top 10 best cheese shops in Mexico

With more than 500 varieties of cheese of excellent taste and quality. Cheese has become an important part of Mexico’s gastronomic heritage. And it has become an important part of the country’s economy. Some establishments in Mexico City are dedicated to sharing this culture of cheese that is produced by hand. In this article we will talk about the 10 best cheese shops in Mexico.

Offering a wide variety of cheeses with their origins in France and refined foods. Imported cheeses include both traditional products and processed cheeses for industrial use. Turning high-quality cheeses into high-demand products has driven the growth of this market.

Best cheese shops in Mexico

The traditional cheese factory contributes significantly to regional economic development, generating jobs and adding value to the production of the agro-industrial milk chain. Among the main cheese factories in Mexico we can highlight the following:

My gurmet

My Gourmet is an online store specializing in gourmet artisan products and delicatessen. They offer a wide variety of products, including artisanal cheeses, deli meats, sourdough bread, organic jams, wines and spirits, and personalized gifts. They focus on high quality products, many made by hand and from different regions of Mexico.

Among the outstanding products are cheeses such as Oaxaca Cheese, Cotija Cheese and Bola de Ocosingo Cheese. They also offer customizable gift baskets and chests, ideal for special occasions. My Gourmet is located at Gobernador Luis G. Vieyra 6 A, Mexico City, The store has received excellent reviews for the quality of its products and its personalized service.

They promote a reunion with the natural and artisanal, offering fresh and delicious products at a fair price, with safe shipments throughout Mexico. They stand out for their fair trade direct from the producer, guaranteeing authenticity and quality in each product.

Boca Negra cheese cellar

After more than 8 years producing fresh cheeses with our brand Quesos NéOle, they decided to venture into the market of high-quality matured cheeses. To do this, they built the Cava Bocanegra, an underground space where they mature and refine cheeses with different textures and flavors, based on traditional European recipes, but with a personal touch, creating authentic “signature cheeses”.

In his cellar, the cheeses mature in a controlled environment that allows them to develop their unique flavor. In addition, they have developed unique experiences for visitors, ideal to enjoy as a couple or with the family. These experiences must be booked in advance to ensure a complete visit.

They also have a restaurant that offers a gastronomic proposal based on their delicious cheeses and other gourmet dishes. They have a team of professionals who are dedicated to elevating your visit to another level, ensuring that you enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.

Rancho Cacachilas

Rancho Cacachilas offers a unique regenerative experience with an all-inclusive holistic approach, surrounded by nature and adventure activities. Visitors can explore more than 60 kilometers of private routes, discover mining vestiges, and learn about sustainable honey production and the circular economy of cheesemaking.

Since 2013, they have been producing artisanal cheeses on a small scale in their creamery, using milk from hand-milked goats. Their cheeses include traditional varieties from the region and European styles with a local twist, aged to develop unique flavors.

Rancho Dos Hermanos, located on the property, offers panoramic views of the Sierra Mountains, the Sea of Cortez, and Cerralvo Island. Here, visitors can enjoy tastings of homemade cheeses, accompanied by beer or wine, jams, and honey.

Jessica and Cameron, experienced consultants, joined the team in 2015 to improve the production of the creamery. Genni Verdugo, with a natural affinity for cheese making, brings his original recipe for Panela cheese.

Querétaro cheese producers

Productores Queretanos de Queso AC is a non-profit association that promotes artisanal cheeses made in Querétaro, recognized for their quality. Querétaro has a cheese tradition with producers of international quality. The members of the association control everything from the breeding and management of the herd to the maturation of the cheeses, working together for the common good and looking for opportunities to promote and learn about these products.

Several ranches allow visits for cheese lovers to learn about the production processes and learn about the products that have obtained important recognitions. In Querétaro, you can find cow, goat and sheep cheeses, produced by those who are also dedicated to milk production and take care of the feeding of their herds to ensure the best quality.

The association seeks to make the public aware of the benefits of these unique products, turning the best milk into high-quality artisanal cheeses, offering an educational and enriching experience for visitors.

