What Food To Try in Tijuana and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Tijuana for 2024.
National currency: Mexican Peso, symbol — M$ (international currency code MXN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Tijuana cafes and restaurants
$11.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.86
$49.9
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $29.32
$7
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.86
What to Try in Tijuana
Must-try Dishes
Chilaquiles - Breakfast Tortilla Dish - Crispy tortilla pieces soaked in green or red salsa, topped with cheese, crema, and sometimes a fried egg. Locals enjoy this hearty dish for breakfast, often served at family-run diners buzzing with morning activity.Tacos de Asada - Grilled Beef Tacos - Juicy grilled beef, chopped finely and wrapped in soft corn tortillas, garnished with fresh onions and cilantro. A common street food, these tacos are best enjoyed late at night from bustling taco stands that fill the streets with mouth-watering aromas.
Poc Chuc - Grilled Pork Dish - Marinated grilled pork with citrus notes, typically served with pickled onions and rice. It's a favorite for lunch in local eateries, where the flavors burst in every bite, often accompanied by lively conversations between friends or families.
Birria - Spicy Stewed Meat - Tender meat, usually goat, in a rich, spicy broth, perfect for dipping tacos or sipping as a soup. This dish is a Sunday staple for gatherings, and it’s often served on special occasions where locals gather for a feast.
Esquites - Street Corn Salad - A vibrant mix of corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices, served warm in cups. Enjoyed as a quick snack, locals often grab these while strolling through markets or events, creating a lively street food atmosphere.
Rajas Poblanas - Roasted Poblano Strips - Sautéed strips of roasted poblano peppers with onions and crema, served as a filling on quesadillas. This dish shines in the summer months when poblanos are at their peak, and locals savor them at seasonal fairs.
Mariscos en Salsa Verde - Seafood in Green Sauce - Fresh seafood simmered in a tangy tomatillo-based sauce, typically enjoyed with rice or tortillas. Perfect for a casual dinner, locals love to share these dishes with friends at beachside eateries after a long day.
Queso Fundido - Melted Cheese - A gooey blend of cheeses, often with chorizo, served hot and bubbling in a cast-iron skillet. It's a popular starter for dinner, commonly enjoyed with tortillas as a way to kick off a lively evening of sharing and conversation.
Desserts & Drinks
Horchata - Horchata de Arroz (rice drink) - A sweet, creamy beverage made from rice, vanilla, and cinnamon, served cold. You’ll find locals sipping it during hot afternoons or with tacos, and it’s a great refresher after exploring the city.Tequila - Tequila (agave spirit) - This famous drink is distilled from the blue agave plant, often served neat in a traditional caballito (slender glass). Drinkers savor it slowly during celebrations or casual gatherings—just don't make the common mistake of asking for salt and lime.
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Chocolate Mexicano (spiced cocoa) - Rich chocolate mixed with cinnamon and sometimes a hint of chili, whisked to create a frothy concoction. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, especially during festive seasons.
Concha - Concha (sweet bread roll) - A soft, slightly sweet bread topped with a crunchy, sugary crust, often flavored with vanilla or chocolate. Best enjoyed fresh from a bakery in the morning with coffee or chocolate.
Nieves - Nieves (shaved ice dessert) - Creamy flavored ice made from fresh fruits, available in a variety of flavors like mango or tamarind. A perfect treat on a muggy day, you’ll see families enjoying these at local parks or markets—just be prepared for a line during weekends!
Food and Groceries in Tijuana
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.4 |
| Bananas | $1.42 |
| Oranges | $1.44 |
| Potatoes | $1.36 |
| Apples | $2.46 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.95 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.42 |
| Imported Beer | $2.51 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.62 |
| Milk 1L | $1.47 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.16 |
| Chicken | $6.74 |
| Cigarettes | $4.25 |
| Rice | $1.53 |
| Local Cheese | $8.73 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Tijuana, meal times are truly a vibrant reflection of the local way of life. Mornings kick off around 8 AM with breakfast spots bustling, where locals savor a hearty plate of chilaquiles or huevos rancheros, often washed down with a refreshing cup of café de olla. As lunchtime approaches, usually between 1 PM and 3 PM, the streets come alive with food vendors offering everything from fish tacos to tortas, with meals typically ranging from 70 to 150 MXN ($3.50 to $8). Depending on where you are, the ambiance shifts—from the lively Mercado Hidalgo to the food strips in Zona Rio.
