Mexico is famous for flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meats, which are often offset with a bounty of sauces that range from smokey and savory to dangerously spicy. Although you might not make the connection at first, the country’s cuisine and particularly their approach to slow-cooking meats is not entirely dissimilar from many African, Caribbean, and even African American styles of cooking. This can be partially attributed to the influence of African-descended cultures that took root in Mexico as a result of the transatlantic slave trade.
If you’re curious about how African and Caribbean cuisine takes shape in Mexico, try any one of these popular restaurants that can be found in the country’s capital:
Pez Muy Muy
With a name that translates to “Very Very Fish,” you know exactly what you’re going to get from Pez Muy Muy. Fresh seafood is their specialty, which they pair with Caribbean and Mexican seasonings. Order a Michelada or margarita to wash it all down.
LAfricaine
LAfricaine is a cozy, unassuming spot where you can try delicious Cameroonian cuisine like plantains and BBQ meat skewers. They also host live music and karaoke nights.
Afromenu Mexico
Afromenu is perhaps the only place in Mexico City where you can find authentic Nigerian food. They even sell the Nigerian alcoholic beverage Orijin, which is similar to a beer. Stop by on Monday for their weekly buffet!
CÚS Moroccon Food
This casual diner serves authentic Moroccan food with plenty of vegan options. They promise well-flavored dishes with “spices that will make you fly.”
La Bodeguita del Medio
This popular Cuban restaurant and bar is great for a late-night snack accompanied by a mojito. They claim to be the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world with live salsa music almost every night.
