Maybe you remember the Kiki Challenge or the Ice Bucket Challenge? Well, we’re proposing a (much tastier) foodie challenge during your stay in Mexico City.
If you want to explore the city through its food, we encourage you to accept our Taco Challenge below. Make it your goal to visit all of these iconic taquerias in the Historic Center, where each taco is unique and will have you asking for more.
First Stop: Los Cocuyos
Start with a classic: Los Cocuyos, a taqueria that became world famous when chef Anthony Bourdain visited in 2014. If you love suadero, this is the place. Suadero, in case you haven’t tried it, is a slow-cooked thin cut of beef that’s treasured by Mexico City taco fans for its flavorful taste.
Other standout options include tripe, cabeza (head), tongue, longaniza sausage, and campechano (mixed meat) tacos.
Challenge: Order at least two different tacos and try them with different sauces. Don't forget the photo!
Location: Simon Bolivar #59
Second Stop: El Huequito
The name literally means a “hole in the wall” and that’s how this taqueria started back in 1959. Today, El Huequito now has several branches around the city. Although there are many options here, the taco al pastor is the undisputed King. If you're extra hungry, order the "special" version, a tower of al pastor meat that arrives with tortillas and sauces on the side.
Challenge: Order the special taco al pastor and share it online tagging us @CentralHoteles. We’re happy to eat vicariously!
Location: Ayuntamiento #21
Third Stop: Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales
Of course, no taco challenge is complete without tacos de canasta: delicious steamed tacos stored in large baskets to keep them hot and soft. Los Especiales is famous in the Historic Center for their great chicharrón (pork rind) and potato tacos de canasta, but no matter what you try here, it’ll be excellent.
Challenge: Try one of each type (chicharrón, potato, bean, and meat with adobo) and decide on your favorite.
Location: Madero #71
Stop Four: Lonchería La Cochinita
Come here for authentic Yucatecan flavor right in the Historic Center. The cochinita pibil tacos are a delicacy, with their juicy slow-roasted pork seasoned with annato and topped with red onion. For a change of pace, you can also sample a cochinita sandwich, or some panuchos (fried tortillas filled with refried black beans, usually topped with shredded chicken, and loaded with avocado, pickled red onions, and cabbage.)
Challenge: Try Yucatan’s favorite chile pepper, the habanero—only for the brave!
Location: Simon Bolivar #20
Stop Five: El Torito
This little spot is always a favorite in CDMX’s Historic Center. The tripe and suadero tacos are the specialties of the house, but you can't leave without trying the campechano tacos, which combine both types of meat in one tasty tortilla.
Challenge: Order both a campechano and a tripe taco, and top them with the house sauce. Which do you prefer?
Location: Isabel La Católica #83
Final Stop: Balcón del Zócalo
To finish up in style, visit Balcón del Zócalo. You’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the city, and creative gourmet tacos made with the finest quality ingredients—for example an octopus taco in black recado negro sauce, with avocado, pickled onions, and cilantro.
Challenge: Choose the most original taco on the menu and accompany it with an amazing artisanal house cocktail. Don’t forget to take a photo from the balcony!
Location: Cinco de Mayo #61
Will You Accept the Challenge?
If you’re a foodie at heart, you can’t miss this experience! Book at Central Hoteles, in the heart of the Historic Center, and enjoy a comfortable stay just a few steps from these iconic taquerias.
After a day full of flavors and experiences, return to rest at one of our hotels, where the best service and hospitality in CDMX await you.
Come enjoy your stay in the city like never before!
Travel, culture and traditions in Mexico City.
