Where to Find the Best Local Snacks, Treats, and Eats in San Cristobal

Discover the vibrant flavors of San Cristobal through our guide to local snacks, treats, and traditional eats. Whether you're a curious traveler or a food enthusiast eager to delve deeper into Mexican cuisine, we’ll show you where to find the authentic bites that locals love—perfect for when you want to experience a different side of the town. Keep in mind, these recommendations are geared toward adventurous palates, so you might not always get what you expect, but you'll definitely get a taste of Mexico's rich culinary diversity. Each region has its unique flavors, and our list may lean heavily toward the local Mexican palate—so forgive us if we go a bit too deep into our culinary traditions!

1) Esquites: a taste for tradition.

Esquites, a simple yet flavorful Mexican snack, hold a special place in the heart of Chiapas culture. More than just a tasty treat, esquites carry with them the weight of ancient history and tradition. To the Mayans, corn was the essence of life, and they believed that humanity itself was born from maize. This deep-rooted connection is still very much alive today, especially in Chiapas, where corn remains a staple of the local diet.

Eating esquites is a ritual of everyday life, a moment to enjoy something light while walking the vibrant streets or sitting in a park with friends. The blend of boiled corn kernels mixed with lime, chili powder, mayonnaise, and cheese is a perfect balance of textures and flavors—creamy, tangy, and spicy, with the soft crunch of corn in every bite.

If you find yourself wandering through San Cristobal, looking for a taste of this beloved snack, you can visit [Elotes y Esquites, Hijos del Maiz] for some of the best esquites in town. Oh, and be careful when asking for “picante” (spicy)—ask them to use “el chile que no pica” and maybe just a little bit of the one that “sí pica.” A word of advice: go easy on the spice, because the locals know their way around some seriously hot food!

Whether you're strolling through the colorful plazas or simply seeking a snack to enjoy while relaxing, esquites are a constant companion, reminding you of the ancient bond between corn and the people of Chiapas.

2) Chilaquiles: A Classic Mexican Breakfast Delight.

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that perfectly captures the essence of bold flavors and simple ingredients. Made from crispy tortilla chips bathed in green or red salsa, it is topped with crumbled cheese, cream, and often served with a side of beans or fried eggs. The combination of crunchy and soft textures, along with the tangy and slightly spicy flavors, makes this dish irresistible.

Typically enjoyed for breakfast, chilaquiles are a staple in many Mexican households and restaurants. You'll find them available in most places that serve breakfast from 9 AM to 1 PM, which is a common time frame in many local spots.

For a truly authentic and flavorful experience, I recommend trying chilaquiles at [Hierba Santa]. This spot is known for its fresh ingredients and homemade salsas, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in this Mexican classic.

Whether you're starting your day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, chilaquiles is the perfect way to savor the flavors of Mexico.

REMEMBER! There are two main varieties of chilaquiles: rojos and verdes. The rojos get their vibrant color from red tomatoes, while the verdes use tangy green tomatillos. Both are delicious, so choose your favorite —or if you can’t decide, go for chilaquiles divorciados, where you’ll get half rojos and half verdes on the same plate!

3) No Wrong Time for a Taco: San Cristobal’s Top Taco Spots.

We Mexicans know tacos, and when it comes to taco recommendations, we have plenty to give. That said, there are levels to taco experiences. Some tacos are beginner-friendly, while others are for those who want to dive deeper into the rich, flavorful world of street tacos. Let’s go from a taco that anyone can enjoy to the ones that are truly Mexican — for those who are ready to go all in.

Tacoleto: Where Authentic Mexican Flavor Meets Casual Elegance

Tacoleto is a perfect place to start. Their tacos are excellent — flavorful, satisfying, and paired with delicious salsas. The service is top-notch, and the prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot for those dipping their toes into Mexican taco culture. If you're looking for tasty tacos in a comfortable setting, Tacoleto has you covered. This is a solid choice, and the flavor is one of my favorites.

Tacoleto is an ideal spot for a great dinner. For around 400 MXN, two people can enjoy a generous meal of tacos—about four tacos each—along with drinks (cerveza, horchata, jamaica, limonada, margarita, mojito, etc). Tacos al Pastor and Suadero are highly recommended. Be sure to add Pico de Gallo (a fresh mix of tomatoes, chiles, onions, and cucumbers), along with either salsa roja or verde, and a squeeze of lime to elevate your taco. Their tortillas are made from real maíz, not the processed kind you might find in stores abroad, giving them a flavor that stands out. It’s one of the best taco experiences you'll find in the city.

Extra note: If you're looking to try something different while you're there, ask for the Alambre 3. You will love it!

