Taqueria El Abanico Mexico City
Carnitas nirvana
Carnitas is a type of food originally from the state of Michoacán - some mention Tacambaro as the cradle of this delicious delicacy. The preparation of this dish is an art, where different parts of pork and various condiments and spices are used.
Located a few blocks from San Antonio Abad metro, on the blue line, Taqueria El Abanico certainly is a must-stop to get to know and try their daily feast.
For my taste, their carnitas is the best in the city: the meat is mixed with so much flavor that when biting into the taco there's a delicious explosion of ingredients and juice on your taste buds. You can order different kinds of carnitas tacos, including: maciza (pure meat), costilla (rib), cahete (cheek), and cuerito (pork rind), which are actually different parts of the animal. I like the ones with maciza and cuerito. apart from carnitas, they make other kinds of tacos: shepherd, steak, chorizo... but surely the carnitas are the best of the best.
The restaurant is big, but at lunchtime (around 13:30 to 16:00) the place is full. Luckily, there is a bar outside where you can also eat your tacos, with the inconvenience that you will eat them standing up. But there's always advantages: on the outside, unlike on the inside, different toppings such as onion, nopales, beans and potatoes are for free.
Take a look at the desserts and if you still have some space in your stomach, it's worth trying one.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Mexico City guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Mexico City
Yoru – Handroll and sushi bar
"Yoru" is a small Japanese restaurant near downtown Mexico City. My favorite dish is the salmon spicy mini bowl, the mix is just perfect...
By
Maria
Fernanda Garcia
Desierto Norte – Drinks, food and forest!
"Desierto Norte" is a restaurant located in the middle of the forest. It is a charming and delicious place in every sense...
By
Cris
Guasch
Baltazar – The best of both worlds
"Baltazar" is a tiny place in Mexico City's historical center that offers one of the most dilicious results of gastronomical fusion: Arab tacos...
By
Ana
Cris Chávez
Mariscos Don Vergas – The place to go for seafood
"Mariscos Don Vergas" in Mexico City is the closest you can get to Sinaloa's finest seafood without traveling. Just try the aguachile or taco gobernador...
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
Nido de Quetzalcoatl – An architectural haven
"El Nido de Quetzalcoatl" is an apartment complex in Mexico City shaped like the body of the famous Aztec serpent deity. You can even stay inside!
By
Carolina
Caballero
Belmondo – Healthy & delicious
"Belmondo" in Mexico City is a New York-style restaurant with amazing sandwiches and salads. I like the fact they support non-profit organizations...
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
Hacienda de Cortes – Prettiest place in Coyoacan
"Hacienda de Cortes" hides in what is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Mexico City. It has a bazaar on Saturdays & a small restaurant.
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
JardÃn Botánico UNAM – Discover the Mexican flora
The "JardÃn Botánico UNAM" (or the botanical garden) in Mexico City is one of the country's most valuable, and beautiful, gardens. Come adopt a plant here!
By
Carolina
Caballero
Cosecha Natural – 100% fresh & healthy
"Cosecha Natural" in Mexico City is a pretty and cozy restaurant in the heart of Polanco that's perfect for lunch or breakfast. Try the Vietnamese bowl!
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
La Ciudadela – All kinds of Mexican crafts
"La Ciudadela" is one of the best markets in Mexico City because of its proximity to the Céntro Histórico neighborhood and variety of things from all over!
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
Los Loosers – Mexican + vegan
"Los Loosers" started out as a vegan delivery food service in Mexico City - now it's one of the best restaurants around - even for non-vegans!
By
Mariana
Gonzalez
Pizzeria Cancino – The best wood-fire pizzas
"Pizzeria Cancino" in Roma Norte in Mexico City makes amazing pizzas & mezcal cocktails! My advice is to sit outside and enjoy the view of the fountain...
By