Mercado Zapotitlán

All photos courtesy of the Comerciantes Unidos Mercado Zapotitlán Facebook page. 

The Mercado Zapotitlán is directly south of the town centre of Santiago Zapotitlán, at Calles Ricardo Flores Magón / Francisco Jiménez. (The name changes when you cross Avenida Tláhuac.) The intersection is just two blocks west of Metro Zapotitlán.

• Needless to say, it’s a great place for lunch.

Like any good market, this one is on a frenetic stretch of street crowded with vendors and delivery trucks. Because this is Tláhuac, there is also a swarm of motorbike taxis. A ride directly south from the Church of the Immaculate Conception should cost you less than mx$50. The same taxis can take you anywhere in the surrounding community.

There’s no better place to witness the community than here at one of the market fondas or small lunch counters. It’s fresher, much of what you eat is locally grown, and it’s healthier too. For people on the go, it’s a much better option than most street food out. (One assumes you’ll be eating some of that, too).

The Mercado Zapotitlán was recently completely remodelled. One result of displacing vendors during the refurbishment is that much of the market is still outside, tianguis-style. It’s actually easier to navigate and to see everything on offer.

• If you haven’t read the guide to fondas and comida corrida in Mexico City, it’s a good time to check it out. Eating from the “menú del día” usually gives you three courses, plus an “agua del día.” You’re eating better and supporting the local economy including local farmers. What could be better?