Tacoleto [Location]

Tacos y Cocteles El Bony

The shrimp tacos (tacos de camaron) at El Bony are especially noteworthy, offering a unique taste that transports diners straight to the coastal regions of Mexico. This northern recipe hails from Baja California, infusing a distinct coastal flavor into the heart of San Cristobal. The shrimp, always fresh and perfectly cooked, is tender and packed with flavor. Wrapped in soft, warm tortillas, each taco is topped with fresh ingredients that highlight the shrimp's natural taste without overwhelming it. What makes these tacos stand out is their ability to cater especially well to the Mexican local palate—they deliver a perfect balance of textures, from the tender shrimp to the crisp toppings, and a rich seafood taste that feels both familiar and comforting yet undeniably special.

These tacos aren't just a treat for locals. For foreigners, they offer an authentic glimpse into the regional diversity of Mexican cuisine, where seafood plays a major role. The combination of traditional Baja California recipes and local ingredients makes this dish a standout culinary experience that bridges the gap between the northern coasts and the highlands of Chiapas.

El Bony is a locally owned gem, established by a resident of San Cristobal. It’s a place that, while well-known among locals, hasn’t yet become a hotspot for many foreigners, making it feel like a hidden treasure. Most travelers may miss it because it’s not as widely advertised as other eateries, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a spot where locals gather for an authentic seafood experience, and those who do venture in get a chance to taste something that locals truly appreciate. For both locals and adventurous visitors, El Bony’s shrimp tacos offer an unforgettable, authentic taste of Mexico.

Tacos y Cocteles El Bony [Location]

Tacos Leo: The True Mexican Street Food Experience for the Bold Traveler

Now, If you're feeling adventurous and want a truly authentic Mexican experience, Tacos Leo is the real deal. This is where everyday Mexicans—from workers and managers to business owners and families—come to enjoy their street tacos. The crowd here is typically made up of people from nearby businesses, grabbing a quick and satisfying meal. With prices that are hard to beat—for just under 100 MXN PP, you can get two generously sized tacos and a drink—It’s a great spot for those who want to enjoy delicious, authentic Mexican food at a very low cost—exactly the kind of real Mexican cuisine you won’t find in typical restaurants. Perfect for adventurous visitors looking to experience the true flavors of Mexico.

If you’re ready for street food, this is the time to dive in. The flavors are bold and powerful, the ingredients fresh, and the overall experience is quintessentially Mexican. I’ve been to Tacos Leo many times myself, and I’ve never gotten sick—so if you’ve been in Mexico for a while and feel ready to take your street food game to the next level, don’t miss this chance. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in our street food culture and enjoy a meal that locals love.

When you get there, you might not recognize all the taco options on the menu, so let me share some of my favorites to help you get started: 1) nopal (cactus), 2) milanesa de pollo (breaded chicken), and 3) tinga (shredded chicken in a spicy tomato sauce). Keep in mind, though, that the listed flavors are just the starting point—these tacos are packed with other delicious ingredients like beans, salsa, rice, and more. The real magic happens when everything comes together. Just dive in and enjoy the full experience!

Note: This is a truly traditional spot, meaning you'll be sitting on benches set up on the street or standing, just like many others do while eating. It's a common setup for taco places in some areas. Don't expect anyone to speak English here; it's not a place designed for tourists, so customer service won't be the focus. As I mentioned earlier, these are authentic Mexican street tacos.

Tacos de Guisado Leo [Location]

4) Huaraches: A Hearty Taste of Mexico at Los Marticuiles de la Real in San Cristobal

"Huarache" comes from the dish's distinct oblong shape, which resembles the sole of a sandal, or huarache in Spanish. This dish consists of a thick, handmade masa base, often with a slight crisp on the outside but soft and chewy inside. It’s topped with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile meal suitable for different tastes.

Traditionally, huaraches are spread with refried beans, then piled high with toppings such as grilled meats like carne asada (grilled beef), pollo asado (grilled chicken), or chorizo (Mexican sausage). It’s then finished with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, crumbled cheese, sour cream, and, depending on your spice tolerance, a drizzle of salsa verde or salsa roja. The combination of the rich, savory meats, the freshness of the vegetables, and the creamy toppings creates a well-rounded and deeply satisfying flavor.

Huaraches are ideal for anyone craving a hearty, filling dish with bold flavors. They are especially great from noon to dinner time, whether you're looking for a robust lunch or a satisfying evening meal. While you can find them at street vendors and casual eateries across Mexico, the preparation and toppings vary by region, making each experience unique.

In San Cristobal, a great spot to try huaraches is Los Marticuiles de la Real, a welcoming restaurant known for its flavorful take on traditional Mexican dishes. At around 120 pesos per huarache (plus the cost of a drink), this place offers a satisfying and authentic meal.

For those who appreciate traditional Mexican cuisine, huaraches are a must-try dish. They represent not just a meal, but a piece of Mexican food heritage.

Los Marticuiles de la Real [Location]