Travel, Spice and Life, with Chef Tyler Henry

Mexico City 

I like to call this spot “A Mexican version of an Omakase”. No menu here, you just sit down and let them know about food restrictions (if there’s any) and let yourself be surprised by the parade of corn-based delicious dishes that roll out of their beautiful open kitchen. The head chef works directly with produce from Guerrero and cooks each dish thinking of seasonalities and taking influences from traditional foods from different regions of the country. 
No reservations available.


One of my favorite places to get to know a new city is through its markets. Mexico City is home of over 300 warehouse-looking mercados, one in almost every neighborhood. And I’d say each has a very distinct personality. Medellín is not only known being a favorite one-stop shop for the Roma neighbors with a meat & poultry section, flowers and plants, key maker, furniture and kitchenware but also for offering some soutamerican produce that would be hard to find elsewhere. 


Good coffee, amazing pastries and glorious breakfast in the mornings; delicious sourdough pizza and great wines in the evening. Has a very inviting, warm and casual atmosphere which makes it the perfect hangout spot for meeting both locals and visitors, or simply sipping on coffee. 

One of my absolute favorite projects in the city. La Rifa is a Bean-to-Bar place that works directly with Mexican cacao producers and turns the seed into the most delicious chocolate. From single origin bars to cacao and water based drinks, chocolate cookies, truffles and even kombucha and beer, it’s all delicious here. 

If there’s one thing you should try out when visiting the country is definitely its street food and tacos. This pop up stand has been serving the most amazing mixiote tacos since 1986. Here, the sheep meat is cooked inside little parchment paper sachets with a perfectly seasoned marinate with a mix of dried chiles, avocado leaf and even cinnamon. Top this double-sized taco with cactus, pineapple and one of their incredible salsas. Keep in mind they only open Wednesday, Friday, Saturdays and sometimes they show up on a random Sunday. 

If there is one place I like to spend my weekends at is this. Amazing music, guest dj’s, the most amazing daiquiris, natural wine, mezcal and incredibly delicious thai-inspired food. 
Only opens Saturdays and Sundays, so be patient as waiting times can get crazy long, or if you prefer, show up on listening Mondays which are way more chill and easier to get into. 


Street Food in Mexico City with The Curious Mexican 

Tyler Henry

This is my restaurant! Come say hi. Choza is a Thai-influenced restaurant and listening bar. The vibe is for drinking cold beer, eating with your hands and sharing spicy food. Music is a priority, and there is a custom hi-fi system always grooving something psychedelic, global, funky, etc. – usually with someone selecting vinyls. You won’t find choza on Google. It’s walk-in only and only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, but the experience is made with a huge amount of love and deliciousness.

This is the type of place that makes me fall in love with Mexico city. Go here for a relaxed lunch of people watching and crazy delicious flavours. If you have one meal in all of Mexico city, this should be it. The concept is just “RURAL MEXICAN FOOD” based around heirloom corn they source, nixtamalize, and grind in house (as well as supplying many other restaurants in Mexico). Jesus, the chef and owner, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with a pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero.

Make a reservation for 3pm, preferably on a Thursday or Friday when they have live music, and go for a superbly long meal. It’s far, yes, probably a 30min Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and its in the middle of nowhere, and its only open for lunch - but it’s one of most soulful meals in CDMX. Its traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different regions of Mexico, as well as interesting Mexican ingredients and ancient Mexican recipes. Ask about the “teporocho” (alcoholic tea) to end the meal. In fact, ask lots of questions about everything! The menu changes often and the waiters are very educated on the food they serve so just ask for suggestions.

Tiny little taco joint in San Rafael with only standing space - it pains me to include this spot here because I want to keep the tiny, so fucking flavourful taco joint all for myself. The Al Pastor and the Tripa tacos are perfect. The Torta with pastor and queso is awesome too. The whole experience of eating tacos here is perfect. Im here at least once a week.