Payment customs here can be a bit different from what you might find in other cities. Most local eateries prefer cash, and while some accept cards, it’s always safer to have pesos on hand. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is common but not as obligatory; rounding up to the nearest 10 MXN is generally acceptable, especially in casual dining spots.
You might stumble upon tourists believing they can only eat tacos. That’s a shame because Tijuana offers a diverse culinary landscape, including regional specialties from various states in Mexico. A common misconception is that dining only means splurging at upscale restaurants; in reality, many delicious options exist without breaking the bank. For example, you could enjoy a full meal including a drink at a mid-range restaurant for around 250 MXN ($12.50) or less if you're frugal.
When it comes to dining out, the best hours for a bite are typically before 7 PM to avoid the crowds, especially in popular areas like Avenida Revolución and the food stalls near Plaza Santa Cecilia. During peak periods, like Friday and Saturday nights, expect longer waits and livelier atmospheres.
One authentic local eating habit worth mentioning is the tradition of enjoying a late-night snack, often called "antojitos." This usually consists of small, flavorful bites shared among friends or family—a lovely social opportunity that’s quintessential to Tijuana's dining culture. Also, it’s essential to note that while some eateries operate late into the night, many close by midnight, so plan accordingly.
If you're hoping to dine at one of the busier spots, making a reservation is wise, especially on weekends. Each district’s vibe is distinct, with Centro being more traditional while Zona Rio leans contemporary. Discovering where to dine and at what time can reveal the intricacies of Tijuana’s lively food scene.
As we move towards the colder months, an interesting shift occurs. Seasonal price variations become evident as local ingredients change with the weather, making certain street fare more appealing, and a typical ceviche might become a bit pricier during cooler months. Embracing these transitions is all part of the culinary adventure in Tijuana.
Payment customs here can be a bit different from what you might find in other cities. Most local eateries prefer cash, and while some accept cards, it’s always safer to have pesos on hand. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is common but not as obligatory; rounding up to the nearest 10 MXN is generally acceptable, especially in casual dining spots.
You might stumble upon tourists believing they can only eat tacos. That’s a shame because Tijuana offers a diverse culinary landscape, including regional specialties from various states in Mexico. A common misconception is that dining only means splurging at upscale restaurants; in reality, many delicious options exist without breaking the bank. For example, you could enjoy a full meal including a drink at a mid-range restaurant for around 250 MXN ($12.50) or less if you're frugal.
When it comes to dining out, the best hours for a bite are typically before 7 PM to avoid the crowds, especially in popular areas like Avenida Revolución and the food stalls near Plaza Santa Cecilia. During peak periods, like Friday and Saturday nights, expect longer waits and livelier atmospheres.
One authentic local eating habit worth mentioning is the tradition of enjoying a late-night snack, often called "antojitos." This usually consists of small, flavorful bites shared among friends or family—a lovely social opportunity that’s quintessential to Tijuana's dining culture. Also, it’s essential to note that while some eateries operate late into the night, many close by midnight, so plan accordingly.
If you're hoping to dine at one of the busier spots, making a reservation is wise, especially on weekends. Each district’s vibe is distinct, with Centro being more traditional while Zona Rio leans contemporary. Discovering where to dine and at what time can reveal the intricacies of Tijuana’s lively food scene.
As we move towards the colder months, an interesting shift occurs. Seasonal price variations become evident as local ingredients change with the weather, making certain street fare more appealing, and a typical ceviche might become a bit pricier during cooler months. Embracing these transitions is all part of the culinary adventure in Tijuana.