Social Pantry heads to Mexico City: part one
Published on: February 27, 2026
This February, a small team of us from Social Pantry were fortunate enough to travel to Mexico City to immerse ourselves in the local culinary culture. With curious minds and eager palates, we sought to learn, explore and draw fresh inspiration that we could bring back to enrich our kitchens at home.
One of the highlights from our trip was visiting the enchanting Ozumba Market, which is a little under two hours from Mexico City. Calling it a market visit doesn’t quite do it justice – it felt like being let in on a local secret and woven into the very fabric of everyday life in Mexico.
The moment we stepped into Ozumba Market, the energy hit us. It was buzzing, loud, colourful and alive. Mountains of fresh produce, every imaginable chili, and herbs and spices filled the air with intoxicating aromas. The rhythmic chopping of knives on wooden boards added a soundtrack to this vivid scene.
We were accompanied by our fantastic food tour guide Ana Pao and Victor Toris, the passionate owner of the brilliant Restaurant Gaba. Victor wasn’t just showing us around; he guided us to the very stalls where he handpicks the produce served in his restaurants. From fava beans destined for a delicate mussel dish to the most exquisite local honey, this was no typical tourist tour – it was Victor’s morning routine, and we were privileged to be part of it.
Victor’s breakfast recommendations were a perfect introduction to the local flavours, and we were all grateful to have his guidance. We savoured a cactus soup, light and comforting in texture, reminiscent of a warm vegetable broth from home but with its own distinct character. We washed it down with refreshing, ice-cold hibiscus water – tart, floral and utterly revitalising.
As the only tourists in the market, what struck us was the genuine authenticity of the experience. There was no staged performance here, no catering to visitors, just everyday life unfolding naturally.
It was a day we will never forget – rich with cultural immersion, sensory delight and an abundance of inspiration we are excited to bring back to London. Watch this space.