Yucatecan home-cooking. Soulful and spicy and always hits the spot. I will often be here eating alone relaxing to good music with a book. My go to order is the Sopa de Lima followed by panuches de Cochinita, an agua de Chaya, and a few beers. Run by a lovely woman Jocyln who started the place using her mothers recipes.

One of the cities best and most extensive mezcal lists coupled with trippy amazing music, well educated and friendly staff. Go here for a psychedelic night of heavy mezcal drinking with a good homie. The restaurant next door (same owner but the restaurant is unnamed/unmarked) is also absolutely delicious and focuses on unique regional cuisines of Mexico. This is an extraordinary bar.

One of the cities best mixologists, Kristian, opened a tiny bar tucked away in Roma where he is the only employee and you’re basically drinking in his home - a home with an absurdly fucking stocked bar. He built everything from the lighting to the bar by hand. A normal night might include a cocktail with juice squeezed fresh in front of you and a root that makes your mouth go numb, a sample of some sotol, a mezcal sample, a sample of some weird liquor he just got from a friend, a mezcal negroni style drink, a big beer you’re now splitting with the people next to you, a joint or two being passed around at 1:30am, and a fernet. You get the idea. Go here and drink till it closes and enjoy the amazing work and friendliness of Kris. Please do tell Kris that I sent you! To me, Tacobar is probably the best bar in all of Mexico city. It’s great when it’s slammed on the weekends, but it’s best experienced on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it’s a bit more intimate and Kristian can take his time taking care of you with delicious drinks.

Absolute, absolute, must go experience for anyone who likes dancing or is interested in nightlife. This is a legendary dance club that’s only open on Friday nights and has been going for like 30 years. It feels like you're walking into an insane dance party in the 80s. Its mostly “high energy” techno, its got the craziest diversity of people who go every week and are every age and wear every color and are very friendly. What defines the club is that EVERYONE dances, without pretention or care, and its known for insane dance circles with choreographed groups of people letting loose. Go here!!!

A perfect market for someone who wants to see a larger Mexico city market but isn’t quite ready to hit la Merced. Jamaica is best known as the OG flower market, and it has an insane selection of flowers. But it also has very good food and very good selection of ingredients I often go here for more special things like wild mushrooms, kefir limes or weird spices.

Chef Tyler Henry’s Guide to CDMX

Varnrable

Addis Ababa

A place for organic homemade Ethiopian food and tella, a traditional brew. Tella is brewed in households, usually in the rural areas, and consumed on a daily basis. But tella's legitimate status has been fading away, losing its place to mass produced beer and imported liquor. In Selo everything is homemade, from the injera to the tella. Ingredients are collected from local communities, creating an authentic and sustainable culture around Selo. The energy is inclusive and warm, the food is fresh and tasty, and there is a variation of tellas to try out!

Shifta offers a wide range of delicious Caribbean, vegan and African food. The food I had there was super tasty! It's vibrant and filled with local creatives. A great place to eat, drink and hang out all night, having good conversations or just listening to the music. 

Fendika Cultural Center is the perfect place to take in traditional music, and at the same time enjoy traditional food and drinks in a chilled environment. There are performances every week and the place is filled with soul and good energy. Everything is traditional and relevant. I went there to soak up some local jazz one night and that was a beautiful trip.

This is a club concept, making electronic parties at different locations and with differenct DJs. They are reimagining rave culture in the modern day Addis Ababa. These parties are some of the highlights in the club scene and are happening once a month. 

A traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa where you can experience cultural performances while you eat local food. From around 7.30pm there are musicians, dancers and singers performing traditional acts from different tribes around Ethiopia, while wearing outfits from the different regions. All your senses are being stimulated while being in a beautifully decorated room with traditional design and art. 

The perfect way to get out of the city, and it is only a short car ride away from the centrum. There is a great view over the city and you're able to take a walk in nature. The park itself is how we know most parks to be, but if you wander more up, in the mountain, there are small villages; more raw and beautiful nature. 

An institute of Ethio jazz in its historical location, owned by the legendary Mulatu Astatke. This place features some of the best jazz musicians live in raw sessions. 

