But anyone who’s been to Mexico City knows that it’s bigger and more complex than you’d think. I am always surprised by how many beautiful neighborhoods, monuments and parks I pass in the taxi on my way to my grandmother’s house. It’s not enough to love the vibes of Mexico City if you want to live there. You have to put in the time and effort to learn about what makes it unique and what boroughs and neighborhoods speak to you as a temporary or permanent resident.

After my conversation with Dr. Benjamin Bross, a local Mexican architect, I learned that it’s important to understand Mexico City architecture before you can dive into engaging with the real estate market.

Dr. Bross currently teaches at the University of Illinois and is the author of the 2022 book “Mexico City’s Zócalo: A History of a Constructed Spatial Identity.” He’s been a licensed architect for 30 years and has over 75 projects in eight countries under his belt. Not only is he a force in the Mexican architecture community, but his knowledge is invaluable. 

“Mexico City is built in the same pattern as many Latin American cities in that you can read the structure of various neighborhoods and understand the design philosophies of different generations that have come and gone,” Dr. Bross told me. “It’s polycentric from an architectural point of view, meaning every neighborhood in Mexico City functions as its own center. It evolves over time while maintaining its distinct identity and soul.”

A great example of this is Condesa, which is the product of Mexico City architects’ adherence to the garden city movement, which started in the late 19th century with the English Urban planner Ebenezer Howard. Howard’s idea was to create areas that had a good balance of housing, work opportunities and green spaces, and in Mexico, his movement led to the birth of Parque México, Parque España and similar places where life and businesses thrive. 

It’s a neighborhood that has a lot to offer and carries history at every corner. It’s personally where I like to stay whenever I find myself in Mexico City, and it turns out this is a mutual feeling I shared with Dr. Bross when we started diving into real estate. 

“Condesa would be my first choice in terms of places I’d live in because it is very walkable. It’s rich in experiences, restaurants, art galleries and culture,” Dr. Bross told me. 

“You see [that] the garden movement’s influence works well here if you look closely, and it’s the reason I believe [Condesa] attracts both locals and foreigners. You see old and young couples, corporate professionals and retirees inhabiting the same places. Small cafes, restaurants and food stalls are embraced by their community and give Condesa a little more color. It’s just a neighborhood that’s so alive.” 

Dr. Bross also noted that Contadero, in the borough of Cuajimalpa, would be another great choice for those looking for a quieter neighborhood to call home in Mexico City that’s less known among tourists. It’s a beautiful, rural area near the forest and the Sierra de las Cruces mountains. It feels like a small town within a big city, but it’s also quite accessible to modern areas like Parque La Mexicana and the Santa Fe shopping center.

The more I learn about Mexico City, the more I log onto real estate sites to dream about what kind of apartment or neighborhood I’d like to someday call my forever home. But as Dr. Bross informed me, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for beforehand. 

“Real estate can be complicated in Mexico for those who are not from there. It’s important that you try to understand how ownership works before you purchase anything. That’s my first piece of advice,” Dr. Bross said. “The good news is that it’s very possible to buy real estate successfully even if you don’t hold Mexican citizenship, but do your homework and be sure to seek insight from a real estate advisor or a lawyer.” 

“I’d also say not to buy a place in Mexico City thinking it’ll be a safe investment. The Mexican real estate market isn’t as predictable as the American one, where you can follow economic cycles and know how they work.” 

“Governments and laws can change really quickly, and if you’re not prepared for that reality, it can cause unwanted stress if you hope to make a good return with your investment in the event you want to rent out your apartment and gain passive income. If you’re going to buy an apartment or a house, be sure it’s primarily for you to have a place of residence and not a cash cow.” 

Now, with the recent protests in Mexico City against gentrification, Dr. Bross’s honest advice rings true. And he also argues that Mexico is a victim of its own success due to the way it built up neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma Norte and Coyoacán to be great places to call home, only to encounter unexpected issues due to the high costs of living that developed there.

However, Mexico City’s architecture community is still thriving in modern times and bringing forth new and exciting masterpieces that’ll likely continue to build on its polycentric reality and help maintain Mexico City’s creative heartbeat. 

Torre Monarca, Dr. Bross’s latest project in Mexico City, is a residential building in the Polanco neighborhood, located in front of the Canadian embassy. It’s designed to represent the monarch butterflies found in Chapultepec Park and to give each tenant their own unique sense of place in the capital, whether they live on the top or bottom floor. It’s also meant to integrate tenants with Chapultepec Park, one of Mexico City’s most important sites. 

Torre Monarca, which Dr. Bross hopes will become an urban landmark, is one of several projects being planned every day that aspire to feed into Mexico City’s cultural makeup. This constant aspiration is the reason I believe Mexico City is a notable standout in modern architecture and will continue to attract expats and inspire everyday people all over the world. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café or somewhere in Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Before you move in: An architect’s guide to finding the right Mexico City location for you appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I’ve returned to Paseo Interlomas several times in the last decade, and in that time I’ve seen countless Mexican residents play and enjoy the game of hockey (fair warning, as a Canadian, there is only one kind to me so put the balls away.) I’ve also seen the sport’s profile rise here: when Mexico won gold at the 2025 U18 Men’s World Championship Division 3, I felt the same sense of pride hit me as when Canada’s men’s soccer team made the semifinals in the last Copa America.

My curiosity about Mexico’s relationship with the sport led to a conversation with the president of the Mexican Ice Hockey Federation, Joaquín de la Garma.

A former architect, Garma has dedicated his life to growing the sport he loves in Mexico. It’s been challenging to introduce hockey to Mexican residents, he says, since the country’s national pastime is soccer, with baseball as a close second. But little by little, Garma and his staff have made progress.

“When I started as president of the Mexican Ice Hockey Federation, we had 600 to 700 members. Today we have about 5,000,” Garma said. “I have been very dedicated in trying to promote it among young kids and also with university students. Slowly, people are showing interest once they’re exposed to hockey and know how the game works.”

