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Food Culture & Markets
Food is central to Mexican life in a way that few other cultures match. Street food is not a tourist novelty — it is how millions of Mexicans eat every day, and it is extraordinary.
- Tacos: the foundation of Mexican daily eating — al pastor, de canasta, de guisado, birria — each region has its own style
- Comida corrida: the 3–4 course fixed-price lunch served at fondas (small family restaurants) for MXN 80–120 ($5–7) — the best-value meal in Mexico
- Tianguis: weekly street markets where neighborhood vendors sell fresh produce, prepared food, clothing, and household goods at lower prices than supermarkets
- OXXO: Mexico's iconic corner convenience store — there are 20,000+ OXXOs nationwide. Open 24/7, accept bill payments, mobile top-ups, and serve coffee
- Walmart, Chedraui, La Comer, and Soriana are major supermarket chains found in most cities
- Mercado de abastos (central wholesale market): exists in every city — huge, chaotic, very cheap, and a cultural experience
- Specialty food: Mexico City's Roma Norte has a world-class café and restaurant scene rivaling any global city