Mercado Escuadrón 201

The Mercado Escuadrón 201 is the neighborhood market of a lively Iztapalapa community. It faces the broad Rodolfo Usigli avenue that runs all the way west to the Calzada la Viga at the edge of the colonia. The market is but one piece of a giant tianguis that covers much of the neighborhood.

• Rodolfo Usigli Wainer (1905-1979) was a poet, playwright, writer and diplomat. He’s often cited as the father of 20th century Mexican theater.
• The Escuadrón 201 was an Air Force Squadron which flew with the Allied Forces during World War II. They were the only part of the Mexican military to see combat during the war. They’re also honored today with the Tribuna Monumental in Chapultepec Park.
• The neighborhood hosts another monument to the squadron. It’s about three blocks east of the market, also on Rodolfo Usigli avenue.
• The neighborhood itself was named to honor the squadron at the end of the war as it was first being planned.

The Mercado Escuadrón 201 is, according to a 2017 UAM study, home to some 301 vendors. That’s just on the inside of the market, but the number indicates it’s fairly large by Mexico City standards. Among all these vendors are plenty who are preparing fresh meals and from what’s already the freshest food you’ll find anywhere around.

Eating at the market means you’re not only paying less, but eating better too. Food’s coming in literally every day, and you’re supporting smaller businesses and even farmers. There’s some tips on eating at fondas and comida corrida, here.