Street Food Culture in Mexico: What You're Missing

The universe of Mexican street food

In Mexico, the best food isn't found in fancy restaurants but on the streets. Millions of Mexicans eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at street stalls every day. It's not food "on the go" but a complete gastronomic tradition with its own codes, specialities and hierarchies.

Types of street stalls

Taquerias: Each specializes in one type of taco - al pastor, suadero, tripa, carnitas, birria, barbacoa, or seafood. The taquero is an artisan who masters a specific technique over years.

Antojitos stalls: Sopes, gorditas, tlacoyos, quesadillas, huaraches - variations on corn masa with different shapes, fillings and toppings.

Elote stands: Corn on the cob or in a cup, covered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime.

Tamale carts: Steam carts selling tamales, especially mornings. "Tamales, tamales calientes" is one of the most iconic sounds of Mexican mornings.

Street food you can make at home in the US

• Elotes/Esquites: Grilled corn with mayo, feta, chili powder and lime
• Homemade tacos al pastor: Pork marinated in achiote, cooked in a pan, served with pineapple
• Quesadillas: Corn tortillas with mozzarella and filling of choice
• Aguas frescas: Horchata (rice, cinnamon, sugar) or jamaica (hibiscus flower)

If you ever travel to Mexico, dedicate at least a day to a street food tour. Your palate will never be the same after trying tacos al pastor at 2am from a stand in Mexico City.