NHL teams like the Dallas Stars have offered Garma and the federation their support. Dwight Mullens, the developmental director of the Dallas Stars, organizes hockey clinics in Mexico City every month to help inspire young kids. Al Montoya, a former NHL pro who played for the Montreal Canadiens, has also done his part to nurture young talent on Mexican soil by teaching the skills players need to succeed on the ice. But support from abroad goes beyond hockey clinics.

“The Dallas Stars also help support us by giving kids hockey gear like skates and sticks,” Garma said. “We also have teams that play tournaments in Dallas, so that has been exciting for our federation.”

“This December, we are going to play in the second week of the Silver Stick, which is an important hockey tournament in the United States because it attracts talent in multiple divisions from Novice to Junior. We went the year before and took eight teams, which was 100 players. We knew it wouldn’t be easy to play there because of all the great programs in the U.S., but we gained a lot of experience and that will give us momentum to play well in future competitions.”

Recently, the Las Vegas Golden Knights also began working with the Mexican hockey federation to help promote the sport and potentially develop young talent.

Mexico’s senior men’s hockey team plays in Division 3 Group A, while the senior women’s team is doing a little better, competing in Division 2 Group B. To give you perspective, hockey nations like Canada, the United States and Sweden play in what’s known as the Championship Level, three divisions above.

Mexico may have a long way to go until they move up to the top flight, but their gold medal in the U18 Men’s World Championship has earned them the right to compete in Division 2 Group B. Perhaps all the clinics are proving to be instrumental in elevating Mexico’s hockey culture.

“The U18 tournament was hosted in Mexico City and having home ice advantage was beneficial to us in our preparation. Our team went undefeated in five straight games en route to gold, which is something I’m proud of since we played with heart,” Garma said.

“It’s also important to note we sold over 3000 tickets for the games, and I was happy to see the excitement among local Mexican fans. I believe that’s going to encourage more kids to play hockey in the future. The more opportunities we give Mexicans to be exposed to hockey, the more our fanbase and talent pool will grow in the coming years.”

Mexico has 16 hockey rinks in the country, including several in Mexico City, Querétero, Monterey, León, and Puebla. Cancun, Mérida, Villahermosa, and Tabasco, have also opened hockey rinks. Garma has made sure each rink is home to one club team and that each club plays for a national championship. The rinks are also open to the public, where kids can be around hockey and ignite their passion for the game.

“The future is bright because we’re seeing progress in both the development of our national teams and in the reception of fans,” Garma said. “We’re selling tickets for tournament games, getting kids involved, and gaining traction as an organization, so I think hockey is a growing sport in Mexico.”

“My dream is to make it a universal sport throughout the Americas, not just in Canada and the United States. But it’s going to take time for Mexico to catch up to that level of play. A part of that is competing against respectable hockey nations, and we’ve managed to play against countries like Poland, Great Britain, France, and Italy, which all have great professional leagues and players.”

“I’m also trying to recruit foreign players to come play in Mexico. We’re getting interest from players in Europe, but hopefully one day Canadian and American players will also want to play pro hockey in Mexico and help give us more credibility on a global scale.”

The semi-professional Liga Mexicana Elite de Hockey is the highest level of competition in the country. It currently has five teams and draws a respectable amount of fans. You can stream the games online from the Mexican Hockey Federation’s website. But you can also watch the games live if you’re in Mexico City, especially if you’re in the Santa Fe area.

Exposure to the sport is an ongoing process in Mexico, but if you think you might have what it takes to be a Latin Gordie Howe, now is the time to show the country what you’re made of.

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Do they play ice hockey in Mexico? The answer may surprise you appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Mexico is a vibe that is hard to define in a few words. Sometimes I miss a particular state or a small beach town where I met cool people. Sometimes, it’s the taqueria by my hotel. The surf trip where I fell off my board. The vendor who gave me a discount on a volcanic rock bracelet after I spoke to him in Spanish. But mostly, it’s the feeling I get when I’m immersed in Mexican culture. 

After I came home from Mexico in early 2025, I kept thinking about the differences I’ve noticed between the parts of Mexico I visited and where I live in Canada. 

I’ve been to Mexico so much that I consider myself a part-time local. A man between two worlds. And since my first article on this topic generated a lot of readers sending in their wonderful perspectives on Mexico, I thought why not keep the conversation going?

Neighborhood hubs that feel like a home away from home

In Canada, the dream for most entrepreneurs who open a café or a restaurant is to franchise. More volume obviously means more profits. But the problem with that is quality control. One franchisee might do your menu and concept justice, while another might fail a simple health inspection test. 

From McDonald’s to Pizza Hut, Subway, Burger King, and Tim Horton’s, you can’t go to any neighborhood in Montreal without seeing at least a handful of franchises. There’s only one Italian cafe in my area that has proven to be a unique neighborhood hub. And that made me think of all the cafes and taquerías I’ve been to in Mexico. 

When I was in Playa Del Carmen, I encountered so many great cafes and restaurants that I even wrote a piece on it last year. Mexico City, as I’ve learned on a food tour, is like a lot of places in Mexico – full of local food stalls, vibrant cafes and markets that sell just about everything you could possibly need. 

I’ve been to six Mexican States (and counting!), and everywhere I’ve gone has had enough cafés and restaurants to choose from that differ from each other. But, these places are also valued for their ambiance. You meet friends at these local neighborhood hubs. You can work remotely. You even go on dates, play card games, and watch sports. They’re places that know you by name or face and there’s comfort in that. It’s more than just a transactional exchange. 

Practicing my Spanish every day

When I’m not talking to my Mexican mom, family members, or my Latin American friends on WhatsApp, I speak mostly English in Canada. Every time I return from Mexico, it takes me some time to readjust to my normal routine. A part of that is mistakenly saying “buenos dias” to my coworkers when I meant to say “good morning” or “hola, que pedo wey?” to friends when I meant to say “hey, what’s up, bro?” 

