As a content creator for gaymexico.net, exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico is a passion. When people ask me what I miss about my former life in bustling metropolises, my answer often includes “good Chinese food.” It’s a common craving, but the reality is, authentic foreign cuisine relies on authentic foreign communities. Mexico City, while a major global capital, isn’t as culturally diverse as some, with most residents being Mexican. This can make the quest for genuine international flavors, like truly satisfying Chinese food, a bit challenging within the broader context of Food In Mexico.
If you’ve ever been disappointed by gloppy, cornstarch-laden dishes in Mexico City’s ersatz ‘Chinatown’ on Calle Dolores, or cringed at the prices for inauthentic chop suey in upscale areas, you’re not alone. The good news is that genuine Asian food does exist here – you simply need to know where to look to experience a different facet of food in Mexico.
The story of Asian food in Mexico began in the 19th century. During Porfirio Diaz’s era of modernization, Mexico welcomed foreigners. Chinese, Japanese, and later Korean immigrants arrived, contributing significantly to the nation’s development. Chinese laborers were instrumental in building railroads and irrigation systems in northern Mexico and worked on farms in the south. Leveraging their culinary skills, some Chinese immigrants established “Cafés de Chinos.” These establishments became a unique part of the Mexican food scene, similar to American diners, serving breakfast at any hour and offering familiar, if somewhat Americanized, Chinese-inspired dishes like chow mein and chop suey. You can learn more about these historical eateries in my article on Cafés de Chinos.
However, a more recent wave of Asian immigrants since the turn of the millennium is changing the landscape of food in Mexico. These newcomers demand more sophisticated and authentic fare, leading to the opening of numerous venues catering to the Chinese community in recent years. Interestingly, some of these restaurants primarily cater to this community, with menus not even translated into Spanish, a testament to their authenticity. This is just an initial glimpse, and I plan to share a more comprehensive list of where to find these hidden culinary gems and further explore the diverse world of food in Mexico.
