In Mexico City, the tortilla is more than just a food—it’s a cornerstone of local culture. This simple, round flatbread made from corn or wheat has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for thousands of years, dating back to the Aztecs and beyond. Today, it remains a central component of countless iconic dishes, from tacos to enchiladas, and is a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant culinary scene of the Mexican capital.
Any food tour in Mexico City is incomplete without indulging in the versatile creations centred around the tortilla. Whether you find them in bustling street vendors or high-end restaurants, these unassuming doughy delights tell a story of tradition, innovation, and flavour.
A History Rooted in Corn
The tortilla’s origins are deeply intertwined with maíz (corn), a sacred crop in Mesoamerican culture. Ancient civilizations like the Aztecs used nixtamalization, a process of soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution, to create masa, the dough used for tortillas. This technique unlocked nutrients and gave tortillas their distinctive texture and flavour.
In Mexico City, you’ll encounter both corn and flour tortillas, though corn remains the firm favourite due to its authenticity and rich heritage. Handmade tortillas, often pressed and cooked fresh on a hot comal (griddle), are a sensory experience that captures the essence of Mexico.
Essential Tortilla-Based Dishes
A tortilla’s true magic lies in its versatility, serving as the foundation for a wide range of Mexican dishes. Here are some must-try tortilla-based delights and venues to seek out on your Mexico City food tour:
Tacos – Perhaps the most famous use of the tortilla, tacos are a street food staple in Mexico City. Fillings range from slow-cooked meats like carnitas or barbacoa to fresh fish or al pastor—thinly sliced pork marinated in spices and served with pineapple. Seek them out at El Vilsito, known for its legendary tacos al pastor, or Taquería Los Cocuyos, whose succulent tacos de suadero (beef brisket) are the stuff of legend.
Quesadillas – Unlike their U.S. counterparts, quesadillas in Mexico City often skip the cheese and are filled with ingredients like huitlacoche (corn fungus), flor de calabaza (squash blossoms), or mushrooms. The Mercado de Coyoacán offers an array of authentic quesadilla fillings, and nearby Doña Vero is well known for its blue corn tortillas and creative fillings.
Enchiladas – Corn tortillas are filled, rolled, and drenched in sauces like tangy green tomatillo or rich red chili, then topped with cheese and crema. Check out Azul Histórico, a refined setting for enchiladas that blend tradition with elegance, or head to El Cardenal, a Mexico City landmark celebrated for its classic take on Mexican cuisine.
Tlacoyos – These oval-shaped masa cakes, often stuffed with beans, cheese, or pork cracklings, are cooked on a comal and topped with salsa, onions, and cheese. Try them at Tlacoyos de la Doña, a beloved street vendor at Chapultepec Park.
Chilaquiles – For breakfast lovers, chilaquiles are a must. Fried tortilla strips are smothered in green or red salsa, then garnished with eggs, chicken, or avocado. Lalo! is a trendy spot for chilaquiles with a modern twist, while Café de Tacuba is a historic Mexico City eatery serving classic chilaquiles.
The Art of the Tortillería
While tortillas can be found everywhere in Mexico City, visiting a traditional tortillería is a unique experience. These small shops produce freshly made tortillas daily, with the rhythmic hum of machines blending with the scent of warm masa.
A few tortillerías even allow visitors to watch the process and taste tortillas fresh off the comal. Look for nixtamalized varieties, which are prized for their earthy taste and nutritional value.
Meanwhile, Mexico City’s chefs are reimagining the tortilla in innovative ways, blending tradition with modernity. High-end restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil have elevated the humble tortilla, incorporating heirloom corn varieties and pairing them with inventive flavours. Pujol’s famous mole madre, mole nuevo is served with fresh tortillas, showcasing the depth of Mexico’s culinary heritage.
Tips for Enjoying Tortillas in Mexico City
Seek out handmade tortillas: Look for vendors or restaurants that make tortillas fresh daily for the best experience.
Experiment with fillings: From classic meats to vegetarian options, the diversity of tortilla-based dishes means there’s something for everyone.
Try blue corn tortillas: Made from native blue corn, these tortillas have a nutty flavour and striking colour.
Pair with salsas: Don’t shy away from sampling the wide range of salsas, but proceed with caution—they can be spicy!
The humble tortilla is a symbol of tradition, community, and creativity in Mexico City. Whether you’re savouring street tacos in the bustling neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma, or indulging in a gourmet tasting menu at a world-class restaurant, the tortilla is a tasty thread that ties the city’s diverse culinary offerings together. So grab a taco, dip into a plate of chilaquiles, or explore the artistry of a handmade tortilla. In every bite, you’ll taste the soul of Mexico City!