But eventually, I start thinking in English or French again. Naturally, it gets harder to maintain that almost fluent Spanish level I achieved. For years, I’ve been taking one step forward and two steps back in my Spanish journey. 

I feel closer to my Mexican family whenever I’m speaking in their native tongue. It’s also empowering to get by in Mexico without speaking English. Taxi drivers and vendors at markets are more likely to respect you and less likely to rip you off. I’ve gotten discounts, befriended locals, and even almost got offered a job once in Puerto Escondido (if only I had a legit background as a bartender). 

Communicating in Spanish back home just isn’t the same. Even though Canada has welcomed plenty of people from Mexico and Latin America in the last decade, it’s a temporary fix for the fact I’m not in a Mexico City food stall eating tacos and talking about the Nations League. 

Watching sports with Mexican Commentators

The last time I was in Mexico, it happened to be the NFL playoffs. And as I’ve watched a few games at bars and with my uncles, I was reminded of how much more fun professional sports are with Mexican commentators. 

On that trip, I also watched a few soccer matches, as I do whenever I’m in Mexico. I turn into a bigger soccer fan than I am at home. Over the years, I’ve cheered on Pumas, Pachuca and Club América when Guillermo Ochoa was there. 

I don’t know if it’s just me, but Mexican commentators seem more invested in the outcome of sports than American and Canadian analysts. Even if you’re not a sports fan, you feel their energy jump through the screen and get sucked into the emotions of the game like they are. 

National pride in holidays

I’ll never forget my first week in Oaxaca. Not because it was my first time experiencing its culture and food, but because I also happened to land there on Valentine’s Day weekend. 

In Canada, Valentine’s Day is an excuse for people to bring flowers and chocolates to their significant other. But in Oaxaca, it was also a great excuse to celebrate love for everyone. From the Cupid signage everywhere in Oaxaca’s downtown center to the street parties in the Zocalo, love was in the air whether you were single or married. 

If you also take into account Christmas, Day of the Dead, and Carnaval (particularly if you’re in Mazatlán or Veracruz), I’ve learned over the years that Mexicans are no strangers to dancing all night. But it’s also interesting to note that Mexico has 5000 other traditional holidays and events celebrated each year. 

That makes Mexico a little bit more wholesome and fun. Since being in Mexico for Day of the Dead is still on my bucket list, there’s no telling how many other holidays I’ll add to that list in the coming years. 

What do you miss about Mexico? 

Knowing that it may be a while until I return to Mexico, I daydream about the little and big things I miss about being in my second home. 

Is there something else about Mexico you think we should’ve included on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post More things I miss about Mexico when I’m not there appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Every time I’m on the bus or boarding a flight at Benito Juarez International Airport, I like to have a snack or two to keep me company. It saves me from going hungry whenever I’m passing through parts of Mexico that lack restaurant options and a good Wi-Fi connection. Having Oxxo snacks on you for long-ish road trips or layovers also tends to be a great way to budget on food since most items are between 20 and 100 pesos (US $1-5). 

I’ve tried dozens of items Oxxo has to offer. Maybe, even more than that. And the last time I was in Mexico, I came up with a top 5 list of my favorite Oxxo snacks. Was it easy to narrow it down to five? No. If you ask me, we may have to do a series on the different types of Oxxo snacks you can find. 

But to get the ball rolling on this debate, here’s what earned a spot on my list. 

Number 5: Príncipe

Like an Oreo with a crunchy cookie exterior and a soft fudgy middle, Príncipe is one of my favorite sweet treats for a reason. You can find these in big family-sized packaging or small packs that you can have in your day bag for when you go to the beach. I tend to grab these cookies when I know I’ll be on the ADO bus for hours, because they’re also quite filling. 

I’ve shared Príncipes with new friends I’ve met at hostels, family members and even taxi drivers. I used to be the kid at school who’d always have a pack of gum on hand, and sharing it with my peers has allowed me to make lifelong friends. Encouraging people to gravitate towards my favourite Oxxo snacks with similar energy has allowed me to see that most people enjoy Príncipe for the same reasons. In other words, it’s the kind of snack I’d get if I were to invite friends over to my house to watch a World Cup soccer game. 

Number 4: Emperador

Similarly to Príncipe, I’ve found that a lot of people I’ve met are also keen on Emperador cookies. But I believe that it deserves as spot on my list because it comes in multiple flavors. At every Oxxo I’ve ever walked into, I’ve never failed to see at least a handful of Emperador brands on the shelf. 

The flavors I’ve come across the most are vanilla, chocolate, and cheddar(?!). I appreciate how they have a cookie for every palate. If I’m in the mood for a sweet treat or something a little more savory, I know Emperador has me covered. 

But if I were to give a strong recommendation on which one to pick up on your next trip to Oxxo, I’d say go with the Emperador cookie that fuses the vanilla and chocolate together. When you bite into it, all the flavors meld beautifully in your mouth. If you’re a fan of dessert items, it doesn’t get much better than this, especially under 50 pesos.

Number 3: Sabritas

I’m what you’d call a textbook “biscuit man.” But even then, Oxxo has some great chip options that I swear by particularly when I’m on the bus and want to get something to easily share with friends. 

Sabritas have a variety of flavors for every palate. If you like snacks that are cheese-based or filled with hot chilis, Sabritas has you covered. Sometimes, it’s good to take chances on new flavors since Sabritas have so many. While you might recognize them as Lays back in the U.S., Mexico offers a fresh look at chip flavoring, with all the spice you’ve come to expect from Mexican life.

On the bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido last December, I decided to go with sour cream and herb flavor, and wasn’t disappointed. The only thing missing was a jar of salsa, but it’s a mental note I’ve made for next time (and guess what? Oxxo also has you covered). 

