Where is the best place to eat authentic tacos de canasta in Mexico City?
For just 18 MXN a taco, Tacos Joven in Narvarte Oriente serves the city's finest version of this steamed street staple. Unlike the mushy versions found on Centro corners, these are kept in fabric-lined baskets that preserve the structure of the chicharrón prensado, potato, and adobo fillings. The space is simple—just a clean counter under blue awnings—but the green salsa is legendary. Pair three of these with a glass of cold horchata for a perfect midday snack.
What locals actually do
Chilangos eat tacos de canasta (basket tacos) almost exclusively as a morning or early afternoon snack, rarely past 15:00. While the high-volume spots on Madero in Centro Histórico feed thousands of commuters daily, locals in the know head to Narvarte or Del Valle for higher-quality ingredients. They order a mix: always include one papa with adobo (potato) and one chicharrón prensado (pork rind). The real test of a great canasta spot is the salsa; it should be a raw, tangy green salsa with plenty of avocado and pickled jalapeños on the side to cut through the rich, oil-steeped tortillas.
Order two chicharrón prensado tacos and one potato taco at Tacos Joven around 11:00, spoon on the raw green salsa, and drink a freshly made horchata.
Practical notes
- 01Tacos Joven is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00, making it strictly a breakfast or lunch destination.
- 02The closest metro station is Eugenia on Line 3, just a five-minute walk from the corner of Universidad and Xola.
- 03Prepare to stand while eating; there are only a couple of small stools inside the compact local shop.
Good to know
- ✗Cash is highly preferred here; bring small 20 and 50 MXN bills for quick payment.
- ✗Do not wait until late afternoon, as the best fillings like chicharrón usually sell out by 14:00.
- ✗The green salsa with avocado is mild, but the pickled habaneros on the counter carry real heat.