I’m helping out my friend Penny de los Santos with her photography workshop this weekend. I’ve been leading folks around, taking them to markets and street food stands, and encouraging them to try pulque and mezcal.
In return they’ve encouraged me to take out my camera from its lonely hiding place. It’s not that I haven’t been taking pictures — I have, but in the comfort of my own kitchen and not on the streets.
Here’s just a small set of what I shot, of Mexico City street food. (I’m ignoring the little voice that’s telling me that several of these could’ve been better.) I’ll have more over the coming days, and a little more about what I learned while hanging out with Penny.
Baked, sugar-dusted sweet potato with condensed milk
Palomitas, chicharrones and more for sale on the sidewalk
A carnitas taco
Roasted elote, served with cheese, chile powder and lime juice
Sprinkling salt -- or is it cheese? -- on the roasted corn
Papas, or potato chips, with Valentina sauce
Late night tacos al pastor... more to come on this stand later.
This post makes my mouth water!
The corn one and the papas fritas one are my favorites! Well done. Thanks for sharing. (And luck you hanging out with Penny again!)
The al pastor one is great, because you caught that flame. I also really like the papas one, because you have a close-up of her face as she prepares them, and she has on that ubiquitous apron.
I would have LOVED to been there for her workshop! What an honor. And your photos are beautiful and capture the simple and delicious essence of Mexico! Mmm!
Your photography skills are great because I am suddenly feeling famished for all that great food! Que rico!
Oh, that sweet potato looks good.
Tacos al Pastor one of my all time faves. Still looking for a good recipe. The corn is out there. I just love street fairs…..thanks for making me so hungry. If you come across a good recipe for tacos al pastor..do send it to me.
It was amazing meeting you, Lesley!
I have tons of posts up about our adventures on my site. Keep in touch 🙂
It was great meeting you too! I’ll definitely check out your photos. Hope you had a safe trip home.
Se me antojaron unas papas.
Hola!, I was on Mexico city this past weekend, and alway on my last day love to go to the tacos, one of my favorites is a stand on Euskaro and Buentono, Euskaro crosses Insurgentes Norte and the stand is two blocks of Insurgentes
Thanks for the tip! Do you know what colonia the stand is in?
These are really great shots. I can almost smell the bbq corn and hear that fire crackling. Really, nice job.
Thanks Erik!
Hi Lesley!
What kind of camera do you use?
It’s a Canon Rebel XSi with a 50 mm 1.8 lens.
Wow! Amazing photos and blog. I’m traveling to Oaxaca next week via Mexico City…can’t wait for the wonderful sights, sounds, flavors and spirit of Mexico! Any hints on a great place to stay for 1 night before we catch our flight home?
Hi Loretta: I’m not sure what your budget is, but I like Patio 77 in San Rafael and the Red Tree House in Condesa. The former is in a renovated old mansion — it’s a really great place. Quiet neighborhood, near the Metro San Cosme stop. The Red Tree House is in the heart of Condesa, so easy access to restaurants, cafes, etc. Hope that helps!