Number 2: Mazapan de la Rosa

If you ask me, we can’t have a list of the top Oxxo snacks without including Mazapan de la Rosa. It’s a classic sweet treat for everyone who either grew up Mexican or has lived in the country long enough to discover them. 

With a peanut butter-like taste, this is a crowd favorite if you want to make a good first impression on your nieces (if they’re not allergic, of course). It also functions as a good dessert item if you don’t want anything too heavy after dinner. 

But there’s also something nostalgic and wholesome about finding Mazapan outside of Mexico. In my hometown of Montreal, there aren’t many good taquerias. But one of the few authentic ones I do know of sells Mazapan de la Rosa at their front counter. It may be insignificant for some people, but to me it means everything. It always reminds me of my grandparents’ house in Mexico City or the Oxxo in Playa Del Carmen where I met my best friends during the pandemic years. 

Number 1: Platívolos

Whenever I’m in Mexico, there’s one Oxxo cookie I tell everyone to try at least once. I’ve recently given some to two friends I met on the road in Oaxaca to show them how much I valued our friendship after we survived a long hike together at Hierve el Agua. 

It’s just like the vanilla and chocolate version of Emperador, but it’s a little softer and creamier in texture. If I were to compare it to something, I’d say it almost tastes like a mini birthday cake. I can go through a pack of these within an hour and that’s me being modest. 

I had these for the first time when I was in Bacalar, after kayaking in Los Rapidos. I only wanted a quick bite after my day in the water, but turned out to be one of the smartest purchase decisions I’ve made in a Mexican convenience store.

What’s in your Oxxo shopping bag?

Carrying 3,200 items, it’s fair to say Oxxo holds many gems. And if I were to name an honorable mention, I’d go with Tina Rosa Tortillinas. I love making breakfast quesadillas at home, and it’s by far the best packaged tortilla on the market. You can find Tina Rosa everywhere in Mexico, but it’s better to get them at Oxxo since the lineups have shorter wait times than Chedraui and other grocery stores. 

So, what are your top 5 Oxxo snacks? Let us know in the comments below. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Heading to the Oxxo? Here’s what you should be buying appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I’ve watched various culinary shows set in Mexico, but the more I’ve learned about the different food stalls, restaurants, and chefs in Mexico City, the more I recognized how little I understood. That’s always humbling since I tend to be the “local expert” amongst my friend group back home or in a hostel environment where I’m meeting Europeans, Canadians, and Americans on vacation who don’t have my experience in Mexico. 

Have I been to great taquerias and places to eat in Mexico? Yes. I’ve even written about the different gems I’ve found in parts of Mexico I’ve frequented over the years. But to say a well-known Mexican food blogger can teach me a thing or two is fair. 

So to learn more, I decided to go on a Mexico City food tour hosted by The Curious Mexican. If you’re going to be there soon, you may want to keep reading.

What’s it like to be on a food tour?

I picked The Curious Mexican’s Good Morning CDMX tour since I love breakfast food and figured that I couldn’t go wrong. Chilaquiles sounded great to me, for example. 

When I met The Curious Mexican, Anais Martínez, I was greeted with a concha from hip Roma Norte establishment Cafe Forte. It was the perfect way to meet someone new – over a delicious treat. But I already knew what a concha was, and I wondered how the rest of the day would go. 

Soon, Martinez introduced me to her version of Mexico City’s culinary scene. It was incredible to see the city I love through the eyes of a local expert whose main job is to know all the best food spots. It felt like I was tagging along with someone Anthony Bourdain would’ve sought out before going to film in Mexico. 

Walking and talking as if we were doing this for the plot of a culinary show, Martinez brought me to places I wasn’t aware of beforehand. I didn’t know what to expect from some of these restaurants. Would I enjoy them or start missing my go-to favorites? But if there’s one thing I learned from being with a professional foodie, you need to be open-minded. I allowed myself to be wowed — pushing my ego (and biases) to the side. 

At Dońa Emi Tamales, which has been around since 1957, my first fun fact was that there are 600 kinds of tamales. 

I tried the tamales with beans and corn, green salsa and chicken, chapuline, and even a carrot-flavored one that almost tasted like a carrot cake. 

Each tamale was unique in both texture and overall taste. If I were to go alone, I would’ve gone with the options on the menu that were familiar to me, but The Curious Mexican didn’t let me do that. In other words, having a food guide was like having a spiritual guide. My pallet is forever thankful.

Food stalls you’d miss even if you looked for them

Going around Mexico City and sampling food stalls is my favorite pastime. I’ve been exploring them for years, and there’s no shortage of what you can discover in the largest city in North America. 

Last December, I found a little hole-in-the-wall “kekas” stand in the historic center that made the best quesadillas. I’ve also found vendors who made great tacos and churros. But sometimes it’s tricky to divine which stalls are good and which ones slightly miss the mark. In my experience, that’s the daunting side of being spoiled for choice. 

I learned that the best local vendors aren’t in popular spots in Mexico City’s downtown. Usually, they’re in quieter residential areas. It showed me understanding how to identify local demand is a valuable skill to have if you’re a foodie in a major hub like Mexico City. 

We eventually came to a food stall that made the tastiest chilaquiles tortas. You could tell it was more for locals since there wasn’t a huge lineup of tourists. It was spicy, yet had enough flavors to balance everything out so that my tongue wasn’t on fire. 

Later, I was brought to another food stall just outside of Mercado de Jamaica where I tried a cactus dish served on a blue, oval-shaped tortilla. Though the flavor was a little too earthy for my personal taste, the texture of the cactus added a new dimension that was both new and interesting. 

The second fun fact of the day was learning there are way more beloved Mexican meals with cacti than I realized. I preferred the tortas and tamales. But I didn’t have the luxury of ordering something I thought I’d like and missing out on a unique alternative. That made me realize being a foodie is not just about eating delicious meals, but about the experience of finding great food and sharing it with those around you. The act of discovering things you never thought you’d try is sometimes more fun than the actual dining itself. And by giving everything a fair chance, I discovered what I truly liked and didn’t enjoy as much.

