Soup and broth restaurants in Mexico City / Caldos D’ Leo: Chicken in all its variations since 1966
By Alejandro Pohlenz
I think very few of us are aware that we eat an average of 35 kilograms of chicken per year, and Mexico is the sixth largest producer in the world. It is the most consumed animal protein in our country. The United States, the world's leading producer, produces 20% of the world's chicken! (Colonel Sanders' famous fried chicken chain has more than 25,000 branches in 145 countries).
Reaching the third age
I offer this statistical introduction to present you with the city's most famous restaurant when it comes to chicken soup: Caldos D' Leo. It is superbly located on Ejército Nacional Avenue almost on the corner of Vázquez de Mellá, in Polanco. The place is very large and has very pleasant little tables on the sidewalk (courtesy of the pandemic). In two years it will celebrate its 60th anniversary, which means that, like me, it will irremediably reach the third age.
Flautas and mole
I am a fan of flautas: toasted, with green sauce, cream and cheese. My wife orders broth with gizzards and livers (I hate the viscera of any animal). Although the king of the jungle is chicken soup, mole poblano is highly valued by many of D' Leo's customers.
Antojitos, roasted chicken and breakfasts
In season there is cod and romeritos (so now is the time). I have tried the Aztec soup and I love it. There are antojitos and tortas that are not necessarily chicken: sopes (steak, arrachera, stew), huaraches, tostadas, quesadillas. Another star here is the roasted chicken which is promoted with the following motto: "it is prepared with the homemade touch that makes it unique: marinated with fresh spices, slowly cooked to achieve crispy skin and a juicy interior..." D' Leo also offers enchiladas (chicken and cheese), stuffed chiles and breaded breast. There are breakfasts from 8 in the morning and it is a classic in Mexico City.
- What we love and you should try: the flautas.
- What we don't like so much: order of gizzards alone.
- Food Police insider advise: there are no reservations and on Sundays it gets very crowded. You have to arrive early.
- Address: Avenida Ejército Nacional 1024-B, Polanco, CDMX
- Hours and days of operation: Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: breakfast and lunch.
- Payment: cash and cards.
- Accessibility: yes.
- Parking: no.
- Telephone: 55 5580 6539
- Reservations: no.
- Nearby public transportation: Presa Oviachic bus stop, on Ejército Nacional.
- Pet Friendly: yes.
- Suitable to go with children: yes.
- Vegan options: yes.
