We’ve become quite fond of Mexican cuisine lately and found that a culinary tour is a fantastic way to learn about the local food while getting a guided exploration of the city. During our stay in Guanajuato, we met Tim Leffel, a renowned travel writer who runs the Mexico Street Food Tours. These tours not only introduce you to the best street food vendors but also provide historical insights about the city.
Our small group, led by Tim, started at a park and set off to explore and eat around Guanajuato. For breakfast, we visited a popular bakery where the aroma of fresh breads and pastries greeted us. We tried a concha roll, covered in a sugary topping, which was delicious. To go with it, we got some fresh green juice, a mix of celery, cactus, orange juice, and parsley, from a vendor near Embajadores Market.
As we moved from the bakery to the juice stand and then to a market, we couldn’t help but smile. Guanajuato’s beauty shone through every corner we turned. Next, we visited Baratillo Plaza, surrounded by colorful buildings and a large fountain in the center. Here, we tasted tamales and gorditas. Tamales are cornmeal parcels often filled with seasoned meat or cheese and steamed in a corn husk. Gorditas are corn flour pockets stuffed with various fillings like barbecue meat, cheese, beans, or eggs, and lightly fried on a grill. Both were incredibly tasty.
The city’s hilly terrain offered exercise between meals. We navigated through narrow alleyways, busy streets, and even took a funicular up a hillside for breathtaking views of the city. At the top, we enjoyed sopes, which are thick corn tortillas topped with cheese, meat, and salsa—resembling thin crust pizzas.
One unique aspect of the tour was that Tim allowed us to choose what we wanted to sample. This flexibility added a personal touch, letting us explore and enjoy a variety of dishes. Besides baked goods, juice, sopes, tamales, and gorditas, we also tasted al pastor tacos, fresh ice cream, Veracruz coffee, and even pig intestine tacos.
After a day filled with food and sightseeing, we parted ways with new friends and were thrilled with our experience. We recommend this tour, especially early in your trip, to discover the best eating spots.
Key highlights of the tour:
– Freedom to try anything that catches your eye.
– Tim’s knowledgeable yet easygoing guidance.
– Full meals, not just samples.
– Small, intimate group sizes.
– A wide variety of foods and drinks.
– Learning about Guanajuato’s culture and history.
– Great value at $33 USD per person, with discounts for groups.
We had no complaints; the food was delicious, the portions generous, and Tim was an excellent guide. For more information, visit Mexico Street Food Tours. A big thanks to Tim for showcasing the best street food in Guanajuato!
