Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Authentic Food Quest Authentic Food Quest
  • About
    • What is Authentic Food Quest
    • Work With Us / Media
    • Contact Us
  • Destinations
  • Eat
    • Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Street Food
    • Restaurants
  • Drink
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Food Itineraries
    • Books
    • International Food
    • Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Accommodations
    • Cooking Classes
    • Food & Wine Tours
    • Food Traveler Tips
    • People in Food
Jan 29
Eatwith Mexico City by AuthenticFoodQuest

How To Gain Local Friends With Eatwith in Mexico City

  • Rosemary
  • 29 Comments
  • Mexico, Food Traveler Tips
288shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

Connecting with locals is one of the joys of traveling. On our quest to find the best local and authentic food around the world, we always seek to connect with locals.

We typically take food tours, cooking classes, visit the local markets and meet with local food experts.

On a recent visit to Mexico City, we did something entirely different. We had an unforgettable culinary experience with Eatwith Mexico City. 

At Alejandra’s home in the swanky Polanco neighborhood, we shared a wonderful meal with strangers. 

Over traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, we enjoyed making new friends while eating at a local’s home. This immersive experience was fueled by food, turned strangers into friends.

Join us for a fascinating view on how you can eat with locals in Mexico City.

Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

Table of Contents

  • Eatwith Mexico City
  • Meeting Alejandra and Eatwith Guests
  • Breaking the Ice Over Mexican Mezcal 
  • Starting out with Mexican Antojitos or Appetizers
    • Tostada de Jamaica Con Guacamole
    • Nopales Tostados Envueltos Con Jamón Serrano
  • The Main Meal On Our Eatwith Mexico City Experience
    • Mexican Chayote
    • A Medley of Mexican Flavors
  • Homemade Dessert
  • In Summary
  • Best Hotels in Polanco Mexico City
    • Casa ITZAE – Budget Friendly Hotel in Polanco Mexico City
    • Pug Seal Allan Poe Mid Range Hotel in Polanco Mexico City
    • Las Alcobas – Luxury Hotel in Polanco Mexico City
  • Love it? Pin it!

Eatwith Mexico City

We were in Mexico City for the Christmas and New Year holiday season and wanted a holiday experience with locals. 

Earlier, while exploring authentic food in Peru, we had enjoyed a wonderful Andean Christmas in Cusco with a Peruvian family. 

Seeking to do the same and discover local Mexican holiday traditions, we connected with Eatwith for a holiday dining experience in Mexico City.

For those not familiar, Eatwith is the world’s largest community for dining experiences with locals. 

The platform offers experiences in more than 130 countries where you can enjoy amazing authentic dinners with locals in their private homes.

A few days before New Year’s Eve, we contacted Alejandra, our local Mexican host for dinner on December 30th. 

We were excited, though a little nervous about what to expect and who the other guests would be.

As soon as we received the booking confirmation from the easy to navigate Eatwith website, we were all set for a 7:00 pm dining experience with locals.

Eatwith, the world’s biggest community for authentic dining experiences with locals offers unique experiences around the world. The simple to use platform allows you to select your date, city and easily book your experience. If your travels take you to Mexico, book an Eatwith Mexico City experience at Alejandra’s home. 

Meeting Alejandra and Eatwith Guests

On our way to Alejandra’s home for dinner, we stopped to pick up a bottle of Mexican wine. While bringing a gift is not required, we thought it would be polite and an opportunity to learn more about Mexican wines.

Dinner was in Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most upper-class neighborhoods. Just a few days earlier, we had enjoyed discovering the fascinating neighborhood on a Polanco food tour. 

Alejandra and her mother, Christiana welcomed us warmly. Joining us for dinner that evening was Courtney, from New Zealand and Nick, and Christa, from Ireland.

With chill out relaxing music playing in the background and candles in the fireplace, we comfortably settled in.

