In Mexico City grabbing a quick bite to eat from a street vendor is as common today as it was 400 years ago. (Which is to say, very.) Known as antojitos or “little cravings,” traditional Mexican street and market foods range from hand-held tacos to bowls of corn soup to cups of chili-dusted fruit. With all of those options, it’s no wonder that Mexicans devour these fast foods morning, evening and late at night. (The mid-afternoon meal is usually reserved for the home.) Here are five quintessential Mexican street foods to seek out the next time you have a little craving:
Elotes
Perhaps the most famous Mexican street food, elotes (pictured above) are ears of corn roasted or boiled on a stick and then smeared with creamy mayonnaise and sprinkled with salty Cotija cheese and spicy chili pepper. If it sounds messy but fun to eat, that’s because it is.
Frutas con Chile
If you’re in the mood for something healthy, order a cup of frutas con chile, which is literally fruit salad with chili pepper powder or sauce. The tropical fruit is usually sliced into long spears and could include sweet mango, pineapple, watermelon or jicama. The heat from the chili pepper only enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Agua Frescas
Spanish for “fresh waters,” agua frescas are refreshing beverages made from water, sugar and fresh fruits or seeds. Some popular agua frescas include jaimaca and milky horchata, which is made from rice. The light drinks are usually stored in large, clear plastic jugs and ladled into cups for consumption.
Huaraches
Named for their oblong, shoe-like shape, huaraches are thick, fried tortillas topped with a variety of toppings including meats, beans, creamy queso fresco cheese, lettuce, onions, potatoes and salsa. The Mexico City-style version includes steak, beans and cheese.
Helados
Mexican ice creams, or helados, are the same milky, ice cold desserts that you’re familiar with back home. You can usually find a scoop in all of the flavors you would expect—chocolate and vanilla—plus a few Mexican favorites like prickly pear (nopal) and guava. And contrary to popular American belief, it does not come fried!
At Komali —the award-winning, contemporary Mexican restaurant in Uptown—street food is the star of its ¡Día de Feria! (“fair day!”) monthly brunch. On the third Sunday of each month (for July, that’s July 17 from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.), Komali is serving $2 plates of street food, $3 tamarind mimosas and $4 Exotico margaritas, all in addition to its regular brunch menu. Some of the dishes, such as authentic huaraches and elotes, are even served carnival-style at various stands throughout the restaurant.
Reserve your seat at Komali’s Mexican Street Fair brunch by calling (214) 252-0200 or visiting KomaliRestaurant.com.
