Market · Benito Juárez

Mercado Medellín (Mercado Melchor Ocampo)

Equal parts neighbourhood pantry and pan-Latin American food fair, Mercado Medellín is where Roma Sur does its serious shopping — and where Colombian, Cuban, and Yucatecan flags fly proudly above stalls piled high with produce you won't find anywhere else in the city.

A Market Unlike Any Other in Mexico City

<cite index="10-1,10-2">A public market located on Medellín street in the Colonia Roma Sur neighbourhood, Mercado Medellín is known as the market in the city where one can find produce and goods from other countries in Latin America such as Colombia and Cuba, whose flags hang from many stalls, as well as from Yucatán.</cite>

<cite index="8-2,8-3">More than 500 independent vendors inhabit the Mercado Medellín, and the lively market extends well into the neighbourhood beyond. With immigrants from all over Latin America, it's a focal point for those seeking foods and ingredients from other countries.</cite>

Eat Your Way Through the Stalls

The food section is the market's beating heart. Vendors turn out tacos cooked to order, great mountains of crispy chicharrón, and ripe fruit ready to be juiced on the spot — during the holidays, look out for hot clay mugs of ponche warming on the stoves.

<cite index="15-7,15-8,15-9">Mercado Medellín is particularly favoured among expats from other parts of Latin America, as it specialises in foodstuffs from Caribbean and Central and South American countries. It is also a superb market to visit if you're hungry — vendors sell everything from Colombian ajíaco to Cuban ice cream, so don't hesitate to graze your way through the treats on offer.</cite>

How to Find It & What to Bring

<cite index="11-2">The Mercado Medellín is easily identifiable by its red, green, and yellow geometric painted exterior.</cite> Look for the oversized multicolour mural on one side — you can't miss it from half a block away.

<cite index="16-2">You can easily reach it via Metrobús Line 1 (stop: 'Nápoles') or by taking a taxi or ride-sharing service.</cite> Bring cash — many of the smaller stalls, especially those selling street food, prefer it, and ATMs are available nearby.

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