The Mexican Street Vendors With Stories You Won’t Find in Any Guidebook

Mexico’s street vendors are impossible to miss. They’re on busy street corners, outside markets, near bus stations, and in neighborhood plazas, selling everything from tacos and tamales to fresh fruit, sweets, flowers, toys, and countless everyday essentials.

But these stalls are much more than a convenient place to grab something to eat or buy on the go. Behind them is a long tradition of small-scale commerce and a fascinating part of everyday life that tells you a lot about the country, its food, and the people who keep these traditions going.

Of course, if you’re visiting Mexico, you’ll probably want to stop at a few along the way. The choices can be overwhelming, and knowing what you’re looking at can make the experience even more interesting.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind Mexico’s street vendors, what they sell, and what to look for when choosing a stall to try for yourself.

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History of Street Vendors in Mexico

A huge movement of street vendors selling Mexican food started after the Spanish took control of the Aztec Empire centuries ago.

Since the 1500s, vendors have set up stalls selling all kinds of food. 

However, local governments have long targeted street vendors, trying to displace them and push them off the sidewalks. 

As a result, street vendors in Mexico have to pay a fee to be on the sidewalk.

In some areas, officials also inspect stalls to ensure vendors pay taxes and follow health regulations. 

Types of Street Vendors: What are street vendors called in Mexico? 

👉🏻 Tianguis and mobile markets (mercados sobre ruedas)

Tianguis are mobile vendors that set their carts up in informal markets. Markets usually happen on a certain day of the week and you’ll see the same vendors every time the market is open. 

👉🏻 Concentrations

These stalls are usually located at the entrances of heavily populated areas like metro stations. They sell food sometimes, but more often, they sell electronics and clothing. 

👉🏻 Bazaars (plazas comerciales)

These vendors work in indoor food markets. They usually open early in the morning and close late at night. They have individual stalls where they make and sell their products. 

👉🏻 Individual or small groups of stalls on any sidewalk

You’ll see these vendors set up their market on a street corner, either solo or with a few other carts. Even though their carts are mobile, they usually stay in the same place since their customers know where to find them. 

Is street food in Mexico safe?

As with any street food, you should be cautious and ensure the vendor practices safe food-handling practices. Overall, though, street food in Mexico is very safe. 

It’s always a good plan to watch the street vendor prepare your dish to see how they handle the food.

Red Flags to Avoid from Street Food Vendors in Mexico

One of the top red flags is Mexican vendors who don’t wash the fruits and vegetables. Wash all fresh produce thoroughly before eating.

Also, make sure they don’t handle food without washing their hands. After touching raw meat or money, vendors should wash their hands before touching the next item.

You should also stay away from vendors that leave the meat out in the sun, as it can quickly grow bacteria. 

Must-Try Street Foods in Mexico

🌮 Tacos

This is the most well-known street food. Mexican street vendors usually sell them on soft shells with meat, onions, and cilantro. 

🌮 Tamales

Tamales are corn dough cooked in corn husks. They are usually filled with meat and cheese. The corn dough will be taken off before eating. 

🌮 Tortas

Try tortas for a great little sandwich with refried beans, avocado, and cheese. 

🌮 Sopes and Gorditas

These two are the same in many ways as they are both made from fried corn dough. Gorditas are often thicker with a single filling while sopes are thin and stuffed with meats, vegetables, and sauce. 

🌮 Tostadas

This amazing dish is a toasted tortilla topped with beans, meat, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. 

🌮 Quesadillas

A well-known Mexican street food, quesadillas are tortillas filled with meat, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. 

🌮 Elotes

If you’re a fan of corn on the cob, try this charred corn topped with chili, garlic, and cheese. 

🌮 Churros

This is a Mexican street food favorite that you probably already know. It’s dough that has been fried and then covered in cinnamon and sugar. 

🌮 Licuados

On a hot day, try this smoothie made with milk and fruits. If the vendor makes it with ice, ensure the ice is clean!

🌮 Chicharrónes

This Mexican street food is found in bite-sized pieces or one large piece. It’s deep-fried pig skin. Most vendors put lime juice and chili sauce on the skin before serving. 

🌮 Raspados

Raspados are shaved ice served with sweet syrup on top. It’s great on a warm day for dessert!

🌮 Birria

This amazing soup is made with goat meat, garlic, herbs, and chilies. 

🌮 Huaraches

Make sure to try this corn tortilla topped with pinto beans, meat, salsa, cilantro, and onions. 

🌮 Tlacoyo

Tlacoyo is a thick tortilla stuffed with cheese and other toppings. It’s usually fried or toasted. 

🌮 Flautas

Flautas are a must-try. They’re made with tortillas filled with shredded chicken or meat and then fried until crispy. 

🌮 Camotes

Try these candied sweet potatoes topped with cinnamon and cloves as a side dish or the main course. 

🌮 Elotes and esquites

Elotes is corn on the cob, while esquites is corn served in a bowl. Either way, it’s usually made with mayo and cheese. 

Other Products in Mexican Street Markets

Not all street vendors and open-air markets sell food. Many of the vendors sell clothing, electronics, fabric, tools, and tons of other things! 

In large markets, the vendors are usually grouped together according to what they sell, making it easy to see where you need to go depending on your shopping needs. 

Street Vendors and Their Inclusion in Urban Planning

Especially in larger cities, street vending in Mexico has been displaced by new buildings and shopping malls.

Many vendors are fighting this as they depend on open spaces to make a living. 

Urban planning is less of an issue in rural areas, so street vendors have more freedom in smaller cities. 

FAQs about the Street Vendors in Mexico

What are Mexican fruit carts called?
Mexican fruit carts are often called fruterías. They mainly sell fruits but also might sell smoothies and drinks.

What are the Mexican carts called?
Many of the carts selling food are named taquerías. This is because the first street vendors in Mexico usually sold tacos.

How much do street vendors in Mexico make?
The average income of a street vendor in Mexico is about $150 a month.

What is common street food in Mexico?
Some of the most-eaten street foods in Mexico include tacos, tamales, and churros.

Why is street food so popular in Mexico?
Mexican street food is popular because it’s easy to find and is much cheaper than dining in at a restaurant!

What do Mexicans call street tacos?
In Mexico, you’ll hear street tacos and other food sold by vendors called antojitos. It means “little snack” or “little craving.”

Final Thoughts: Street Vendors in Mexico

Trying cuisine from street vendors in Mexico is the best way to eat amazing food, get to know locals, and support the economy!

Not to mention street food is much cheaper than what you’ll find in a restaurant or hotel. 

If you’re heading to Mexico, make sure to stop by a street food cart for tacos, churros, or a delicious bowl of birria!