Mercado Cuilapan

The Mercado Cuilapan is the main neighborhood market for two of the Vicente Guerrero Housing Development’s “supermanzanas.” In Super Manzana 6, it’s just across the street from Super Manzana 5. And like all the public markets of Iztapalapa, it does double-duty as a community center, day-care center, and social meeting hall.

• The market adapts its name from Cuilapan de Guerrero, the site of a major 16th-century monastery just south of the capital of Oaxaca. The great stone fortress was later used to imprison former president and liberal leader, Vicente Guerrero. Known as “the Martyr of Cuilapan” for much of the 19th century, he was executed there in 1831. The events were a major blow to the early Republic. Guerrero himself is still considered an early martyr to racial equality for all Mexican people.

The Mercado Cuilapan also serves as a sort of permanent base for the many street vendors in the area. These will culminate in some of Vicente Guerrero’s famous tianguis that crowd streets for miles in every direction. Here, they’re afforded a seemingly inadequate plaza just north of the main market. In fact, it’s a surprisingly orderly place.

Inside, you’ll find several good lunch places. Supporting them, you help not just these small businesses, but nearby farmers and independent distributors. You’re also paying a lot less, and eating better, too.

Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.