How to Eat Safely in Mexico City

Mexico City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a rich variety of flavors, from street tacos to gourmet dining. But for travelers, the question often arises: how to eat safely in Mexico City without risking stomach troubles? I’ve spent time exploring the city’s culinary scene and learned practical ways to enjoy its food while protecting my health. This guide shares what I’ve discovered about eating safely in Mexico City, so you can savor every bite with confidence.

Street food stand with fresh ingredients in Mexico City

Choose Where You Eat Carefully

Not all food vendors or restaurants maintain the same hygiene standards. To eat safely in Mexico City, start by picking places that look clean and busy. High customer turnover usually means the food is fresh and prepared quickly, reducing the chance of contamination.

• Look for busy spots: Locals often know the best and safest places. If a stand or restaurant is crowded, it’s a good sign.

• Check cleanliness: Observe how the staff handle food and whether the area looks tidy.

• Avoid places with standing water or flies: These can be signs of poor hygiene.

  
  

Restaurants with visible kitchens or open cooking areas allow you to see how food is prepared. This transparency can help you decide if the place is trustworthy.

Stick to Cooked Foods and Hot Dishes

One of the easiest ways to avoid foodborne illness is to eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot. Heat kills most harmful bacteria and parasites.

• Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood: Dishes like ceviche or rare meats can carry risks if not prepared properly.

• Choose freshly cooked meals: Tacos, tamales, grilled meats, and soups are usually safe bets.

• Be cautious with street food salads or salsas: If they contain raw vegetables or fruits, make sure they look fresh and have been washed properly.

  
  

Drinks like fresh fruit juices or smoothies can be risky if made with unclean water or ice. It’s safer to drink bottled water or beverages without ice.

Drink Bottled Water and Avoid Ice

Tap water in Mexico City is not safe to drink. To avoid stomach issues, always choose bottled water sealed by the manufacturer.

• Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

• Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it’s made from purified water.

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with purified water from trusted sources.

  
  

Many restaurants and hotels provide purified water for guests. When in doubt, ask if the water and ice are safe.

Wash Your Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer

Good hygiene is essential when eating out. I always carry hand sanitizer and use it before eating, especially after handling money or touching surfaces.

• Wash hands with soap and water before meals when possible.

• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.

• Avoid touching your face while eating to reduce the risk of transferring germs.

  
  

This simple habit can prevent many common illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses.

Try Popular Safe Street Foods

Mexico City’s street food is famous, but some dishes are safer than others. Here are a few popular options that tend to be safe when prepared well:

• Tacos al pastor: Pork marinated and cooked on a vertical spit, served hot.

• Elotes (grilled corn): Usually served hot with toppings like cheese and chili powder.

• Quesadillas: Corn tortillas filled with cheese and cooked on a griddle.

• Tamales: Steamed corn dough with various fillings, wrapped in corn husks.

  
  

When ordering, watch how the food is handled and served. If the vendor uses gloves or utensils and the food is hot, it’s a good sign.

Avoid Raw Fruits and Vegetables Unless Peeled or Washed Properly

Raw produce can carry bacteria if washed with contaminated water. To be safe:

• Eat fruits you can peel yourself, like bananas, oranges, or mangoes.

• Avoid salads or raw vegetables from street vendors unless you see them washed with purified water.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with bottled water if you prepare your own meals.

  
  

This reduces the risk of ingesting harmful germs.

Traditional Mexican taco with fresh ingredients on a plate

Use Trusted Sources for Food and Water

If you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, ask about the water source and food safety practices. Many accommodations provide bottled water and have recommendations for safe dining spots.

• Buy bottled water from reputable stores.

• Avoid street vendors selling food that has been sitting out for hours.

• Choose restaurants with good reviews from other travelers who mention food safety.

  
  

Apps and travel forums can be useful for finding reliable places to eat.

Listen to Your Body and Take Precautions

Even with all precautions, sometimes your stomach might react to new foods or spices. To minimize discomfort:

• Eat smaller portions when trying new dishes.

• Avoid overly spicy or greasy foods if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Carry over-the-counter remedies for indigestion or diarrhea.

• Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

  
  

Being cautious helps you enjoy Mexico City’s food without ruining your trip.