MMMM how to start? I don't even have enough words to describe the amazing food they sell here. This is authentic traditional Mexican food in Mexico City... I mean every Mexican plate created in Mexico is authentic, but there is nowhere in Mexico that you can go but to a local market to get the best Mexican food in the world. Mercado de Coyoacan is a well-known market in the heart of Mexico City that sells a variety of Mexican food. Have confidence you cannot go wrong with whichever stall you pick from the market, so just go ahead and close your eyes and randomly pick.
As simple as it might look for many because of the informality and comfortability of Mexican cuisine, compared to other European dishes, there is still an art to creating Mexican food that it's hard to find anywhere but in Mexico... the only place outside of Mexico that might be close enough to imitate the food might be South California, but even then it is still not enough. The cuisine is a combination of salty, sour, and spicy... and the hands behind all the stalls in this market are full of experience and hours of continuous labor in how to perfect a simple tortilla in 5 seconds. Whether you are a local or a tourist who happens to visit Mexico City, put your cautiousness aside and try eating like a local in a market. Forget that you might end up eating your food standing up or that the market might not look clean enough like the restaurant across the street that has tables and a menu in English, or even like back at your home country... go and just enjoy and observe the chaos around you, and maybe even start a conversation with the person standing next to you.
The food here is cheap: A quesadilla costs around 30 pesos and a drink around 15 pesos. I don't believe I even need to describe the food anymore. The environment as mentioned above is loud, unorganized and almost intimidating. Remember that no one will go up to you to take your order or ask what you want, you will need to scream to the woman behind the stall about your order before someone else cuts in front of you. Sometimes the ladies won't remember how many plates, tacos, or quesadillas you ordered because they are attending a bunch of people all at once, so try to keep a count of how many you ordered when it is time to pay. Also keep in mind that you might not be able to find a seat and the menu is hand-written without any translation. Getting here can only be done through a bus or taxi. The market is located right in the center of Coyoacan, which is a neighborhood you can easily spend a whole day walking around, while visiting the Friday Kahlo museum or just stuffing your face with all the food. As inconvenient or uncomfortable as it might sound for someone not used to it, this is an experience that is truly Mexican and that is completely worth it! read more