Origins and Popularization of Tacos de Canasta
In Mexico City, few images are as endearing as that of a bicycle navigating the streets, laden with a basket overflowing with steaming tacos. This craving, born in Tlaxcala as a practical solution for nourishing farmers and merchants during long workdays, found its permanent home in the capital.
The origin traces back to San Vicente Xiloxochitla, Tlaxcala, known as the cradle of the tacos de canasta. At the beginning of the 20th century, farmers and vendors in the region needed a cheap, easily transportable food that could stay warm throughout their work hours.
The solution was to fill tortillas with inexpensive stews like potatoes with chorizo, beans, or pressed chicharron; bathe them in hot oil or lard; and store them in a linen and plastic-lined basket. Thus, the steaming taco was born – a dish that didn’t require tables or utensils and could accompany workers anywhere.
With the migration of Tlaxcaltecs to Mexico City, tacos de canasta quickly gained popularity. They soon became an integral part of the daily diet for students, office workers, and laborers due to their affordability, accessibility, and ease of consumption on the go.
In the city, the bicycle vendor carrying a basket became an inseparable part of the landscape since mid-20th century. Every November, San Vicente Xiloxochitla hosts the Taco de Canasta Fair, where thousands of free tacos are distributed.
Top Taco de Canasta Spots in Mexico City
1. Tacos Los Especiales – Madero, Centro Histórico
Located in the heart of the capital, these tacos are a must-visit. With long lines on Madero Street, they offer the classics: adobo, chicharron, chicharron in green salsa, potatoes, and beans. The extra touch: their guacamole and pickled chiles that elevate every bite.
- Address: Av. Francisco I. Madero 71, Centro Histórico, 06000 Ciudad de México
2. Tacos Joven – Narvarte
In one of the city’s most taqueria-filled colonias, Tacos Joven stands out for its smoky chicharron salsa with chile morita: smoky, spicy, and unique. Here, tacos de canasta cost 18 pesos and are served in their classic versions of adobo, beans, potatoes, and chicharron.
- Address: Av. Universidad 199-B, Vértiz Narvarte, Benito Juárez, 03600 Ciudad de México
3. Tacos de Canasta Xilos – Nezahualcóyotl
In Neza, Xilos takes tacos de canasta to new heights with 100-gram servings for 18 pesos. Their stews are varied and generous: pressed chicharron with pig skins, cochinita pibil, green mole with pork, red mole with chicken, butter potatoes, and beans with longaniza.
- Address: Av. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz 539, Benito Juárez, 57709 Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México
4. Tacos de la Catedral – Centro Histórico
An affordable and delicious option right in the heart of the Historic Center. For 12 pesos, you can choose from cochinita pibil, pressed chicharron, potatoes with longaniza, beans, green chicharron, adobo chicharron, and shredded meat. Perfect for eating on the go as you continue exploring the city.
- Address: Monte de Piedad 5, Local 2, Centro Histórico, 06000 Ciudad de México
Key Questions and Answers
- What are tacos de canasta? Tacos de canasta are a popular Mexican street food consisting of tortillas filled with various stews, such as potatoes with chorizo, beans, or pressed chicharron. They are stored in a basket lined with linen and plastic to keep them warm.
- Where did tacos de canasta originate? Tacos de canasta originated in San Vicente Xiloxochitla, Tlaxcala, as a practical solution for farmers and vendors needing affordable, easily transportable food that could stay warm during long workdays.
- How did tacos de canasta become popular in Mexico City? With the migration of Tlaxcaltecs to Mexico City, tacos de canasta quickly gained popularity due to their affordability, accessibility, and ease of consumption on the go.
- What are some popular taco de canasta spots in Mexico City? Some top places to try tacos de canasta in Mexico City include Tacos Los Especiales, Tacos Joven, Tacos de Canasta Xilos, and Tacos de la Catedral.
