7 Biggest Surprises in Mexico City

I made the decision to move to Mexico City without ever having visited. The huge, chaotic city has unexpectedly become one of my favorite places in the world, but it was a definite adjustment. Aside from the typical culture shock, there were a few elements of Mexico’s biggest city that I definitely hadn’t anticipated, or imagined.

Street food is everywhere

From tamales on the street corner, to a make-your-own-salad vendor right outside my apartment, street food is plentiful, available, and super affordable. Basically everywhere I turn, I run into a new and delicious cart offering every kind of prepped and ready food I could imagine – at almost any hour of day or night.

The breakfast food stalls and carts, selling items like smoothies and tamales, start opening their shutters when the first of the commuters set off to work. Shortly after, tacos, burritos, and whole cooked chickens go on sale throughout the afternoon. After another short while, the dinner and late night items, like tacos and quesadillas, go on sale and you can find them well into the night, satisfying any late night cravings.

Stephanie Kempker / Own Work