4 Markets You Need to Visit in Mexico City
4 Markets You Need to Visit in Mexico City
Markets play a large role in the cultural landscape of Mexico City.
The history of the markets date back to centuries ago, and have since become a crucial sector within Mexico's economy and local scene. They're spaces in which locals sell food, traditional clothing and souvenirs of the city's attractions. From wild mushrooms to kefir limes and ice cream, there's a wide variety of flavours that you can find in these spaces.
Born in Washington, D.C., chef Tyler Henry is somewhat of a spice aficionado and has travelled to places such as Peru, NYC and New Orleans to experience the local cuisines. Currently, he lives in Mexico City where he runs his Thai restaurant Choza. As someone who's well-versed in the local cuisine and scene, he shares his knowledge on which markets are ones you should visit in CDMX.
Medellin
“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.”
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Mercado Jamaica
“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.”
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Mercado San Juan
“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.”
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“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.”
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