Explore Addis Ababa's Cultural Scene with Varnrable

Ethiopian Records 

Order the ye tsom firfir (fasting firfir). It is the best thing and come with friends, you won't be able to finish it on your own.

Their green juice is my personal favourite and the place is filled with artwork, most of it made by ZELALEM MERGA and Tesfahun Kebru.

Come early if you want to get those precious seats inside so you can experience the live music up close.

Anytime you want somewhere that has fresh air, greener around Mexico/ Mekenissa Zoma Musuem is the place, take a book and take time for yourself. Also take your time to explore the entire space.

Found next to Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church. A walk up the hill with a nice view. Go during the day.

Found in the neighbourhood of Goma Kuteba and in front of the Ministry of Health. Take your time exploring the space.

Inside or out, the national theatre is filled with history.

My current neighbourhood, Kazanchis, where Fendika is situated. Sundays are the best days to work around anywhere in Addis.

I like barber shops, even though I haven't cut my hair in more than 10 years and I only go there for a trim or for my beard, because like anywhere else in the world, the barber shop conversations are lively. I used to go at least twice a month to another called Finfine Hotel Barber’s with my dad, I have very fond memories of that place.

Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Records 

The most approachable market around – a small market in Roma Sur that’s easy and a quick hit, but still has a bunch of great produce. Fantastic oaxacan puesto. A good Cuban ice cream spot. On Saturdays and Sundays the butcher, Meche y Rafael in the meat section, does awesome carnitas tacos. It’s the only spot with a seating section.

A perfect market for a visitor who wants to see a larger Mexico City market, but isn’t quite ready to hit La Merced. Jamaica is best known as the OG flower market, and it has an insane selection of flowers. But it also has very good food and a very good selection of ingredients. I often go here for more special things, like wild mushrooms or kefir limes or weird spices. My friend, Francisco, runs a chile shop there and does a very cool market-slash-food, make-your-own-salsa or mole and mezcal tour that is a great experience.

A fun market in centro with a great diversity of good produce and some awesome stands to eat and drink at. Tourist-y and overpriced for most chef shopping purposes, but excellent nonetheless. I get some specialty ingredients from here and love to just hang and drink.

Chaotic Mexico at its best! Merced is the largest traditional retail market in the city and one of the oldest. It's been going since the 18th century. It's located in the eastern part of centro. Let me just say, it is not in any way safe. The market is also a giant labyrinth that’s easy to get lost in. I would not recommend going here without someone who knows the market, and I would also lay off your cell phone anywhere near or within the market. That being said, it's magical, mind-blowing and endlessly inspiring! There is an extraordinary selection of good street foods within the market. I think it's best at 9am in the morning.

4 Markets You Need to Visit in Mexico City

This is the type of place that makes me fall in love with Mexico City. Go here for a relaxed lunch of people watching and very delicious rural Mexican food based around heirloom corn they source, nixtamalize and grind in-house (as well as supplying many other restaurants in Mexico). Jesus, the owner and founding chef, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero. Jesus is one of the most influential people in the way I interact with food today. He is family to me – please tell him I sent you.

This is my favourite. A more proper sit down restaurant in Mexico City. This was the first restaurant I cooked in in Mexico, and has a huge place in my heart.  Make a reservation for 3pm, preferably on a Thursday or Friday when they have live music, and go for a superbly long meal. It’s far, probably a 30-minute Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s only open for lunch, but it's traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different Regions of Mexico, as well as ancient recipes. You’ll be surrounded by Mexican families, tourist couples, local chefs, Mexican businessmen, etc. Get lots of mezcal. Take your time sipping, relaxing and hanging before ordering your next item to eat. Ask questions about everything! Skip the bread service, and instead get more tortillas and use them for dipping, scooping, wrapping everything in sight into them. The mole dishes are my favourite on the menu, but the menu changes often and the waiters are great so just ask for suggestions.