Navigating a Mexico City market with an expert

Going to Mexico City’s Mercado de Jamaica with a local expert was like having the cheat code for a video game. There were so many restaurants, vendors, and lanes at the market that could easily get you lost for hours. 

If I were to walk into Mercado de Jamaica alone, I would’ve probably chosen a food stall at random. But with The Curious Mexican, we went from place to place with ease. We’d head for the best taquerias and she’d order from the menu like she’s been there millions of times. Learning there was such a thing as green chorizo was the third fun fact I collected for the day, and having it in a taco was a fantastic introduction. 

I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about various fruits I can’t find in Canada. Mamey, chirimoya, guanabana, and maracuya were all things I tried for the first time. If I didn’t have a food spirit guide, I wouldn’t have gotten to sample those amazing gems. In retrospect, I might’ve overlooked what was right in front of me that day. 

Would you go on a foodie adventure?

The Curious Mexican concluded our food tour at a popular churros place called El Moro. You can’t end hours of eating countless meals without a good dessert, right?

I walked around Mexico City since then feeling like I understood it in a way I hadn’t before. Was I now a local resident? Not officially. But I feel like now I can order at a restaurant with more confidence and talk to vendors and artisans on a deeper level. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Why taking a Mexico City food tour hits different appeared first on Mexico News Daily

But the first night I arrived there in February 2023, I found out what made it so special. I stumbled upon a wedding in front of Santo Domingo church. But it wasn’t like any ceremony I’ve ever attended. Dancing in the streets. The colorful outfits everyone part of the wedding party wore. There were Mojigangas and other creative displays of expression. Happy people that got me to join their wedding festivities. I was a sweaty backpacker experiencing Oaxaca magic for the first time and the whole experience felt so magical. 

I could spend months there without getting bored. But can you do Oaxaca right on a budget? Passing through it on my latest backpacking trip, the answer is yes. 

Why stay in a hostel when you’re in Oaxaca? 

I’ve had wonderful experiences staying at hostels during trips to Europe, and my stay at the one I went to in Oaxaca was also positive. If you’re on a budget, it can be a smart decision. 

I know myself well: all I need is a bed to sleep on, a locker to leave my valuables in and a bathroom. A hostel environment is perfect for me. I’d rather pay significantly less for the basics than triple the amount for a five-star hotel. And despite whatever scary stories may float around about hostels, they really are just cheap hotels. 

The highly rated ones on Hostelworld are clean and made me feel at home. In the three days I stayed at Casa Angel, I met new friends from all over the world and had access to guided tours in Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, a mezcal distillery and Mitla. I also got a better rate for these day trips because I booked the tours at my hostel. 

This is something I learned in Barcelona, but it also applies here in Oaxaca: don’t buy tours online if you can get them in person. Booking sites tend to take a 20 to 30 percent cut from all sales, which hurts local vendors. This model also makes booking online more expensive. 

But sometimes, staying in a hostel full of travelers who are seeking experiences and friendship can lead to becoming part of what feels like a strong family unit. The next thing you know, you’re hustling to sightsee with a group and cutting even more costs. 

That’s what happened to me on my Oaxaca trip: I met three new friends and we went to Monte Albán together. No tour guide. No plan. We just bought a bus ticket and winged it. But we had an incredible time getting to know each other, taking pictures and imagining what Monte Albán might’ve been like before the Spanish arrived. 

How can you eat on a budget in Oaxaca?

Eating for a reasonable price can be tricky if you don’t know how Mexico works and only stay in tourist-friendly zones. Hostesses standing outside their restaurants will try to tempt you inside for dinner. I’ve eaten at some of these places in Oaxaca and they can be hit or miss. What’s more, food at a tourist restaurant usually costs the same as it would in Canada. 

How did I make sure I found the best food stalls? Well, I always keep this in the back of my mind: Tourist traps have gringo prices and hole-in-the-wall places you almost miss have local prices. 

I’ve learned to identify several clues at Mexican restaurants to know the difference. The clientele, a small menu, limited seating, fair prices and salsa music playing in the background are a great start to coming across your new favorite taquería.

But in my experience, the two biggest signs are this: Coca-Cola or Pepsi chairs and how the restaurant staff greets you when you walk in. I don’t know what it is, but the best Mexican spots I’ve been to have that decor. And if the staff greets you in Spanish and only changes to English after, you know it’s a place that serves primarily locals. 

I had the best memelas in my life at a hole-in-the-wall place I discovered in Oaxaca called simply Memelas & Quesadillas. It was 25 pesos per serving, and roughly 10 to 20 pesos for a drink of your choice. Not too bad. 

Another effective way to eat on a budget is by stocking up on snacks at a convenience store like Oxxo. It’s often the first thing I do when I land in Mexico. I get cookies, crackers, water bottles, yogurt and sometimes even fruit.

Combined with seeking local establishments, my new friends and I had more money to spend on climbing the steps of Monte Albán and getting lost hiking in Hierve el Agua looking for frozen waterfalls.

Walking tours are your best friend 

Of course, free is better than cheap when you’re on a budget. And since Oaxaca is one of those special cities in the world best explored by foot, there are many free walking tours you can do. The local guide at my hostel showed us around Oaxaca while also giving us brief history lessons on all the notable landmarks we reached. 

We learned on our tour that it’s believed the Zapotec people covered Monte Albán in vegetation to hide it from the Spanish. We also got to see cool street art and an epic statue of Benito Juárez pointing towards the mountains. 

We visited the church of Santo Domingo, which was free to enter. The murals on the walls and ceiling were just as picturesque as the ones I’ve seen in Europe. There also happened to be a little parade on the street close by and a kind lady gave me a hat. 