Excelsior Cheeses

Excelsior Cheeses is a Mexican company passionate about making high-quality artisanal cheeses. With more than 70 years of tradition, its goal is to bring the authentic flavor of Mexico to the tables of both national and international families. They produce a wide variety of fresh, creamy, aromatic and aged cheeses, made with 100% milk from their own farms in Veracruz, where the cattle receive the best nutrition and care.

The Excelsior family is committed to quality and uses natural ingredients to contribute to a healthy diet. Its cheeses are an essential part of Mexican gastronomy and are the result of the hard work of Mexican hands. On average, each Mexican family consumes twenty kilos of cheese per year, and the country produces more than 480 thousand tons of cheese annually.

Excelsior Cheeses exports its products from Veracruz throughout Mexico and the world, with points of sale in Veracruz, Mexico City, Mexicali and San Diego, California

VAI Cheeses

The history of VAI Cheeses began in the 1920s with the founding of the Hacienda de la Soledad by Mr. Vidal Alonso Lavín in Mexico City. After several events, including the invasion of the Hacienda and the transfer of the animals to Querétaro, the company Quesos VAI was formed.

Initially, customers bought cheese directly from the ranch’s kitchen. Over time, sales became professional and expanded to restaurants and hotels, in addition to participating in gastronomic fairs. The company opened Finca VAI, where visitors can learn about milk and cheese production, and taste their products.

The mission of VAI Products is to offer artisanal products of great taste and quality, using natural resources with modern techniques. Its vision is to be a company nationally recognized for its flavor, texture and aroma.

The values of VAI Cheeses include teamwork, honesty, loyalty to the country and the agricultural sector, and commitment to quality.

Lactography

Lactography is an initiative that has been sharing knowledge and selling artisanal cheese for more than 10 years. Born as a blog about Mexican cheese culture, it has evolved to revalue cheese as a fundamental ingredient beyond quesadillas or chilaquiles, by educating its customers and creating a market for artisanal cheeses.

Lactography focuses on knowing the origin of its cheeses, from the ingredients to the cheesemakers’ technique, promoting hygiene, production and fair trade practices. It mainly supports cheese factories led by women, generating jobs and ensuring fair and punctual payments for producers.

Committed to hygiene and safety in distribution, Lactography continues to perfect its logistics efforts to bring artisanal cheese to every home. They continuously share their experience and knowledge, collaborating with farmers, cheesemakers and delivery people to grow together.

Lactography invites you to share knowledge, the table and Mexican artisanal cheese, contributing to the development of the national cheese factory.

Sabor and Caracter

Sabor y Caracter, founded in 2009, is a pioneer in the selection, maturation and distribution of cheeses in Mexico, with a unique cellar in Mexico City. The company is dedicated to offering the best quality cheeses, creating unique gastronomic experiences such as tastings, cheese tables and pairing dinners, allowing customers to discover new aromas and flavors.

Sabor y Carácter offers a comprehensive view of cheese, from its history and flavors to the best options for each occasion. Among the words that define their work are maturation, quality, selection, care, art, trust, experience and know-how.

In addition, they have created the concept of “Cheese Club”, a home delivery service that offers up to 36 different types of cheeses, cured and selected by a master refiner. Its cheese boxes are a gastronomic experience that brings the essence and skill of artisan hands to the most demanding palates. Sabor y Carácter seeks to generate links and satisfy the needs of its customers through moments of quality.

Gourmet cheese

El Queso Gourmet is a specialty store that offers more than 140 varieties of fine Mexican and imported artisanal cheeses, all of them 100% natural and with designation of origin. In addition, they sell fine pastries, delicatessen, artisanal pastries, European-type bread and other gourmet products.

Experts in the creation of cheese tables with a spectacular decoration, El Queso Gourmet is distinguished by bringing the best cheeses in the world to the most demanding palates in Mexico. Its offer includes the most emblematic cheeses from Mexico and other countries, all carefully selected to guarantee the best quality.