AlejandraandGuests experience Eatwith Mexico City by AuthenticFoodQuestGetting to know our host Alejandra and the other guests over Mexican appetizers

Breaking the Ice Over Mexican Mezcal 

While seated in Alejandra’s living room with a contemporary Mexican design, we all got to know each other.

To help break the ice, Alejandra served Mezcal, a Mexican agave based liquor. 

Like Tequila, Mezcal is made from the agave plant. However, the two spirits are different. They are made from different varieties of agave, produced in different regions and distilled differently.

In a shot glass, we each had Mezcal from Oaxaca, Alejandra’s favorite region. We learned the best way to drink it was with a slice of tangerine and salt. 

Traditionally, oranges are used, but in December, Alejandra went with tangerines which were in season.

The best way to drink Mezcal we learned, was to put a little salt on the tangerine and then take a small sip. The tangerine keeps the palate clean allowing the Mezcal flavors to shine.

A world traveler, Alejandra has been a Eatwith Mexico City host for about four years.  A documentary and advertising producer, she has always been passionate about cooking and loves sharing her home with visitors. 

She credits her mother, who is now retired, for teaching her how to cook and fueling her passion.

For Nick and Christa, dinner with Alejandra was their second Eatwith experience. Whereas Courtney, Claire and I were all new to the prospect of dining with locals in their home.

With chill out relaxing music playing in the background and candles in the fireplace, we comfortably settled in.

RELATED: How to Enjoy Mezcal at El Cortijo One of The Oldest Mezcaleria Oaxaca

Mezcal Artesanal Eatwith Mexico City by AuthenticFoodQuestArtisanal Mezcal with tangerine slices to kick things off

Starting out with Mexican Antojitos or Appetizers

Tostada de Jamaica Con Guacamole

As we shared stories about our backgrounds, travel experiences, holiday traditions and more, Alenjandra brought out Mexican Antojitos to nibble on.

Antojitos in English translate to “little cravings” or “whims”. They are described as similar to Spanish tapas because you can have one as a quick bite, or order several to make up a meal.

 On beautiful serving platters, Alejandra introduced us to four flavorful antojitos. Everything was prepared with seasonal ingredients and based on what was freshest at the market that day.

One of our favorites was the tostada de jamaica con guacamole. 

Layed on a fried tortilla was guacamole, hibiscus flower (jamaica), topped with cilantro. As guacamole fans, we loved the wonderful fusion of fresh flavors.

RELATED: The Best Authentic Mexican Guacamole Recipe (Easy and Creamy)

Antijotos with tostadas de Jamaica with guacamole Eat Like a Local Mexico AuthenticFoodQuestFresh and tasty tostada de jamaica con guacamole antijotos

Nopales Tostados Envueltos Con Jamón Serrano

The other small bites were equally tasty and creative. Tostadas topped with a green tomatillo sauce, beans, sliced avocados and cream were delicious. 

A serving of tacos stuffed with potatoes and beans cooked with morita chili was a wonderful fusion of flavors. The morita chili, traditional in Mexican cuisine, was not spicy and had  distinctive smoky flavors.

An unusual twist on a popular asparagus appetizer was nopales tostados envueltos con jamón serrano. This attractive plate consisted of napoles or prickly pear wrapped in serrano ham. 

Nopales are a common vegetable in Mexican cuisine dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans. This healthy vegetable is prepared in many ways from salads, to filling in tortillas or in soups and chilies.

We loved the wonderful combination of the mild nopales taste and the serrano ham.

Antijotos de Serrano Ham and nopales Eat Like a Loca lMexico by AuthenticFoodQuestCreative appetizer with ham and cactus

The Main Meal On Our Eatwith Mexico City Experience

Mexican Chayote

At this point, everyone was quite talkative and we had all found common bonds. Alejandra invited us to take our places on the beautifully arranged dining table.

The menu was vegetarian and like the appetizers based on market fresh market produce. To start, we had Mexican squash or chayote cooked with Estragon spices topped with a green pepper.

