Recommendations: Mexico City//Mexico
Mexico City is a place of dreams for us foodie folk. The land of tapache and tamales, where you discover a new plant with every bite because the booming food scene boldly merges creativity and deep culture in the most vibrant and playful way. If we could spend our lives eating our way around every corner of Mexico City we would.
Written and reviewed by Plant Academy Founder Lauren Lovatt
Chef’s paradise - Expendio de Maiz
Known by foodies from around the world as the place to go to experience market fresh cooking by some great local chefs. This curb side open kitchen cooks up different dishes each day thet will just keep being served until you say stop.
The Ultimate brunch - MOLINO EL PUJOL
This was my ultimate spot in the Condesa district of Mexico City, created as an informal deli cousin to Pujol. This vibey little place serves up the tastiest selection of dishes from Pumpkin or carrot tamales, avocado and Hoji Santa or huitlacoche (corn fungus) tacos alongside a great drinks list of homemade tapache, corn water and many more. I would head as your first stop to get accustomed to some funky versions of Mexican street food classics.
The OG - Pujol
I couldn’t write a guide to Mexico City without mentioning Pujol. This is the plan ahead place you must fit into your trip created famously by Enrique Olvera, known as the best restaurant in Mexico City. Serving up a tasting menu of modern Mexican cuisine and also a Taco Omazaki menu served in the bar. If you’re a fan of Enrique or have watched the chefs table this experience will make all your foodie dreams come true.
Afternoon delights - Pandaria Rosetta
This bakery has recently won international acclaim as Chef Elena Reygadas became the best female chef in the world. The bakery is beautiful they have a selection of sweet and savoury bakes and drinks which all stand out from the crowd (be prepared to Que).
Keep it sweet - Helado Bonito
It is a little bit more of a challenge to find vegan desserts in the city (if you know of any let me know!) I did however love this vegan ice cream brand with creative flavours and cheeky staff, this is a must stop shop to satisfy your ice cream cravings.
Exploring Alone - Niddo cafe
Walk through the park, visit the anthropology museum and the head to Niddo cafe for a vegan cake and long list of drinks. This instagramable spot is a great oasis to while away an afternoon and near some fantastic yoga studios in the area.
End of the Day Aperitivo - Condesa DF
Although the city has some incredible mezcal bars, I didn’t have chance to check them all out but did make a visit to the beautiful rooftop of Condesa DF. Part of Groupo Habita (who curate the most stunning must visit hotels around the country) Condeza DF is a striking design hotel with a rooftop overlooking the city. Head up their for classic cocktails and breathtaking scenes and surroundings.
Dinner with friends - Ojo De maiz
A plant based paradise of veganised Mexican dishes, this charming restaurant is a good place to meet with friends and expense a satiating menu from morning to night. Whether you go for their Flautas de tinga or Jamaica enchiladas you must try their watermelon seed horchata for an extra delight
Keep it Vegan - Los Loosers
One of the few proudly vegan places, Los loozers serves a mostly mushroom inspired menu in the most wonderfully vegan way. Expect your favourite Mexican dishes with a fungi twist. I loved their fish con kkaennip taco smoked passion fruit and eucalyptus mocktail.
For the Churro moments - Churreria El Moro
This is a slightly more touristy spot but offers vegan churros! Worth the wait if you get inline and they also have some chocolate vegan drinks too.
Chocaholics rejoice - Commons mushrooms / Casa bosques
Mexico is, of course, the land of chocolate. But, as Plant people, I know you too will be seeking out the most funky options. Commons is a new brand that spikes their cacao with medical plants and also sells mushroom powders, you will like if you’re after an adaptogenic hit. While Casa Bosques is an artisan brand who collaborates with famous chefs and enterprises to make unique bars featuring ingredients such as (not so vegan) ants, but also use finds rare varieties of beans and wonderfully wild ingredients to make their shows topping bars.
Plant gadgets - Utilitario Mexicano
This shop has everything you could ever desire to pimp your knife roll or update your kitchen gadgets. Such a satisfying shop of locally designed tools and kitchenware that you won’t want to miss.
Sleep - Ignacia Guest house
In the heart of my favourite area, Roma Norte, Ignacia guesthouse is known for their memorable design and stand out service. Boasting 9 rooms each with a different colour scene (some of which have recently been refurbished and a few new ones opened!). Ignacia was an incredible experience for me sleeping in the 'rosa' room, sipping on complimentary Palomas made by their barman and enjoying breakfast cooked effortlessly in their very cool kitchen by local cooks. The perfect location for long warm days wandering the colourful streets of the city.