Often, the evolution of coffee intertwines with the history of humanity as we perceive it. From the myths about the origin of the beverage in antiquity to its unifying role in various cultures around the planet, the tradition of drinking coffee has brought people together, driven cultural production, and maintained the importance of the product in the global economy, especially in the Brazilian one. Interested? Delve into the world of coffee with us on this journey!
The first coffee seedlings arrived in Mexico around 1785, possibly coming from Cuba or the territory currently known as the Dominican Republic. There are records of plantations in the Veracruz area in 1790. However, due to the prosperity generated by Mexico’s abundant mineral deposits, for many years there was little effort to establish and expand a coffee industry. Chiapas Jaltenango, a region bordering Guatemala in the Sierra Madre mountain range, has altitude, mild climate, and volcanic soil, making it ideal for growing specialty coffees. The harvest takes place from January to April and includes the coffee varieties Sarchimore, Caturra, Bourbon, Geisha, and Oro Azteca.
Despite low domestic demand, Mexico needs to supply the eager foreign market, which is why 12 states grow coffee: Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Nayarit, Colima, Jalisco, Querétaro, and Tabasco. The harvest begins in September and extends until March of the following year. The most widespread practice in Mexico is the production of shade-grown coffee, which allows for preserving the environment, protecting local fauna and flora, and conserving water sources. This agricultural practice naturally results in a stunning landscape: trees and shrubs mix their various colors with the different shades of green that shimmer in their lush leaves.
In the late 1980s, several Mexican producers chose to cultivate organic coffee, and today the main markets for this specialty production are the United States, Canada, and European countries.
The coffee industry is currently the largest source of employment in rural Mexico.
Iconic Coffee Shops in Mexico City
Much of Mexican history is told through the iconic coffee shops of Mexico City. That’s right. Some of the most notable political figures, artists, and writers have frequented and still frequent these places.
The narrative and tradition of coffee in Mexico are also represented by renowned establishments and numerous celebrities who have frequented and still visit these remarkable places, the famous coffee shops of Mexico City.
We have put together a list for you to include in your Mexico City itinerary:
Café de Tacuba
Possibly the most famous café in the city, it opened its doors along with the beginning of the Mexican Revolution and has never ceased to be the favorite meeting point for the country’s revolutionaries.
The space, an old 13th-century mansion, was the venue for Diego Rivera’s wedding reception and still retains all the charm of that time. A great place for a pleasant breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Café La Blanca
Opened in 1915 as a dairy that brought farm products directly to customers, it quickly expanded its offerings and became a kind of diner. Acquired by Marciano Diez y Diez in 1943, it quickly became one of the most beloved places for those strolling through the Historic Center. It is not uncommon to find the place crowded.
The menu is now more like a restaurant, but it still serves the coffee that made the establishment famous.
Café La Habana
Do you know one of the “secrets” of Café La Habana? Legend has it that Fidel Castro and Che Guevara outlined the first steps of the Cuban Revolution while sipping their cups of coffee in this café. Meals are served all day, and we admit, the atmosphere is not as refined as others on this list, but it’s worth stopping by for a quick coffee.
Café La Pagoda
Located on Calle 5 de Mayo, Café La Pagoda was created in the same place where the famous Café Paris previously existed, which operated from 1950 until 1994, and was frequented by writers like Salvador Novo and Carlos Pellicer, and artists like Rufino Tamayo, Ruan Soriano, and Remedio Varo. This place is full of stories. Not necessarily the current café, but the location. They say good stories are passed down from generation to generation.
The menu is quite diverse, from coffee with baskets of delicious breads to hearty lunches and dinners. The prices are attractive and can be checked on the website.
Café Nin
Imagine a café that brings together all the liveliness of a generation in a brick building in the traditional Juárez neighborhood. With a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a coffee while chatting, the place offers delights that take the mind on a journey.
The menu’s goal is to provide experiences and sensations, always emphasizing simplicity. The house wines are produced by new and lesser-known names.
Casa Cardinal
This is one of the new cafés that inherit the atmosphere of the old establishments, full of inspiring artists. What looks like a garage among restaurants is, in fact, a café that deserves a break in the busy schedule.
Cakes, sandwiches, and croissants await the most refined palates. It is a suggestion for those visiting Mexico City. Casa Cardinal deserves to be visited! Check it out on the page.
These are just a few of the many emblematic coffee shops in Mexico City, each with its history, charm, and unique flavors. Include them in your itinerary and enjoy an authentic and enriching experience as you explore the vibrant Mexican capital.
Pottenzza coffee
Our store brings you closer to the best coffees in the world, providing your full satisfaction through great moments of relaxation, a warm welcome among friends, and good reasons to talk about flavors and stories from around the world. And there’s nothing better than having a true ally, your favorite coffee, to make your day wonderful!
At the Pottenzza store, you will find the flavor of coffee cherished by Mexicans, as well as all the coffees from around the world.
