About

After burning calories while sightseeing at Plaza Garibaldi and Chapultepec Park, satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at Churreria El Moro Centro.

Francisco Iriarte migrated to Mexico City from Spain in 1933. He was surprised to discover there weren’t any churro shops, so with his home recipes, he began with a cart in Zócalo. He named his new venture “El Moro” in honor of a churro vendor from his hometown in Spain.

El Moro became a hit, and during Mexico’s Golden Era, Francisco opened his first brick-and-mortar location in 1935. Today, there are family-owned locations all across Mexico City, but we will be focusing on the Historical Center store.

What is compelling about El Moro’s success is that the shop continues to honor Iriarte’s original recipe. No matter which location you visit, you’ll find the same golden crispy churros and creamy hot chocolate.

Also of note is the commitment to quality. All churros are 100% vegan and don’t contain any ingredients of animal origin. Additionally, El Moro only chooses pure organic Mexican chocolate and organic Tabasco cocoa, ensuring freshness and also supporting regional growers.

For a taste of the past that originated in Spain, add Churreria El Moro Centro to your to-do list.

Vibe

What makes this location unique from its sister sites is that it’s the original store. The sign over the door has “Churreria El Moro Chocolateria” emblazoned in burgundy tiles surrounded by blue-and-white tiles. While classic in design, it harkens to the store’s opening in 1935.

The interior uses the blue-and-white tiles as a wainscot, while the off-white colored walls and ceiling brighten up the room. The long counters and open kitchens allow customers to watch chefs crafting churros.

The atmosphere is lively, unpretentious, and feels more like someone’s home than it does a restaurant. This vibe makes it appealing to families or vacationers seeking a sweet finish to sightseeing at Museo de Arte Popular.

The room is spacious, making the setting ideal for those seeking a quiet corner to converse or for large groups needing several tables. And since the shop is open 24/7, the atmosphere changes as the day wears on.

Churreria El Moro Centro: Menu & Drinks

While some locations offer tacos and sandwiches, the Centro shop only serves churros and chocolate-based treats. With that in mind, let’s explore the cinnamon-crunchy wonder.

The first thing you’ll notice about the churros is the size. They are about 18” long and fried to a golden finish, making it crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. Next, it is rolled in sugar and cinnamon for the perfect amount of sweetness and subtle spiciness.

While the churros are delicious on their own, some patrons order one of the dipping sauces. These come in varieties such as Mexican chocolate, cajeta, condensed milk, or chocolate with hazelnut. The cajeta is a standout and is similar to dulce de leche, only made with goat’s milk.

Additionally, the churros come in various sizes. The Moritos are tiny churros that are perfect for children or those wanting smaller portions. You may also order just one or gorge on twelve!

The ice cream sandwiches and churros filled with caramel or soft cream will appeal to die-hard sweet tooths.

The drinks are equally remarkable, with the café con leche being a top contender. This hot drink features equal parts coffee and warm milk, making it a go-to for those needing a rich, morning wake-me-up.

The hot chocolates are very popular and come in multiple styles, such as French, Mexican, and Spanish. Unique offerings are the Oaxaqueña, which is dairy-free, and the Champurrado, an ancient sweet drink with maize and chocolate. For those craving something cold, try the assorted milkshakes. These will cool you off after exploring Palacio de Bellas Artes on a hot day.

Visiting Churreria El Moro Centro on your Mexico City vacation combines a story originating in Spain that culminates with decades of time-tested recipes.

Local Tips

Off-peak hours tend to be less crowded.
Be patient: your churros are made to order.
Share a batch with friends; the portions are generous.
Take some churros back to your Casago rental.

Staging environment