Taco Mensch — Local services in Mexico City

We had the pleasure of taking the Taco Mensch tour, which was led by the charismatic owner, Avidan. He gave us a brief overview of where we would go, checked in for dietary restrictions and promised additional recommendations of places near where we were staying before we headed to the first location.

A small mom and pop that specialized in organic tortillas, Avidan went into depth of the history, processing and even showed the equipment that was used. We enjoyed a variety of salsas to try with the tortilla, to which he emphasized that without the salsa, you aren't really eating a taco (definitely will remember that moving forward with all my future taco endeavors 😊).

Our second spot was a combo experience focused on texture and smell, a snack of Tlacoyo from a 35-year veteran with masa stuffed with smooth fava bean, queso and delicious salsa that gave a slight kick in the mouth, as well as a re-introduction to several ingredients that we had seen, but never really knew the history of, including a taste of almond mole that made you crave enchiladas.

Avidan personally dressed our next delicious bite, which to say it was a mouthful was an understatement. A fish taco of gargantuan proportions with smoked tuna and shrimp, he suggested a sparkling beverage (or beer, if that's more to your liking) and handed us a fork to scrape up any morsels that fell.

Last savory spot was focused on al pastor, and we were instructed to only add a squeeze of lime, since the taco had "everything we would need". It was so flavorful and juicy and the Jamaica agua fresca refreshed our taste buds.

The last spot was bittersweet - a cortado and a fluffy marshmallow encased in decadent chocolate - we enjoyed this in the park, with Avidan sharing recommendations for shopping.

This is definitely the tour to book, not only for the food, but for the thoroughness and thought that went into this entertaining and interactive experience.

Thanks Avidan for this amazing tour and we look forward to booking more tours...

Avidan was an exceptional host, and we had an incredible time on his taco tour in Mexico City. Before booking, we reached out to ensure he could accommodate one of our group members who has Celiac disease and a nut allergy. Avidan’s prompt and reassuring responses made us feel completely comfortable proceeding. He understood the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and took the necessary precautions at every stop, confirming details with the staff before presenting the food to our group member. At one stop, they even prepared her taco separately. Thanks to Avidan's attentiveness, she was able to enjoy tacos at every stop without any issues.

As for the tour itself, it was fantastic. Avidan is warm, friendly, and passionate about food. He took us to some truly special spots beyond the typical street taco experience, all featuring high-quality ingredients. We started at an organic tortilla factory using heirloom corn, where we enjoyed a quesadilla with Oaxacan cheese and huitlacoche (corn fungi). Next, we tried a pre-Hispanic dish called Tlacoyo, stuffed with fava beans. Another highlight was a taco with deep-fried cuaresmeño chile stuffed with smoked tuna and shrimp. Of course, we also had the classic al pastor, cooked over charcoal instead of gas for an authentic flavor. Our final stop at a Mexican coffee and chocolate shop was the perfect way to end the tour.

Every stop was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the...

Our group had the most incredible with Avi on his taco tour in Mexico City! Avi is not only knowledgeable about the city's culture and history, but also has a deep understanding of Mexico as a whole. He effortlessly weaved fascinating stories and insights into every stop we made, making the tour both educational and engaging. The food we tasted was absolutely outstanding. Each place we went to offered something unique and delicious, from traditional huitlacoche to tacos al pastor bursting with flavor. The highlight of the tour was a stop at a local organic tortilla factory producing tortillas using traditional native methods. Avi not only explained the significance of each dish but also recommended other must-try foods and restaurants in the city. However, what really makes this tour special is Avi’s infectious enthusiasm and humor. He kept us entertained throughout the tour with his insider knowledge and lively personality, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

Overall, this food tour was not just about eating great food (though there was plenty of that!), but also about gaining a deeper appreciation for Mexican cuisine and culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Mexico City who wants to explore its food scene while learning from a passionate and...