Markets around Guadalajara

It is well known that Mexicans have a special vocation for markets. It is hard to refuse trying any food business that has established itself in these wonderful spaces where all kinds of stalls converge. In Guadalajara, we take pride in showcasing how well you can eat in any of them, and recently, I revisited a classic in the Capilla de Jesús neighborhood: the Mercado del IV Centenario (Calle Garibaldi 824), which was inaugurated in 1942 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the capital of Jalisco. Although it is very complex to select only three of its businesses, here I share three must-tries: Yunaites Pueblino Potions Fabián Delgado is a Jalisco chef proud of his roots, his neighborhood, and his family memories around the kitchen. He recently established a dining area in this market called Yunaites. The recipes inherited from his aunts and father, along with the culinary talent he has accumulated over the years with other projects like Caligari and PalReal, have led to a menu featuring ingredients from his colleagues in the market or sourced from producers in Jalisco. While my suggestion is to try everything, simply and plainly, the taco de menguiche, the encotijadas, the mole cosechero, and the chorizo and jocoque torta from Arenal with beans and pickles from Pajarito come to mind.Just a few months after its opening, the long table that serves from very early on is always “full” of neighbors and food lovers who come from all around. You can find it at the entrance on Calle Garibaldi; it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM until noon.Birriería Tlaquepaque Another undeniable truth is that in Jalisco, birria is a recipe we master both in preparation and consumption. We all have at least one or two that top the list of options, and this one, located in the heart of the Mercado del IV Centenario for 20 years, is a tough contender. A whole family works in the stall, preparing their hearty dishes daily with goat and beef, attentively served by characters like Don Javier or the young Adrián, who is a pleasure to see taking charge of this culinary tradition.Birria is sold by order and by tacos with freshly made tortillas, and I must clarify that they go quickly, so the earlier you come for your serving, the more likely you are to avoid disappointment. One piece of advice: have a second helping of the broth or consommé, which is perfectly seasoned.You can find them at the entrance on Calle Jesús; they only close on Wednesdays, and as I mentioned before, arrive early.Hamburguesas SunyAlthough its name boasts these preparations from the country up north, this time I suggest another very popular recipe in Guadalajara: lonches. The reason is very clear; since 1986, Don Humberto has been serving them with the famous birote fleiman and well-cooked leg on his grill. While there are also options with loin and even panela for those who do not eat meat, all come with avocado, tomato, jalapeño strips, a spread of mustard, and cream.Among their lonches, there is another tempting option, the house or Suny lonch, which is made with pork leg, manchego cheese, and sausage, perfect for eating there or, in local style, walking between bites.You can find it at the entrance on Calle Cruz Verde, and they are open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Their menu includes hot dogs and even “light” sandwiches.Text and photos by Wendy Pérez, food journalist and founder of Mezcal Aguas Mansas.