I wanted to take a day trip out to Puebla during my almost one-week vacation Mexico City. During my…read moreresearch online I discovered the Soy Poblana blog. I emailed the blogger, Alice, if she operates any food tours in Puebla. She responded back to the e-mail saying she can organize a 4-hour tour of the city including the best Pueblan foods.
I could have done the trip alone, but to ensure I get more of the time I was there, I decided it was a good idea to hire a local guide.
I took an Estrella Roja bus from the Mexico City at 7:20 am to Puebla arriving at around 10 am. I took an Uber to the cathedral and met my guide Alejandra at 10:30 am. It was just me and the guide so it was great that I was able to modify the tour as I wished. She asked if I was hungry and I told her that I didn't have breakfast yet so she took me to a stand to try a melote and pelona -- two Pueblan foods I've never heard of before!
We then headed to Rosary Chapel, a place that blew me away. Photos of the chapel do not capture how beautiful this place looks in person. A sight to see while you are in Puebla for sure. My guide, Alejandra, gave me talk of the history of the chapel and pointed out things that I wouldn't have noticed on my own. We then walked over to get a sample of the local sweets and also she took me to the back to view a talavera workshop where I learned more about the process of making this local handcrafted ceramic work of art. We then walked over to look at a "parian," a local market.
After a walk through the market, she took me to try totopo and a chalupa con mole. After that tasting, we ate again. She took me to try tacos arabes. My first time trying this as well and it was exciting to try. Alejandra mentioned that the al pastor tacos were great as well, so I wanted to sample that next. Next, we visited Biblioteca Palafoxiana, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Alejandra talked about the library and its history.
Next were my favorite cemitas, something I am always seeking out in Los Angeles. I had so many delicious things to eat, but this was probably my most favorite! To end the trip, Alejandra took me to try "pasita" which was another local drink I've never heard of before. It was a family owned bar established in 1916. The bar didn't have set hours, so we were lucky that it was opened when we arrived.
To end the tour she took me to the most colorful street to take a photo. I don't know if I could have found this on my own.
If you want to see the best of Puebla, I highly recommended taking a tour with Soy Poblana. I felt that so much was packed into my short visit to Puebla. I also got to taste the best of the city from a local's perspective.
My local guide was born and raised in Puebla and knows all the local spots for great Pueblan food. Sure, I could have done this trip on my own, but the experience would not be the same as having a local show you around.