Next thing I knew, half the day was gone and our guide took us to eat lunch. By the time I was enjoying memelas with my tour group, I felt like I really got to know Oaxaca in a way that was intimate and raw. 

Meet me in Oaxaca for 2025?

All things considered, Oaxaca is possible to explore on the cheap. If I add up my expenses from my hostel stay, tours and food, I spent roughly 4,000 pesos in three days. So, have you ever done Oaxaca or anywhere else in Mexico on a budget? 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

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But in the last two weeks of each year, my mother would take me and my brother to see my grandmother in Mexico City. There, I’d be met with a different set of house rules and cultural norms I didn’t get from my Canadian side. 

Here’s what I learned about the differences between Mexican and Canadian families:

Family is everywhere

Whenever I land in Mexico, I get a call from my grandmother asking when I’d be at the house. Once I knock on the door, there’s always an uncle, aunt, or cousin who just “happened to be in the area” ready to greet me, catch up, and then take me out for tacos somewhere. 

Mexicans seem to have an almost permanent open door policy when it comes to family members, close friends and neighbors, which makes it nearly impossible to get any privacy if you’re an ambivert like myself who sometimes needs to recharge his social batteries. 

Want to check out a new taqueria? Your cousins have probably gone before and are happy to take you there. Want to watch something on TV? Your grandmother, parents, and some aunts and uncles will ask you what show and sit next to you on the couch. 

If I decide to write an article by myself at a café in Roma Norte, somehow a family member will find out and ask why I didn’t invite anyone to tag along. 

On the other hand, I usually don’t see most of my extended Canadian family often unless it’s a holiday period. During the normal mundane days of the year, Canadians will focus their attention on work responsibilities and feel comfortable watching Netflix alone or sitting in a café with a laptop and headphones. 

Chances are, not many relatives from my Canadian side will know exactly what I did throughout the year unless I posted constantly on social media and went viral. 

The difference between what I experienced in Mexico is stark. But Mexicans also love chisme, so I like to joke that it’s one reason why they’re a lot closer than Canadians. What’s the point of having an uncle who got ripped off at a flea market or a second cousin who got engaged if you can’t find out and go over every little detail, right? 

Gatherings over food are more sacred 

It’s not uncommon in my Canadian household and in many others that I’ve encountered to find everyone in the family dynamic eating in separate rooms. Maybe the mother eats in the kitchen with her phone open, the father eats in front of the television because there’s a hockey or football game and the children eat in their bedrooms. 

Different work schedules and fast food options also tend to affect the lost family tradition of gathering around the dinner table. I’ve had days when I’d finish work at 5:00 p.m. but get a quick poutine at a nearby restaurant because I knew I wouldn’t be home until around 8:00 p.m. due to rush hour traffic in the metro and highway. 

If you are around Montreal on a weekday, you’ll see restaurants filled with people having an early dinner with colleagues or by themselves. You’ll rarely see them with their immediate or extended families. 

But with my Mexican family, I’ve noticed there’s more importance on making time for good food, conversation and quality time with loved ones. You can’t get away with taking a plate into your room to eat and watch YouTube videos alone on your bed. 

In Mexico, making someone a meal and sharing food is how we show and express gratitude. It’s how we foster strong connections that go beyond the culinary delights. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in particular, my Mexican side has made it an obligation to make time for family dinners no matter what’s happening in our lives. As I’ve travelled and befriended other Mexicans, I’ve noticed the heart of their family is also at the dinner table. It’s wholesome, universal, and something I wish we had more of in Canada. 

Never miss a wedding or holiday event without a good excuse

Mexican people work hard. But we do so in order to live — we don’t live to work like in Canada. If you’re with family at a wedding, a ten-year-old’s birthday party, or celebrating a religious holiday or family milestone, your family expects you to be present for those special occasions, not thinking about replying to an email or your Monday workload. 

If I can’t make it to a cousin’s wedding in Canada, all I have to do is explain why and wish them the best. If we’re really close, I promise to make up for it with a nice dinner, and often that’s more than enough. 

But when I couldn’t attend my Mexican cousin María’s wedding five years ago, the questions I got were relentless and almost dramatic. 

“What are you doing that’s more important?” my aunt texted me on WhatsApp. “You grew up together. She loves you, and so do we. Please, come! Explain to your boss.”

I can go on, but you get the idea. Other than the dinner table, life events within a Mexican family are crucial to nourish relationships. When I went to another Mexican family wedding two years ago, we partied literally all night, took lots of photos, and danced nonstop — quite the difference from Canadian events. It’s another way to show love in Mexican culture. Keeping up appearances matters because it demonstrates that you care. 

Are you ready to meet the family?

It’s fair to say Mexican families are full of personalities, core values, little dramas, and endless affection for those they love. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

If my thoughts on Mexican and Canadian families struck a chord with you, or if you have a similar bicultural experience, why not let us know in the comments?

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post What growing up Mexican-Canadian taught me about family appeared first on Mexico News Daily

States like Quintana Roo and Oaxaca will be crowded with tourists. But, as someone who has been to most of the popular tourist spots, one question comes to mind: What other places in Mexico should I explore instead? 

I asked some family members, friends I have in Mexico and Mexican-Canadian residents I know for their recommendations and created a new “Mexico bucket list” with three Mexican states that make for the perfect Christmas vacation. 

If you plan to be in Mexico this holiday season and want to go off the beaten path, you’ve come to the right article! 

Channel my inner Indiana Jones in Puebla

Do you know where the biggest known pyramid in the world is? It’d be fair to guess the great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. But believe it or not, it’s a short day trip away from Puebla. It’s called The Great Pyramid of Cholula and even holds a Guinness World Record. While it’s not as tall, it boasts significantly more volume than its Cairene cousins, making it an impressive feat of engineering.

From afar, Cholula seems like a mountain with a yellow church overlooking all the people and town streets below. But drone footage of the pyramid gives you a better idea of its impressive architectural stature.  