The inviting flavors immediately captured our taste buds. Chayote, we learned is a native Mexican plant eaten raw in salads, or stuffed and baked. 

The exquisite flavors were delightful and a wonderful continuation from the appetizers.

Mexican Chayote Eat Like a Local Mexico by AuthenticFoodQuestBeautiful plate of Mexican Chayote

A Medley of Mexican Flavors

To go along with our meal, we had hibiscus water also known as agua de Jamaica. In addition, we shared the bottle of L.A. Cetto Nebbiolo Mexican wine we brought.

More wonderful Mexican traditional dishes made their way out of Alejandra’s kitchen. 

One of the most intriguing used several local Mexican ingredients. This dish had flor de calabaza or squash flowers. Also, huitlacoche, which is considered to be Mexican truffle. And along with that, sweet corn and a tomato salsa.

The following dish, chili pasilla de queso asadero artesanal was another wonderful combination of flavors centered on Mexican cheeses. 

Baked into a pasilla chili were three different kinds of artisanal cheeses. This paired very well with a serving of wild rice. 

The dish was neither heavy, nor spicy from the chili. A wonderful mix of fresh flavors savored in the company of fun guests and hosts.

Rosemary and Claire at Alejandra experience with Eatwith Mexico City by AuthenticFoodQuestRosemary and Claire enjoying the main meal

Homemade Dessert

Content, relaxed and feeling quite full, we leisurely finished our meal and took our time before dessert.

The conversation was flowing freely. Alejandra and her mom had created a safe and comfortable space where we could all be at ease.

Dessert was a light mousse de mango homemade treat. Made with seasonal ingredients this is a specialty from Alejandra’s mom. 

After dinner, we moved back into the living room for more conversation and Mezcal. Several hours into our dinner, we felt like we were with family. 

We were extremely touched when Alejandra invited us to spend New Year’s Eve with her and her family.

RELATED:  The Joy of Food: What It’s Like Eating With a Portuguese Family

homemade Mango Mousse Eat like a local Mexico by AuthenticFoodQuestA light finish with homemade mousse de mango
Authentic Food Quest Page_Break

In Summary

Our first Eatwith experience was a great success. We didn’t have any expectations going into it, and were thrilled with how welcomed we felt and the new friends we gained. 

Meeting locals on the road is something we particularly enjoy. The Eatwith community makes it possible to connect with locals in a safe and fun environment.

The Eatwith Mexico City experience with Alejandra was unique and one that is difficult to replicate at restaurants. 

The food Alejandra made was unique and creative. The best part is that the dishes can be adjusted to accommodate dietary restrictions or spice levels.

If you are looking for a different experience in Mexico’s capital, eat with locals in Mexico City.  

The outstanding company, cozy environment and unique Mexican flavors will be a highlight on your trip.

 Book an Eatwith Mexico City experience at Alejandra’s home. 

BOOK YOUR EATWITH MEXICO CITY EXPERIENCE
Rosemary and Claire with Alejandra and her guests for our Eatwith Mexico City experience by AuthenticFoodQuestAlenjandra, Rosemary, Claire and Eatwith Mexico City guests

Click to see more amazing Mexico City experiences with Eatwith

Best Hotels in Polanco Mexico City

Finding a hotel in Mexico City, with its sprawling urban landscape, can be quite overwhelming.

Polanco, with its walkability, safety, and accessibility to the main sites, is a great area to base yourself in Mexico City. 

To help you get the most out of your trip, we recommend the following hotels in Polanco Mexico City.

Lincoln Park in Polanco by Authentic Food QuestParque Lincoln or Lincoln Park in the heart of Polanco

Casa ITZAE – Budget Friendly Hotel in Polanco Mexico City

Casa ITZAE is a charming Bed & Breakfast located in the heart of Polanco. 

This cozy and authentic Mexican City accommodation offers a breakfast buffet and provides a fully equipped kitchen.

Double rooms start at about $100.00 per night.

