Carnitas El Cherán

The Central de Abasto in Mexico City is one of the largest markets in the world and home to El Cherán: a taquería offering excellent carnitas tacos.

They prepare them Michoacán-style and follow the tradition of serving them with green tomatillo salsa with chile de árbol, chopped onion, and pickled chilies.

Comidistas Tip: Order the barriga (pork belly) in chunks; the combination of meat and fat is spectacular. The “Cherán Especial” or the “Mexican Nigiri” are also worth it: a tender piece of rib topped with a slice of cuerito (pork rind).

They open at 5:30 AM, but get there early because the best cuts sell out fast.