Losing yourself within the city of Puebla also sparks adventure. If you wander around its downtown center, there’s a plethora of beautiful colonial architecture and talavera tiles everywhere you look. If you’re a history buff (or love taking pics for your socials), the Puebla Cathedral is a great item to add to the itinerary. If you pray hard enough at the cathedral, “apparently” you’ll be granted three wishes according to folklore. 

In the event you’ve always wanted to go on a safari in Africa but couldn’t afford the flights, Puebla has other next best thing — Africam Safari. It’s possible to see elephants, lions, flamingos, monkeys, and so much more in this excursion, which just adds layers to an Indiana Jones-like adventure where you’re in a constant state of discovering new things. 

Puebla is also home to a great version of Mexican cuisine. From mole poblano, cemitas, and tacos arabes, you can eat your way through Mercado de Sabores and indulge in the local flavors. 

Enjoy tacos and hang out in Campeche

Full disclosure: Campeche tacos are some of my favorites. I’ve become something of a foodie over the years, and I love the combination of steak, chorizo, and chicharrones, a speciality of street stalls in the city. I also like adding slices of avocados inside to make it my own, along with lime and a touch of salsa verde. 

So, why not go to the source for the most authentic version of Campeche tacos? If you’re a foodie, I’d say Campeche is as good an option as anywhere else in Mexico. Since it’s in the Yucatán Peninsula, you’re also able to enjoy things like cochinita pibil and panuchos, so there are plenty of delicious options. 

But exploring Campeche’s downtown center is also well worth your time. This scenic colonial town by the water looks like the best place to move to if I’m ever a digital nomad again. If you consider its historical background, I’d say this is one of the most underrated cities in Mexico. 

Once a major trading port for silver, Campeche flourished as an important settlement for the Spanish in the 1500s. But since there was a lot of money going in and out of that part of Mexico, there were also frequent pirate attacks. Eventually, this forced the residents of Campeche to find a solution, leading to the construction of fortified walls and bastions in the 17th century. 

Today, these fortified walls, cannons, and other military architecture once used to combat Captain Jack Sparrow and his men are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historically curious can take a guided tour to learn about it in more detail. 

If you’re like me and appreciate a good beach day, Campeche also has you covered. Isla Aguada and Playa Bonita have a good combination of calm waters and just enough sand so you’re not constantly getting it off your clothes as you would be on most beaches in Quintana Roo. Campeche beaches promote seafront vibes that encourage relaxation by the water. Almost like sitting by the lake in a lawn chair. 

It might not feel like a Christmas vacation, but Campeche is an important (and iconic) part of Mexico that’s rarely overrun by crowds, making it a great place to visit this December.

Have a local experience in Veracruz. 

Last year, I met someone from Veracruz at my office job in Canada. When I was thinking of new Mexican vacation ideas, one of the first things I did was ask my friend, Librado, how to make the most of my time in Veracruz if I were to be there for a few days. 

“I would go to La Parroquia for breakfast and then go to the aquarium,” Librado said. “If I’m there for a while, I would also go to San Andres to see the waterfalls and beaches.” 

I was happy to learn La Parroquia is an old-school establishment with traditional values when it comes to making coffee, which is awesome since I enjoy café culture. Upon more research, I learned that Veracruz has Cuban and African influences in its cuisine, music, and even their local dialect. The state even has its own Spanish vernacular.

Veracruz hosts an annual Afro-Caribbean Festival, so the multicultural influences here make it a unique and eclectic part of Mexico. 

Just outside the city, San Andres Tuxtla also caught my attention. A three-hour bus from Veracruz, it’s a popular getaway for locals, and a great option for tourists who like chasing waterfalls, hiking, or tanning on the sand.  

The nature in Salto de Eyipantla and Cascada El Tucan alone looks breathtaking. If hiking is your thing, I’d recommend going down one of these walking trails. The Playa Hermosa trail is the easiest to do, will lead you to picturesque views and is perfect for taking photos along the way. 

The more Librado tells me about his hometown, the more I realize how different Veracruz is compared to the rest of Mexico. It makes me want to go see it for myself. 

Next stop, who knows?

If you have other ideas in mind for a unique Christmas vacation in Mexico, let us know in the comments. With 32 states in the country, there’s so much to see outside of the popular spots.  

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Alternative Mexican adventures for a Christmas to remember appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The quality of the food and restaurants 

If you like having options, my hometown of Montreal is a great foodie hub. I’ve found culinary delights from several parts of the globe there. But you’ll more often see franchises like Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, Wendy’s and other fast food joints with low-quality meals. They’re businesses designed to make what you order quickly, and it’s what most customers expect. 

Canada does have a few homegrown dishes, but you won’t find many locations that serve Canadian food exclusively. 

On the other hand, Mexico has a strong food culture that has developed over centuries. It’s something residents take seriously, even in a fast food establishment. I’ve never had trouble finding a great taquería, a high-quality restaurant or fresh produce at a market. 

Mexican chefs at all levels and households also take pride in their culinary traditions. You realize that it comes through with every bite. Whether you’re at a street food stall or in a fine dining environment, chefs all over Mexico put in the time and effort to make the best dishes possible.

The diversity between Mexican states

Domestic travel within Canada is expensive. It’s the second-biggest country in the world, with 10 provinces and three territories. That makes it difficult to see multiple cities like you can in Europe. 

The winter months also make it hard to explore the country since temperatures can get uncomfortably cold. Unless you like to ski or winter sports, it’s not an ideal place to visit eight months out of the year. 

Now that I’ve been to several parts of Mexico, I know there’s so much variety for any traveler to discover no matter when you arrive.

From beach towns to major cities, culinary gems, national parks and historical sites, there’s something for everyone.  In Mexico City, you have a modern cultural hub that has a good blend of historical sites, trendy neighborhoods, restaurants and museums. 