With its focus on gourmet products, the store has become the place to be for cheese lovers looking for variety and authenticity. Located at Calle Once 60, Espartaco, Mexico City, El Queso Gourmet is the only place where you can find such a wide and exclusive selection of cheeses.

Galia chef

Galia chef Bistro in Mexico City is one of the best places to buy French cheeses, thanks to its incredible gastronomy and cozy space. Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Rome, it offers a complete experience: you can enjoy its restaurant, try dishes from the menu or taste wine and cheese before buying products in its store.

The internationally renowned French chef Emmanuel Chabre leads a team of chefs and pastry chefs specialized in world gastronomy. Galiachef Bistrot also offers catering and banquet services for events, always attentive to the needs of its customers.

In the shop, you’ll find a selection of the finest French cheeses made from cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk, including classics such as Comté, Raclette, Triple Crème and Fromager d’Affinois, as well as exclusives such as St. Marcellin and Époisses. They also have Mexican artisanal cheeses, such as Camembert and Brie from Jalisco and goat cheeses from Morelos. All cheeses are pasteurized.

Like recognizing a good want

Recognizing a good cheese factory involves looking at several key factors:

• Product quality: A good cheese must have a texture, aroma and flavor characteristic of its type. Freshness is critical, especially for fresh and soft cheeses. The label must clearly state the ingredients and origin of the cheese.
• Diversity of products: A good cheese factory offers a wide variety of cheeses, both local and imported. This shows that they have connections with different producers and a good understanding of cheese culture.
• Staff knowledge: Staff should be knowledgeable and passionate about cheeses. They should be able to offer recommendations, information about the brewing process, and suggestions for pairings.
• Hygiene and presentation: The store must be clean and well organized. Cheeses must be properly stored in appropriate temperature and humidity conditions.
• Sustainability practices: Prefer cheese factories that support local production and sustainable practices. This includes using local ingredients and traditional production methods that respect the environment.

Visiting food fairs and local events can also be a great way to discover and evaluate new cheese factories.

How to store cheese at home

Storing cheese properly at home is crucial to maintaining its freshness, flavor, and texture. Here are some useful tips for preserving different types of cheese:

• Temperature: Keep the cheese in the refrigerator at a constant temperature of around 39°F (4°C). Cooler parts of the refrigerator, such as vegetable drawers, are ideal.
• Packaging: Wrap the cheese in wax paper or wax paper, then place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Avoid using aluminum foil or plastic directly, as they can trap moisture and affect the flavor.
• Aeration: Allows the cheese to breathe. Some cheeses, such as hard-rind or mature cheeses, need a bit of airflow to maintain their texture. Wax paper is ideal for this.
• Separation: Keep cheeses with strong smells separate from milder ones to prevent flavors from mixing. Also, avoid storing cheeses with other strong-smelling foods.
• Servings: If you bought a large piece of cheese, cut it into smaller portions and store them separately. This way, you will only get the necessary amount, keeping the rest fresh for longer
• Freezing: Some hard cheeses can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Grate the cheese before freezing and store it in freezer bags. Remember that the texture may change slightly.

By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your favorite cheeses for longer and in their best condition.

Conclusions

Are you a cheese lover? We invite you to explore and taste the exquisite variety of cheeses that Mexico has to offer! From the classic, creamy fresh cheeses to the robust textures and deep flavors of aged cheeses, you’ll find a perfect cheese for every palate and occasion in Mexico.

Our country is known for its rich cheese tradition, producing high-quality cheeses with artisanal techniques passed down from generation to generation. Whether you prefer the smooth and delicate flavor of Panela Cheese. The elastic texture of Oaxaca Cheese, or the strong and distinctive flavor of Cotija Cheese. There is an option for every taste.

In addition, many of our cheeses are made with cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk, from select regions that provide unique characteristics to each bite. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy cheese in a quesadilla. On a gourmet board or just on its own, the diversity of Mexican cheeses will surprise and delight you.