See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com

BOOK YOUR STAY AT CASA ITZAE

Pug Seal Allan Poe Mid Range Hotel in Polanco Mexico City

This old beautiful mansion has been converted into a stylish and elegant boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms surrounded by a garden.

Pug Seal Allan Poe provides complimentary bikes to its guests as well as a delicious breakfast.

Suites with king beds and breakfast starts at about $225.00 per night.

See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com

BOOK YOUR STAY AT PUG SEAL ALLAN POE

Las Alcobas – Luxury Hotel in Polanco Mexico City

With a panoramic view of the city from your bed, Las Alcobas Hotel offers world class treatment in the core of Polanco.

A delicious breakfast and farm to table menu is available including fine Mexican cuisine. 

The spa, using local and natural products, and hydromassage baths are awaiting  you after a long day of sightseeing.

King size rooms with breakfast starts at about $542.00 per night.

See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com

BOOK YOUR STAY AT LAS ALCOBAS

Love it? Pin it!

Pinterest image EatWith Mexico City by AuthenticFoodQuest

Disclosure: Special thanks to Eatwith Mexico City and our host Alejandra for having us on this social dining experience. All views and opinions expressed are our own. Full bellies and happy taste buds too.

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. That means at no extra charge to you, we earn a small commission when you purchase using these links. Thank you for your support.

Rosemary

Rosemary, ex-marketing and advertising strategist, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Claire, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Peru. Favorite local dish: Bacalhau. Favorite way to keep fit: Running. Rosemary is the chief content writer and strategist on Authentic Food Quest. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.

    29 Comments

    1. Amber Myers
      January 31, 2020 at 12:18 pm · Reply

      It’s always fun to meet new people. I especially love trying out cuisines from different parts of the world.

    2. melissa chapman
      January 31, 2020 at 2:17 pm · Reply

      Those dishes look amazing and so authentic. I would love to travel to Mexico City on this Eatwith tour. Mexico City is a great city and meeting the locals is so interesting.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:29 pm · Reply

        So glad you enjoyed the article, Melissa. Eatwith is all over the world, so if you don’t get to Mexico soon, you’ll find them in other countries you may be traveling to. Cheers.

    3. cait
      January 31, 2020 at 4:04 pm · Reply

      wow this sounds like such a great thing to do with friends as well as meet other ones who enjoy it as much as you do 🙂 what a great time! love all those food pictures

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:28 pm · Reply

        Thank you so much Cait. It was a fun experience with an amazing local Mexican meal included 🙂 Cheers.

    4. Theresa
      January 31, 2020 at 4:08 pm · Reply

      What an incredibly fun way to learn about local cuisine and culture and get to meet other people from the world. I always look for ways to interact with locals when we travel, but this really takes it to a whole new level that I would love to explore.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:27 pm · Reply

        That’s great to hear Theresa. Eatwith works carefully to find and screen their hosts. So, no matter where you try an Eatwith experience, you will be delighted. Highly recommend for your next travels. Cheers

    5. Brandy
      January 31, 2020 at 5:20 pm · Reply

      Looks like it is so much fun to eat with Mexico City 😉 Loving that you shared anotehr cultural experience for me to witness and see what others enjoy in other areas of the world.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:26 pm · Reply

        Thanks, Brandy. A truly fun and memorable experience. Glad you enjoyed the article.

    6. Pam
      January 31, 2020 at 5:29 pm · Reply

      Eatwith sounds like a great experience to meet locals and explore the local customs. I’d love to do that the next time I’m in Mexico.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:25 pm · Reply

        That’s great to read Pam. Definitively give Eatwtih a try, the next time you are in Mexico. You’ll have a wonderful time with Alejandra 🙂 Please let us know if you have any questions. Cheers.

    7. Sue
      January 31, 2020 at 8:30 pm · Reply

      I’ve done social dining experiences in Paris and other places and agree they are so much fun. Your experience in Mexico City looks great!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:24 pm · Reply

        Awesome to hear Sue. This was a our first experience and it will certainly not be the last. Fun times, indeed! Cheers.