Oaxaca preserves traditions like Day of the Dead and has its own unique take on Mexican cuisine and culture. But it’s also where you’ll find surf towns like Puerto Escondido and relaxing vacation spots like Huatulco. Quintana Roo is full of amazing beach towns like Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, as well as beautiful lagoons like Bacalar. 

Whenever I leave Mexico, I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of what there is to discover. Mexico has 32 states, so that feeling is probably accurate. 

Everything is within reach

I have fond memories of buying lots of little things on the streets of Mexico City. From cold beverages to snacks and a pack of gum, there’s always a vendor around selling whatever you need at a moment’s notice. 

Entrepreneurs are everywhere in Mexico, and you see it in the way people hustle from car to car with their inventory in a traffic jam. You also see it when they try to get your attention in any Mexican downtown with tourists. 

Another great example is the last time I was in Oaxaca, I bought two volcanic stone bracelets from a friendly vendor who came into the café where I was having breakfast. I wanted to buy one that morning anyway, so the convenience factor was much appreciated. 

In Canada, you sometimes have to drive ten minutes out of your way to get something you need. If you’re staying in the city center of Montreal or Toronto, you won’t exactly find multiple vendors selling water bottles on the street during a heat wave. Or mittens when it’s so cold you can barely feel your hands. 

I miss that aspect of Mexican daily life when I’m home and have to run errands. 

The warmth of community

I can’t count how many times I’ve spoken to people in Mexico like I’ve known them for 20 years. Whenever I go to a restaurant or retail store, I get used to making small talk with the staff. That general rule of politeness also applies to your neighbors and even strangers you pass on the street. 

Canadians are also known to be super friendly. But in our home cities, we tend to be more individualistic as a culture. Unless we’re at a bar or around friends, I’ve noticed that many of us are more focused on ourselves or too indulged in our phones. 

But Mexico has a much warmer sense of community. I always leave the country with more friends than when I arrived. It gives me more reasons to come back. 

Do you also miss Mexico? 

Even though I was born and raised in Canada, visiting Mexico is a big part of me. After all, I’m always planning my next Mexican adventure once my latest one ends. 

Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever stop returning. The more time I spend in Montreal, the more I think about the remaining 27 Mexican states I have left to discover.

What do you miss about Mexico when you leave? Let us know in the comments!

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post What I miss about Mexico when I’m not there appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I grew up in Montreal with a Mexican mother. As a kid it was normal for me to interact with both Canadians and Mexicans, whether at social gatherings, on the phone or at the supermarket. 

But now I’m 30. If there’s anything I’ve learned in that time, it’s that anyone can get along with both Canadians and Mexicans. In the last three years, I’ve all over Mexico and met travelers from all over the world, both there and in Canada.

Visitors to Mexico almost universally love their time in the country, in no small part due to the warmth of the locals. Canadians have a similar reputation for being polite, which has now become a well-known and universally respected stereotype.

Here’s why Canadians and Mexicans make great friends. 

Warmth & community spirit 

Mexicans have strong family values. After all, I’m always surrounded by relatives when I visit my grandmother in México state. I can’t escape them. But they have a warmth that makes me feel right at home. It also translates into their friendships, interactions with neighbors and even passing strangers on the sidewalk. 

Three years ago in Bacalar, a local I befriended told me something interesting. She said that, as a native Mexican, she’s used to saying good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to every person she makes eye contact with throughout her day. When she leaves a restaurant or convenience store, she always thanks the owners and staff, even if the service isn’t five stars.

This is a community spirit that resonates with me as a Canadian. In major cities like Montreal and Toronto, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. You work hard to get ahead at the office and at times struggle to find balance. But despite that, most Canadians don’t let career stress damage their relationships. I have friends who work in busy corporate environments, but you’d never know if you met them at the bar on a Friday night. 

In other words, we treat people the way we want to be treated and try not to let our everyday problems affect our interactions with others. This mentality allows us to be more approachable and respectful. I think Mexicans also understand this. It’s almost like a compatible energy we both feel. In other words, kindness is super contagious.

Nightlife & incredible food 

Mexicans love to drink and throw parties. That’s nothing new to vacationers who have stayed in places like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Puerto Escondido. It’s no less true in smaller cities too however. Salsa bars and late-night taquerias are perfect examples of how Mexicans love to eat, socialize and dance all night. 

Where I’m from in Montreal, we’re known for having a thriving nightlife culture and many amazing restaurants from different cuisines. Other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver also have a present nightlife that’ll appease most party animals.  

Pride at beating the U.S. at any sport 

If we have anything in common, it’s that both Mexicans and Canadians have a complicated relationship with the United States. This of course goes beyond sports, but that doesn’t mean the rivalries both nations have with the U.S. in various sports and events are irrelevant. 

The U.S. often cleans up at the Olympics and is known to have elite professional leagues in its own sports, like American football, basketball and baseball. From Mexico’s rivalry with the U.S. in soccer to Canada’s in hockey, winter Olympics events and basketball, both fan bases can find common ground in their shared rival and take pride in beating the powerhouse athletes the U.S. often produces.

One of my fondest memories with my dad was seeing him cheer with absolute joy when Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal against the U.S. in the gold medal hockey match at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Along with my brother, we were the lone Canadians in a bar full of Americans, which made the victory even sweeter. 

In contrast, I also remember the sadness my Mexican family felt when the Americans knocked Mexico out of the 2002 World Cup. Ask any group of Mexican soccer fans on the street, and they’ll agree that had that defeat been against any other nation, it wouldn’t have been as painful.

That’s one of many reasons El Tri has ensured they’ve never lost to the U.S. at the Estadio Azteca. Let’s hope it stays that way forever!

Did we just become best friends?

Canadians and Mexicans may be divided by distance and language, but they connect on the important things. 

With countless Canadians visiting Mexico every year and thousands of Mexicans living in Canada, the chances of us becoming best friends have never been higher. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

This article is part of Mexico News Daily’s “Canada in Focus” series. Read the other articles from the series here. 

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