A Blog Voyage

Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre – CDMX

Your destination, the Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre. Head to Mexico City, Roma Norte, next door to El Parnita. There, look for the deep black interior and the flames.

When you see a cross between the most primitive and the most exotic; when your attention is grabbed and you can’t look away … then you have found the Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre.

At its most basic, the Expendio de Maiz is an informal taqueria. At its heart is a formal dedication to and celebration of corn. Three simple questions greet you … “How hungry are you?”, “Do you have any food allergies?”, “What do you like?”

The chef concocts a diverse parade of small preparations based on your answers. First up to prepare you palate are small tortillas made with heirloom nixtamalized corn and a little requeson cheese on top. With this you are invited to fully appreciate the flavour and essence of true corn. This is one of the reasons to travel, to realize that ‘I’ve never had corn before.” Quite a surprise in life!

Header photo © Expendio

Taco with hoja santa , squash blossom requeson at Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre — hoja santa , squash blossom requeson taco

The Expendio de Maiz has as a primal, practical, and impactful layout. The bold vision is courtesy of architect Ludwig Godefroy – partner of Emmanuel Picault from Chic By Accident. The black interior gives it a cavernous feeling. The exposed comal and open fire give it a feeling of wildness. The flames and smoke imbue the flavours. It is almost as if you were sitting on the side of a pre-historic settlement, then in the middle of a metropolis.

Jesús Salas Tornés is the chef and owner of the Expendio, and co-owner of Parnita. The Expendio de Maiz extensively researches native ingredients and culinary traditions in rural and indigenous communities. With a focus on the regions of Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Tabasco.

Ana Gonzalez, chef de cuisine, reigns over the flames. Magically in command with beautiful bright blue hair and arms sprouting ink artwork. She deftly delivers delicious corn creations, topped or filled with a multitude of ingredients. All perfectly paired with mouth-watering fresh salsas.

If it is not obvious yet, The Expendio de Maiz is a Must Visit.