Top Street Eats Under $2 in Mexico City

Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. This savory-sweet-sour snack is a staple of Mexican street culture, widely available for under a dollar at almost any street corner.

A hearty sandwich made with crispy pork rind, refried beans, avocado, and radish on a soft bolillo roll. Typically priced between one and two dollars, it offers a satisfying, protein-rich meal that is deeply rooted in local tradition.

A large, crispy tortilla topped with asiento, beans, Oaxacan cheese, and various meats. While originating from Oaxaca, it is widely available in CDMX street stalls as a filling, inexpensive alternative to pizza, often costing just a few dollars.

Meatball soup served in a light tomato or clear broth with vegetables and sometimes rice. Often sold by street vendors or in small fondas, this comforting dish provides a hot, affordable meal that is especially popular during colder evenings.

Thick, fried corn masa bases topped with refried beans, salsa, lettuce, cream, and cheese. These handheld appetizers or small meals are ubiquitous in markets and street stands, offering a crunchy texture and rich flavors for a very low price.

Thick corn cakes made from fresh nixtamalized corn, stuffed with chicharrón, beans, or salsa. These dense, flavorful pockets of dough are a classic breakfast or snack item, typically sold for just a few pesos at local markets.

A simple sandwich of bread filled with fried eggs, often served with salsa verde. This hearty, protein-packed breakfast or late-night snack is incredibly cheap and widely available, representing the quintessential working-class meal in Mexico City.

A sweet, creamy beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla served chilled in plastic cups. This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with spicy street foods and is one of the most affordable beverages available, costing just a fraction of a dollar.

Pork marinated in chilies and pineapple, cooked on a vertical spit and served on small corn tortillas. While prices vary, smaller stalls often offer these iconic tacos for under two dollars each, making them an essential culinary experience.

A traditional CDMX dessert resembling burnt crème brûlée, made with milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Sold in plastic cups by street vendors, these sweet treats provide a delicious, affordable end to a street food tour.

Steamed corn dough stuffed with meat, chilies, or beans, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. Sold hot from steamers in the morning, tamales are a dense, flavorful, and extremely inexpensive way to start the day.

Fresh fruit chunks soaked in a sweet, often alcoholic or non-alcoholic syrup. Served in cups or glasses, this sweet and refreshing snack is a popular dessert option at street markets, offering natural sweetness at a very low cost.

A Poblano sandwich featuring a soft, sesame-seeded bun, ham, avocado, bean sprouts, and a unique spicy mayo. While slightly more expensive than basic tacos, smaller vendors often keep the price close to the two-dollar mark.

Corn tortillas filled with mole sauce and cheese, folded and grilled until crispy. This savory, spicy treat is a favorite among locals, offering a complex flavor profile in a small, affordable package sold at most street corners.

Light, refreshing drinks made from blending fruits, flowers, or grains with sugar and water. Available in countless varieties like jamaica, horchata, and tamarindo, these are the perfect low-cost companion to any savory street food.

Grilled shrimp served with a tangy tomatillo and green chili sauce. Often found at beachside stalls near the city's periphery or specialized markets, this dish offers a premium protein experience at an unexpectedly low street price.

Corn kernels cooked in a pot with epazote, lime, and chili, served in a cup with toppings. Similar to elote but easier to eat on the go, esquites are a warm, savory snack that is consistently affordable and widely loved.

Crispy fried tortillas topped with refried beans, shredded meat, lettuce, cream, and salsa. These flat, crunchy snacks are easy to hold and eat while walking, making them a convenient and cheap option for a quick lunch.