Expendio de Maiz

Some places come recommended with such conviction that I just know I need to go. So, while planning my birthday trip to Mexico City, I asked Janisse about her favorite food spot from her previous visit.

After double-checking with a friend to confirm, she gave me her answer: Expendio de Maíz. She told me she still dreamt of Mexico City just to eat there again. That was all I needed to hear.

I immediately began following Expendio de Maiz on Instagram. Not long after, I saw the news: they’d received a Michelin star.

Damn, I thought. A Michelin star – and they don’t even take reservations? This was going to be one for the books.

We excitedly arrived in Mexico City mid-morning with a game plan: check into the Andaz Mexico City Condesa, by Hyatt and then we would make our way to Expendio de Maíz.

What looked manageable from a map back in L.A. turned out to be even easier once I was on the ground. The walk was absolutely charming, full of color and street art I couldn’t help but photograph along the way.

We arrived around 3 p.m., and of course – all three communal tables were full. A kind hostess greeted us, took my name and WhatsApp number, and let us know we were first on the “wait and see” list.

An hour and a half later, we were seated.

I started with a glass of fresh GUAVA JUICE. It was cool, refreshing, and the perfect follow-up to the watermelon margarita I’d downed at Madre Café before we sped walked over.

Then, the magic began.

First to arrive in front of me was an open-face PAMBAZO (Mexican chorizo and potato sandwich). As the server described the dish, I was enthralled.

The tomato and habanero sauce was smoky and rich. Alongside, the chorizo and potato absolutely delicious. A touch of cilantro and edible flowers on top made it as beautiful as it was comforting.

At once, I felt the energy of Expendio de Maíz. With the open air kitchen and the warm, communal atmosphere, it felt like dining in someone’s home.

What I love most about Expendio de Maíz is that there’s no menu. You simply tell them your dietary preferences or restrictions at the start. From there, the dishes come until you say stop. It’s a brilliant take on a chef’s choice menu with a distinct, culinary vision.

Eventually, we struck up a conversation with the friendly Canadian family seated across from us. They raved about the food they’ve tried in Mexico City and thanked us for making room for them to sit. “Of course!” I said. Especially, for a spot like this. We commerced about the waiting time of over an hour and how delicious our first bites were. They stated that they were also blown away by the food in Mexico City. And, they raved about getting pastries and breakfast drinks at Panadería Rosetta. After hearing their rave review, I made a mental note to visit. That’s what I love about traveling and saying hello. You never know where it will lead you.

Knowing I had booked us a taco and mezcal walking tour later that evening, I decided to have just one more dish to finish the experience. I was riding the edge of too much and not enough. I wanted just one more.

The MUSHROOM ENCHILADA (mushrooms, cheese, cream and mole) placed before me, had a fascinating story behind it. The pink mole –  inspired by the volcanic cantera rosa stone of facade of Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel in San Miguel De Allende, located in Guanajuato, Mexico –  was a beautiful representation of the rich and vibrant history of Mexico. Our server mentioned the celebrations of the Virgen de Guadalupe and I loved how he connected the traditions and history of the land and people – on my plate.

His description of what each aspect of the enchilada represented transformed and elevated the plate to a celebration of flavor.

Bite after bite, I marveled at the fact that each dish only cost $150 – $250 Mexican pesos. Which meant this Michelin one star meal for two came out to be around $50 USD.

Walking from Expendio de Maíz onto the bustling streets into a light rain, Mexico City’s energy swept over us once again. What we’d experienced on our plates transcended simple casual dining. It felt like a quiet immersion into the soul of Mexican tradition, expressed through ingredients, atmosphere, and genuine warmth.

Both plates carried stories, technique, and an unmistakable sense of place. The evening crystallized something essential about travel: the richest discoveries emerge when you trust the process and allow meaningful recommendations to lead the way.

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