sample Agemanju which are additionally coated in tempura batter and deep-fried. They will often have seasonal fillings like Sakura, plum and even pumpkin.

#2. Japanese Convenience Stores or Konbini 

While this might shock and surprise you to hear, but no word of a lie, convenience stores or Konbini as they are lovingly called in Japan, are a veritable mecca of tasty traditional Japanese foods. If you’re looking to stock up on food to eat back at your hotel while enjoying some Japanese TV (which I highly recommend), then this is the place to go. It’s also a great place to buy ingredients for your Hanami (a picnic Japanese people have during cherry blossom season to enjoy the blooming flowers).

Onigiri

The first thing you need to consider when shopping at a Japanese convenience store is their wide selection of Onigiri. Onigiri are perfectly triangular rice balls wrapped in seaweed and filled with different varieties of fish and sometimes fruit. These only cost $2 and are very filling!

Bento Box

At 7-Eleven a Bento box will cost you easily under $10 (usually under $5) and will be just as delicious as any bento you’ve ever eaten at a restaurant. Perfectly organized into neat little sections, you can get rice, pickled veggies, tempura, salmon and even a dessert all in one adorable box. If you ask for it to be heated up just say “Atsui bentō”. It tastes even better that way and is the way to go!

Fried Chicken

Lawson’s is one of the most popular convenience stores in Japan and is known for their fried chicken. While the idea of eating chicken from a convenience store in North America might send a chill down your spine – in Japan, it is a delicacy. They have different cuts on offer; honetsuki (fried bone-in chicken), honenashi (fried boneless chicken), and different flavours of kara-age (deep-fried chicken nuggets).

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Drinks | Coffee, Tea, Juice and More!

Lastly, make sure you grab a few beverages to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Konbinis serve up literally hundreds of different drinks. Be sure to try Pocari Sweat, a non-carbonated sweet beverage which is advertised as an “ion supply drink” – the ideal thing to keep you going all day long. Also be sure to try a variety of the different bottled teas. You can get them iced or even hot, in the heated cabinets at the front of the store. If you are feeling like something a little harder there are dozens of different sakes to try at super low prices. 

#3. Markets

Local vendors in markets all over Japan are selling some of the greatest foods you can sample in the entire country. While it might take getting up early and making your way through fish laden alleys, you are bound to discover some real gems. Outside of the hustle and bustle of Tsukiji fish market are dozens of vendors selling cookware, ceramics and, you guessed it, food! Omelette rolls are served up on a sticks. They are a fluffy and sweet snack to grab the go. These usually cost around $2 but the fancier ones can go up to $5. I couldn’t tell the difference, so opt for the cheaper ones.

Fresh Fish

Another market food to try in Japan is unagi. Made from eel which is smoked over hot coals, the taste is smoky and sweet as it is covered in a special BBQ sauce. Unagi can be expensive but served up on skewers in the marketplace you can sample it for a low low price, usually $5-$7. 

Sea urchin is another high priced ingredient you can sample for a small price at the market. Sea urchin or uni is a creamy, salty delicacy which some people love, and some people hate. You can find freshly opened uni all over the marketplace which costs about $5 a pop.

Lots of market also sell fresh sushi trays. Like you might have back home at the supermarket. But these are going to be SUPER fresh and all sourced from local fisheries. Often if you buy the sushi from the market, they have small eating areas nearby. So even though you are paying supermarket prices you get to eat at a table!

Mochi

Mochi is Japanese rice cake made from pounding down glutinous rice, a ritual you can often see being done in the markets every day. Once the mochi is at a dough like consistency, it is shaped into balls or squares and served fresh to the shoppers. They will often be paired with seasonal ingredients like strawberries and red bean, my personal favourite. The treats only cost around $2 and are surprisingly filling.

#4. Yakitori

Izakayas are found all over Japan, from big cities to the countryside, all of which serve up fresh Yakitori! Yakitori are bit size skewers of meat (traditionally chicken), fish or veggies. You will see things on the menu like skin, liver and innards. Each skewer is cooked over charcoals and then covered in a salt or soy sauce. You can order as many different skewers as you want and typically these restaurants are a great place to save money. Each skewer will only cost about $2 so you can order lots of different options. Don’t scare away from the weirder meats, often they are prepared very well and are surprisingly delicious. They pair perfectly with a cold beer at the end of the day.

What to Order at a Yakitori

Since Yakitoris are often very small shops they will often not have English menus but here are some items to look for on the menu. Negima (ねぎま) are pieces of chicken thigh with leeks, a great combo of greasy and crispy food. Tebasaki (手羽先) are chicken wings. Torikawa (とりかわ) is chicken skin, and although it might sound strange, it’s crispy and incredible. Tsukune (つくね) are meatballs made with chicken, egg, vegetables and spices. Reba (レバー) are chicken livers and are my favourite choice!

#5. Vending Machine Ramen Restaurants

Ramen can be found all over Japan, in many different establishments, but the most popular for those looking to save a few bucks are the “button” restaurants. At these restaurants, you need only walk up to a machine and press a button to receive your ramen. All the buttons are often accompanied by pictures and prices which help non-Japanese speakers. Put your money into the slot and click the option you’d like. Once armed with your ticket, give it to the chef inside and within minutes you’ll be served up a piping hot bowl of ramen. These bowls are often only $5-$10 depending on your toppings and definitely the best meals I ate in Japan.

