10 Things I Love About Mexico City

We’re bringing you the tastes and tempting aromas of culinary hotspots around the world by asking UK chefs to tell us about their favourite places. Here, Edson Diaz-Fuentes of Santo Remedio in London muses on Mexico City

- Edson Diaz-Fuentes

The bustling rush of Mexico City is one of constant movement, traffic and people always on the go. The colourful sights and smells of street food and the noise of the traffic and street music can be an assault on the senses, but it’s also enchanting and magical. However, there’s one thing everyone in Mexico pauses for – eating. Most corners of the city have up to three street-food stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit covered in chilli to Mexico’s staple, tacos, served with countless fillings. Restaurants range from a simple ‘fonda’ where you can eat the meal of the day for as little as £3, to restaurants where you’re treated like royalty – no request is too big or small. In Mexico, there’s no such term as ‘foodie’ because everyone, whatever their background, is obsessed with food.

1 Breakfast is an integral part of the day. You can stop at a street vendor’s stall for atole – a thick, filling drink made using cornmeal and sometimes flavoured with cacao or vanilla – with tamales, corn-dough parcels wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and filled with meat and salsa. Chicken and mole (an intricate sauce made with chocolate, chillies and nuts) or poblano pepper and cheese are favourites. For those who favour a lighter approach, the range of tropical fruit is abundant. For a couple of pounds, you can enjoy a selection of papaya, mango, watermelon and passion fruit, or a fresh juice, like ‘jugo verde’.

It’s made with freshly squeezed orange juice, parsley, celery and cactus, and locals will tell you it’s great for keeping you fit and healthy. If you’re at home or a hotel, chilaquiles are a favourite – corn tortilla chips smothered in salsa verde or roja, and topped with a fried egg, soured cream and cheese.