The street food offer in our metropolis, in constant gastronomic transformation, is showing a wave of creativity: two new interesting Asian-inspired venues have recently opened.
Windows on the world – Birriosa
Birriosa: Mexican Dim Sum
Ravioli don’t have a name in Spanish, much less a place in Mexican gastronomy. But the guys from Birriosa, an unusual and welcoming proposition in the heart of Santa María la Ribera, have managed to merge the two. Alex Dungla and his partner in business and in life sell homemade ravioli, filled with tender birria beef and served in his broth. Although shaped and folded like Cantonese-style wontons, they are served like classic Northern Italian wontons tortellini in broth; the pasta is cooked pleasantly al dente and the broth is rich and fragrant with chilli pepper and herbs. And, brilliantly, they come straight out of the kitchen window of their home; mom can be seen inside as she lends a hand. A coffee table or window sill serves as a perch for hungry passersby, and many orders are prepared for take-out. A vegetarian version is also available. A satisfactory order of 5 is worth $75.
Dr. Enrique González Martínez 13, Santa María la Ribera
1 1/2 blocks from the subway/Metrobus Revolución (see map)
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm to 6pm
Gnocchi de Birria alla Birriosa
Saigoncito: Vietnamese Banh Mi and Summer Sandwiches
A Viet Roll in Saigoncito
Immersed in an ordinary line positions, in an anonymous street that protrudes from Alvaro Obregon there is Saigoncito. It is if not the first, then certainly the only successful purveyor of Banh Mi, the French-inspired Vietnamese sandwiches. The menu is reduced to a minimum: pork or chicken. Previously marinated meat is sauteed to order, then pickled and raw vegetables and sauces are piled onto a roll. The flavors are clearly “Viet”. The cost is reasonable: $95. The summer (or “Viet”) rolls consisting of shrimp, rice noodles and herbs wrapped in a rice wrapper, are refreshing and a good deal at $45. Wash it all down with a lightly sweetened Thai milk tea.
Calle Valladolid, near Av. Alvaro Obregon, Rome Nte. (see map)
Open every day from 1pm to 10pm
Banh Mi @ Saigoncito 
