The history of Azcapotzalco is told in generous portions and with a deep rootedness to neighborhood food.
The star dish that has given this borough international fame is the mythical petrolera: a generous base of corn dough similar to a giant sope, which is fried in lard until golden and crowned with refried beans, red or green salsa, shredded quesillo, and meats ranging from juicy suadero to rib or scrambled egg.
It is a symbol of street food that challenges anyone’s appetite.
The favorites are Las Originales Petroleras de la Güera, located at Cedros 75, San Andrés, famous for their chicharrón, tinga, and shredded meat stews.
Understanding the soul of this demarcation lies in knowing the meaning of chintololo, a demonym proudly identifying those belonging to the ancient Altepetl of Azcapotzalco, a word referring to The Anthill.
The deep love for its identity is masterfully savored in the iconic restaurant El Fogón de los Chintololos, with almost half a century of tradition, where its huaraches with cecina and Yecapixtla chorizo or suadero, juicy cochinita pibil tacos, and generous flank steak alambres stand out.
The nostalgic and bohemian will prefer visiting centennial cantinas like El Dux de Venecia, offering an immersive experience: here the traditional snack—snails, shrimp broth, and a melt-in-your-mouth pork shank—accompanies your drink while the jukebox constantly plays the greatest hits of José José, who grew up on these very streets.
Furthermore, for a family feast, the iconic and award-winning restaurant Nicos continues to reign as the borough’s emblem with its unparalleled rescue of yesteryear’s Mexican recipes.
The most demanding palates can take a stroll through the Nueva Santa María, a neighborhood boasting two iconic spots: the juicy charcoal-grilled ribs in the heart of the area that perfume the streets from noon, and the Nueva Santa María Market, whose seafood restaurants are considered among the best and freshest in all of Mexico City.
The tour of Azcapotzalco is not complete without visiting the Clavería neighborhood, famous for its beautiful tree-lined avenues and its vintage cafes, where sweet bread and café lechero are the perfect pause for the afternoon.
