Churreria El Moro Centro

Churreria El Moro Centro Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42 Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Mexico City, 06000

Hours

Open daily 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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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.

Location

Churreria El Moro Centro Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42 Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Mexico City, 06000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fly to Mexico City?

As of 2022, there are two international airports in Mexico City. The most frequented, and much more conveniently located, is the Mexico City International Airport (MEX, AICM) also known as the Benito Juarez International Airport. This is a major hub for domestic and international flights, with convenient access to the city’s center and outlying areas via public transport and taxis. Services such as Uber or Didi are permitted, though solely in certain areas and generally a longer walking distance from terminals.

The newest airport, Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), is located approximately 45 minutes north of the city. You may find less expensive flights to AIFA, though the present lack of easy-connectedness to the city can be a disadvantage.

How's the weather in Mexico City?

Mexico City has a subtropical highland climate, with consistently mild temperatures throughout the year and low humidity. The area tends to have mild winters, with temperatures reaching into the low 40s at night and 70s during the day. Warmer summer temperatures rise into the 80s during May, the hottest month, with evening averages in the low 60s. The rainy season in CDMX is roughly from June thru September, often with brief heavy rains.

What is the best way to get around Mexico City?

Taxis, Uber and Didi services are popular among travelers for getting around the city. However, the metro system in CDMX is a less-expensive and very convenient option, particularly if you can avoid rush hour times. You can pay as you go, or purchase a Metro Card available at Metro stations. Check Metro maps and download into your phone to help plan your day accordingly. NOTE: Metro service in CDMX available only until midnight.

What are the must-see attractions in CDMX?

Mexico City, CDMX, is full of rich experiences for people of all ages. As one of the cities with the most museums in the world, as well as a wealth of archeological sites within and just outside the urban area, there never seems to be enough time to explore all that CDMX has to offer.

Historic Center: This encompasses the city’s large square, zócalo, flanked by the National Palace, remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Latin America. Additionally, this quarter of the city includes the breathtaking Palacio de Bellas Artes Fine Arts building and the Torre Latinoamericana, providing a panoramic view over the city.

Chapultepec Park & Museums: This vast green space in the heart of CDMX is one of the largest urban parks in Latin America and home to the historic Chapultepec Castle (National Museum of History), lakes, monuments, art galleries, gardens, a zoo, and more. The absolute must-visit National Museum of Anthropology is located just across from the park.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan: Located 45 minutes from CDMX, this ancient Mesoamerican city boasts the majestic Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, and in 1987 was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Xochimilco: Colorful chinampas floating gardens and highly decorated trajinera flat-bottomed boats are distinctive traits of this valuable part of Mexican culture. Located in the southeastern part of CDMX, Xochimilco provides approximately 110 miles of waterways.

Coyoacan: Historic and artistic neighborhood on the southern side of CDMX, renowned for the home of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and the San Juan Bautista church. Coyoacan’s relaxed bohemian vibe is enhanced with vibrant local markets, art galleries, awe-inspiring plazas, and the National Museum of Popular Art.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Located in the northern part of CDMX, this complex is the most visited Catholic site in the world and pays homage to Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgen de Guadalupe.