    8. Lynndee
      February 1, 2020 at 9:14 am · Reply

      We love Mexican food over here and I’m drooling. Now I want to have some Mexican food. 🙂

    9. Gervin Khan
      February 1, 2020 at 12:07 pm · Reply

      I can see that you really have fun and enjoy every moment while in that place and every food that showed with us are all delicious. I wish to be there someday meet locals and eat local food.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:23 pm · Reply

        Thank you, Gervin, for your feedback on the article. We truly had an amazing time and eating with locals via Eatwith is an experience you should consider trying. Thanks for stopping by.

    10. Kathy
      February 1, 2020 at 4:01 pm · Reply

      This sounds amazing. All that food looks so delicious too. I really love connecting with others as well. It’s always fun.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:21 pm · Reply

        You are right, Kathy. The fun in travel comes from connecting with locals. So glad you enjoyed the article.

    11. Kita Bryant
      February 1, 2020 at 4:58 pm · Reply

      That would be such a wonderful experience. Mexico City is such a beautiful place to see.

    12. Ice Cream N Sticky Fingers
      February 1, 2020 at 6:09 pm · Reply

      This sounds like a fun way to get to know the culture, traditions, and meet new friends. I’m glad it went well. The food looks amazing. I would be delighted to try the tostadas de Jamaica del Guacamole.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:21 pm · Reply

        Thank you. It was a wonderful experience and one we would recommend trying. Great company and amazing food. Look into Eatwith the next time you travel 🙂 Cheers

    13. Beth
      February 1, 2020 at 6:34 pm · Reply

      My dad was an avid traveler. He would have loved the chance to dine with locals and make new friends as you did! Eatwith sounds like a great way to meet people and experience a different culture.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:19 pm · Reply

        It sounds like Eatwith would have been perfect for your dad. What about you? Do you like to connect with locals on your travels?

    14. Lizzie
      February 1, 2020 at 9:13 pm · Reply

      Wow, these dishes all look sensational. I love mezcal and tequila and I’ve had it with orange slices in Sweden, but there they serve it with a dash of cinnamon.

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:19 pm · Reply

        Oh wow, Lizzie, that’s interesting to learn that cinnamon is added in Sweden. Thanks for stopping by.

    15. Ruth I
      February 2, 2020 at 2:32 am · Reply

      All the food looks amazing. I can get my appetite together when there’s a bit of alcohol in the flavor. Makes my stomach warm and ready.

    16. Catalina
      February 2, 2020 at 4:00 am · Reply

      This food looks so inviting and fancy! I love Mexican and I would like to have an experience like that!

      • Authentic Food Quest
        February 2, 2020 at 7:18 pm · Reply

        Glad you enjoyed the article, Catalina,

    17. Amber
      February 2, 2020 at 10:33 pm · Reply

      There’s so much deliciousness happening here. How do you know where to start?!

    Leave a reply Cancel reply

    Post a Comment

    We love to hear from you, so tell us what you think.

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.

    I accept the Privacy Policy

    Claire and RosemaryHi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to help you explore local culture through food. As digital nomads, we travel to share authentic food recipes and food guides from around the world so you can savor them during your travels or in your home kitchen. Learn More

    Get Authentic Food Quest Books

    Authentic Food Quest Peru Book Authentic Food Quest Argentina Book

    CONNECT WITH US

    Connect With Us

    Partner With Us

    To discuss ways to advertise or partner, please visit our media page.

    Disclosure

    Authentic Food Quest participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

    Don’t Miss These Popular Links

    • Food and Travel in Mexico
    • Eating in Portugal
    • Get Tasty UK Snacks & More Delivered To Your Home
    • Make Chilean Pisco Sour at Home
    • Food in Vietnam
    • Recipes
    © 2015-2020 - All Rights Reserved - Authentic Food Quest ™ | Terms | Privacy
    288shares