I originally intended to do an exhaustive list of EVERYTHING I ate during my month in Mexico. After looking through the photo gallery and sorting through a bunch of mixed emotions when I got home, I realized I just wanted to focus on a few unexpected highlights. So here I’m sharing (in no particular order) 11 delicious things -from Los Cabos to Mexico City (CDMX) to Oaxaca- I had while in México.
Cochinita Pibil Tacos from El Turix
(Polanco, CDMX)
Yucatan-style slow roasted pork marinated in citrus and annatto served in corn tortilla, topped with spicy salsa
One of the best meals I had in Mexico City was also one of the cheapest! For just $42 mxn (~$2 USD), the cochinita pibil tacos from this no frills, hidden in plain sight taco spot HIT! I’ve dubbed a lot of things some of the best __ I’ve had, but I hope that doesn’t diminish the influence of my words because these were indeed some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.
Arroz Carretero from Animal Masryk (Polanco, CDMX)
Cheesy arroz carretero with sliced poblanos and cubed ribeye
When I stumbled into Animal, one of Polanco’s hottest hideaways, I was just expecting to have a good cocktail before wandering to dinner somewhere else. Instead, the international steakhouse meets Japanese omakase restaurant hooked me in. This Brazilian inspired dish was so good that I went back to Animal the night before I went home to Texas just so I could order it one more time.
Pastel de Tres Leches from ryoshi
Polanco, CDMX
Chocolate tres leche with chocolate dipped saltine crackers on top
I love tres leches and the chocolate version from Ryoshi, one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Mexico City, was a fun twist! The restaurant is the perfect mix of upscale and fun – lots of date nights and birthday celebrations, and even a really good time for this solo traveler.
Consuelito Fresa from Churreria El Moro (Mexico City)
Fresh strawberry ice cream sandwiched between two warm, cinnamon sugared churro coils
I may or may not have had this Strawberry Ice Cream Churro Sandwich for breakfast after ditching a disappointing green juice.
Lavender Latte from Cafe Curado
Roma Norte, CDMX
Caffeine-free lavender latte with almond milk
Cafe Curado is a specialty coffee and brunch shop in Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighborhood. With shaded, sidewalk seating, friendly service, and strong wi-fi, it was a great spot to quietly work on blog stuff before an afternoon exploring Mexico City.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Eat Waldo’s (Polanco, México City)
organic, buttermilk fried chicken with secret sauce, cheese and bacon
Honestly, a spicy chicken sandwich wasn’t on my Mexico Food Adventures bingo card, but this one was so good! Eat Waldo’s was a quick walk from my Sonder apartment so I ordered it for lunch a few times on busy working days. They also serve a great, organic cheeseburger. Located in Polanco, look for the neon arrow that says, “Burgers.”
Magret de Pato from Los Danzantes
(Oaxaca City)
Duck breast cooked in sous vide and sealed in butter with seasonal mushrooms, peach puree and confit mushroom tapenade.
Although I only spent 72 hours in Oaxaca, I knew if I didn’t eat anywhere else I had to visit Los Danzantes. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect “Welcome to Oaxaca” meal.
Plant-Based Ceviche from Equis
(San Jose del Cabo)
Various organic seasoned vegetables, roasted cauliflower, leche de tigre (a citrus-based marinade) and roasted almonds
Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos was one of the highlights of my entire trip. Equis is Zadun’s Peruvian ceviche and cocktail lounge. I can’t/don’t eat seafood, so their cocktails and vegetarian ceviche were my go to.
The Blondie from Buttery
Polanco, CDMX
Caramel blondie with caramel, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
I’d stop by Buttery for “something sweet” during my evening strolls through Polanco. They have the standard lineup of bakery treats, but the caramel blondie never let me down.
Torrejas from El Barrio
(San Jose del Cabo)
Brioche soaked in vanilla vine milk, churro sugar, Chantilly cream, fried banana, and walnuts
You go to The French Fry House for the specialty fries; you go back (again and again) for the boudin egg rolls.
Everything from AvoCabo Food Tour
(Cabo San Lucas)
Every single thing from every single stop of the AvoCabo Food Tour was delicious. The tour itself was of the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas, and I regularly think about the esquites (off-the-cob elotes.) It’s true, the corn in Mexico is better.
Final Thoughts
Picking just 11 experiences was tough, because I ate so much (and so well) during my month in México. The food and hospitality inspired me so much that I’m already looking forward to future immersive trips. I’m still having difficulty articulating just how special and necessary the adventure was, but know I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to do it again… and again.
Cheers to more food and travel adventures all around the world!
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