Painfully perfect Mexican breakfast cooked with love. Come here after a very late night partying (without sleeping), or wake up early and get here before 10am when most things begin to sell out. If you are a foodie, wake up early with a fat joint and go here.

So stoked on this recent opening from a very close friend, Chef Filipe Nives, and his partner Ramses from Berlin. They operated a badass restaurant together once upon a time in Berlin. Kind of all over the place on food, but I’d say elegant food meant for drinking with influence from Portugal – where Filipe is from – while also celebrating Japanese izakaya culture. The menu revolves around vegetables, but also great fried chicken. Extraordinary wine and drink selection. I love being here at the later end of the night – it feels like a back alley in NYC Chinatown. They often have events and pop-ups of sorts. An industry hang.

Thoughtful use of Mexican ingredients for excellent Italian food, housed in a stunning mansion. Classic institution. When you’re bored of Mexican food, this is a great place to have a more romantic dinner while still enjoying the local bounty, especially with an intimate friend or group of friends.

A spectacular, royal dining experience! This is royal Thai food in a gorgeous garden setting. Run by husband, wife and dear friends Somsri and Eleazar. They have done an extraordinary job creating an elegant dinner with authentic flavours – they grow many of the ingredients they cook with themselves (and I cook with!) on a farm in Hidalgo. I always leave a meal here impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to sharing authentic Thai culture with Mexico.

The Best Restaurants in CDMX 

Yasmin

I love playing at YuYu cause it’s what a real nightclub should be - a dark, sweaty little basement, a sound system you can feel in your bones and a no phones on the dance floor policy. Mostly techno & electronic music, but you can find some more soulful disco and house played here too.

A slick Japanese inspired speak-easy bar with a delicious hi-fi sound system. The house record collection is great, the cocktails are great and the heated toilet seats are also, great.

Casa Franca is a sexy spot and my favourite place to enjoy live music. They host regular Jazz and Blues nights with a rotating line-up of the cities finest musicians and the place itself has lots of cosy corners to make out with your date in also.

As a straight woman I’m probably not the one to tell you what the best Queer club night  is, but I have enjoyed many a Saturday night dancing in Sic. They always have a sick (pun intended) line-up of DJ’s and a dance floor full of friendly faces. Only open on Saturdays.

I love love love Teatro Lucido, it’s part theatre, part venue, part club, part someone’s home.. It’s a unique experience where everyone is a part of the performance, from immersive theatre to live bands to erotic poetry to DJ sets, anything can happen at Teatro Lucido. Check their instagram for dates / events.

An absolute must if you’re visiting CDMX, guaranteed good times with a live salsa and cumbia band in a beautiful Salon with checkered dance floor. Get a table with your friends, buy a bottle, order some fries and stay there dancing till 4AM. I’m not telling you to take mushrooms here but I’m not telling you not to either.

Choza is everyone’s favourite spot to be honest. Its got a vibe like no other, the food is out of this world and owner Tyler and in-house selector / MD Covagrooviest have been building a record collection full of rare and wonderful audio delights for years. On Mondays they have the “Lunes Listening Lounge” where they play 3 records in their entirety alongside guest DJ’s, friends and family. You can catch me there hanging, eating and sippin’ most weekends.

As the name suggests, this is the spot for Sunday afternoon through evening partying. Always bringing a heated line-up of international and local electronic DJs, the venue is pretty special also, located in the Historic Centre of the city on the 6th floor with killer views, definitely slide through for a sunset rave.

Yasmin's Guide to Nightlife in CDMX

Zamir

Lagos

Iconic Building. Home of Fela. No negative vibes, no judgement, great Palm wine, somewhere I like to go to find inspiration sometimes.

Great place to have cocktails, create a vibe with close friends, connect with other creatives.

I only go here with people I consider family. Amazing pizza, pasta and wine.

Best pick up suya spot in Lagos. You can’t come to Lagos without buying suya from here.

Only nightclub you ever see Zamir in Lagos.

Great place to learn about Nigerian Art & Culture.

For the munchiesss. Nothing better than spicy bbq wings right before or in the middle of a studio session.

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