7 things to find an authentic taquería in Mexico City
Taquerias are an important part of Mexican culinary culture, as well as one of the most popular options for delicious and authentic tacos.
However, in a market full of options, it can be difficult to identify which is a truly good taqueria. and if you are planning a travel to Mexico City, you might find this list very useful when walking on the city looking for the best taco around.
In this article, we will discover some of the most important signs that indicate the quality, but most importantly, the authenticity of a taqueria, so that the next time you are in CDMX and with a taco craving, you can choose the best place.
This is our list:
The Taquero:
We know they have a tendency to yell while serving everyone, but that is because of the rush in which they operate, and that has nothing to do with them being unfriendly. Remember that if he calls you güerita or güerito, he is being friendly, not making a racial remark. Who doesn't enjoy receiving service with a smile and a sense of humor?
The Tortilla:
You should avoid eating a taco with a subpar packaged tortilla. So you better look for tacos with fresh tortillas from the market, but if you are luky enough, you'll enter a taqueria and see a woman kneading dough, or masa. That place immediately has a positive rating. There is nothing like enjoying a freshly made tortilla as your taco's comfy bed.
The Salsa:
One of the most important signs of authenticity in a taqueria is that its sauce is homemade. Store-bought sauces lack the unique flavor and aroma of those prepared on site. A good taqueria prepares the sauce daily with fresh, quality ingredients, ensuring authentic flavor in every bite.
The number of Mexicans:
The atmosphere and service are obvious indicators of a good taqueria. But if you do want to experience a real Mexican taqueria, you better ask yourself how many Mexicans are entrusting this taquero with their hunger. A queue full of tourists might be an indicator of a touristic taco joint, not a taquería.
The Spot:
Contrary to popular belief, exposure to the open air does not necessarily equate to dirt. You can stop by a "puesto de tacos" on the street and see how clean the tables are, what condiments are in the bowls, and, of course, how many people are already enjoying their tacos. You can trust this taqueria; they clearly care about keeping everything ready so you can enjoy your food.
The Price:
It is true that the price of a taco may vary depending on the area, but it should always be under an accessible standard. You won't demand a taco with quality ingredients for 10 pesos, but you better not pay more than 35 pesos for a taco the size of your palm either.
The Reviews:
The opinions of its customers are one way to assess a taqueria's quality and authenticity. Take a look at Google Maps or ask some locals about the best place to eat tacos nearby. If possible, get away from lists such as "10 best taquerias in Mexico City" because, and you have to believe us, not all hyped places in the city offer the best quality-cost ratio.
Of course, there are thousands of options available and now that you are touring Mexico City it's up to you how authentic your experiences are going to be.