Ramen flavours vary from region to region, and it is best to sample the local speciality. Shio or Salt Ramen is from Hokkaido and has a lighter flavour since the broth is made from chicken bones. Miso ramen is often served with corn, butter and veggies. Tonkotsu or Pork Broth Ramen is made from, you guessed it, pork bones! It’s a thick brother and a heavier meal, so it is served with a thinner type of noodle.

#6. Gyoza

Gyoza or Japanese pork dumplings are a cheap and quick food you can get almost anywhere in Japan. Some shops are entirely dedicated to them and serve nothing else but. 6 pieces of Gyoza will often run you about $2-$3. You can get them steamed or fried, and they are filled with minced pork, shredded cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms. 

Most dumpling restaurants offer either their own mixture of dipping sauce or a variety of condiments for you to make your own. These include soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chilli oil, and garlic. Mix them up altogether to your liking. I like mine super spicy, so I amp up the chilli oil!

#7. Soft Serve Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a delicious dessert in the summertime to help cool you down head to tow you have to swing by one of the many soft serve ice cream shops. This is a cheap option that comes in a myriad of flavours like sesame, taro root, matcha and even Ramune (a lime soda flavour). While these will only cost a few dollars their bright and colourful appearance is sure to impress all your Instagram followers. The Japanese soft serve is extra creamy, super smooth and jam-packed with flavour!

#8. Conveyor Belt Sushi

Sushi might as well be the national food of Japan. You can get sushi for as little as a few dollars a piece or as much as a hundred. Some of the most impressive chefs in the world have come to Japan to serve this traditional dish, but even the simplest hole in the wall still has access to the freshest seafood in the country. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are an inexpensive option for anyone wanting to save a few bucks and try a myriad of options.

Once seated in front of the rotating belt, you can watch all sorts of sushi pass by, each on a separate plate which correlates to a different price point. Some are as little as $1 for two pieces and the most expensive I’d see is $5 for the highest grade of tuna. Getting to see the food before you order it is an excellent opportunity to try different varieties you might not have sampled otherwise. 

Salmon nigiri with onions and mayo might seem odd, but the combination is surprisingly delicious. Tender tuna maki comes in all different cuts for you to sample. One of the best things about these restaurants is the free green tea on every table. Just add some matcha powder into your cup and use the spout at your seat which provides hot water on command. It’s the perfect addition to any meal. There are hundreds of different places to try but some chain which are pretty reliable are Genki Sushi and Sushi Ro.

#9. Depachika

Depachika is the name for the basement floors of department stores in Japan where you’ll find world-class eateries. Unlike shopping mall food courts in North America, these food emporiums serve up restaurant quality food at food court prices. It’s almost like a culinary theme park. You can find bento, dim sum, dessert parlors and more. The more high end the department store, the higher price of the food within. So if you’re looking for a bargain, check out Shinjuku Isetan or Shibuya Takashimaya. Some of these even have a rooftop picnic area to chow down on your orders in a stunning environment at the cost of FREE.

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#10. Japanese Fast Food

Finally, just like the rest of the world, Japan has some cheap fast food. But there are some unique Japanese chains which are only available to this country and offer up some incredible meals. CoCo Curry House Ichibanya is one of my favourites. Japanese curry is unlike Thai or Indian curry. It is slightly sweet and very very spicy. My favourite combination is rice with the pork curry served with a pork katsu, enoki mushrooms, garlic and cheese. This dish will cost about $10 but is a super filling dinner option, and their adorable restaurants always have manga on hand for you to read while you eat, adding to the experience.

Japanese Fast Food Restaurant Chains

MOS Burger is a burger chain serving; rice burger buns, toppings such as hot meat sauce, teriyaki burgers with mayo and burgers with Gouda cheese and butter sauce. The burger usually cost between $5-$6.

Matsuya serves cheap Japanese breakfasts if you’re looking for something traditional to eat in the morning. These cost between $4-$6 and are a great way to fill up for a long day ahead.

Wendy’s acquired the brand “First Kitchen” a few years ago, and although it might be associated with Wendys, their menus are entirely different from their North American cousins. Their lemon chicken umami burger with shredded lettuce piled high is a favourite, for only $4. Be sure to sample their fries with a variety of toppings like Burnt Double Butter Soy Sauce, Truffle, Butter Chicken and Chicken Consomme. Served alongside a Blueberry Yogurt Float, the combo of hot and cold is perfection!

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#11 Ekiben

Ekibens, or bento boxes sold at train stations, are a great way to eat cheaply in Japan. Not only are they convenient for travellers on the go, but they also offer a variety of options at affordable prices. These bento boxes are often made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to try authentic Japanese cuisine at a fraction of the cost of eating at a restaurant. Additionally, Ekibens often include a balanced meal of rice, protein, and vegetables, making them a healthy and filling option for budget-conscious travellers.

Japan offers a plethora of delicious and budget-friendly food options that are sure to satisfy any traveler’s palate. From street food to bento boxes, there are plenty of ways to taste the country’s diverse cuisine without breaking the bank. By taking advantage of local markets, trying out standing bars and food stalls, and opting for bento boxes, you can enjoy a tasty and cost-effective trip in Japan. Remember to be adventurous with your food choices and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Happy Eating, Adventurers!

The post How to Save Money Eating Incredible Food in Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.