Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Mexicali, Mexico

1. Birria de Chivo

Slow-cooked goat meat in a spicy tomato and chili sauce, best enjoyed at Taqueria el Paisaan.

Unique Ingredient: Uses tender goat meat instead of the usual beef or chicken
Cooking Technique: Slow-cooked to bring out the flavors of the ingredients
Location: Taqueria el Paisaan is a local favorite and offers an authentic experience.

Fresh fish or shrimp tacos with cabbage, salsa roja, and crema on corn tortillas at Tacos al Vapor.

Seafood Focus: Uses fresh seafood from the Baja California region
Authentic Preparation: Traditional preparation method using corn tortillas and local ingredients.
Popularity: Tacos al Vapor is a well-known taco stand in Mexicali

Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juices and spices at El Rancho de los Parientes.

Cooking Technique: Traditional slow-roasting technique using pit ovens.
Flavor Profile: Unique blend of citrus, spices, and earthy flavors
Location: El Rancho de los Parientes is a popular spot for Cochinita Pibil in Mexicali.

Shredded and rehydrated beef with scrambled eggs, beans, and tortillas at Cafe Tierra Blanca.

Ingredient Preparation: Uses machaca (dried beef) that is rehydrated before cooking.
Comfort Food: Hearty and filling breakfast dish
Location: Cafe Tierra Blanca is a popular breakfast spot in Mexicali.

Pork carnitas sandwich drowned in spicy salsa roja at Taqueria Don Tacho.

Ingredient Combination: Carnitas, onions, and avocado served on a crusty roll
Spiciness: Drowned in a spicy tomato salsa for added flavor.
Location: Taqueria Don Tacho is known for its Torta Ahogada.

Fresh shrimp cured in lime juice, served with onions, cilantro, and chilies at El Marisquero.

Ingredient Freshness: Uses very fresh shrimp for optimal taste.
Traditional Preparation: Cured in lime juice, a traditional method for ceviche preparation.
Location: El Marisquero is a well-known seafood restaurant in Mexicali.

Creamy enchiladas with chicken, cheese, and green tomatillo sauce at La Fonda.

Rich chocolate and chili sauce served with turkey or chicken at Restaurante El Molcajete.

Complex Flavor Profile: A complex blend of spices, chilies, and chocolate.
Origin: Originated in Puebla, Mexico but enjoyed in Mexicali as well.
Location: Restaurante El Molcajete offers an authentic Mole Poblano experience.

Poblano peppers filled with picadillo and smothered in walnut sauce at La Fonda.

Presentation: Famous for its vibrant presentation, featuring the colors of the Mexican flag.
Origination: Originates from Puebla, Mexico but enjoyed in Mexicali as well.
Location: La Fonda is a popular spot for Chiles en Nogada in Mexicali.

Sweet rice drink with cinnamon at Horchateria la Toscana.

Ingredient Profile: Made with rice, sugar, and cinnamon.
Refreshing Quality: A refreshing drink perfect for hot days in Mexicali.
Location: Horchateria la Toscana is known for its Horchata de Agua in Mexicali.

Corn husk-wrapped tamales filled with corn kernels and cheese at La Olla.

Unique Filling: Filled with sweet corn kernels instead of the usual meat or beans.
Authentic Preparation: Traditional preparation method using corn husks and steam.
Location: La Olla is a popular spot for Tamales de Elote in Mexicali.

Crispy pastries filled with fresh cheese at La Panaderia.

Fried green chilies stuffed with cheese and served with guacamole at Tacos el Paisaan.

Ingredient Profile: Stuffed with meltable cheese for a gooey interior.
Presentation: Fried chilies add a crispy texture and flavor contrast.
Location: Tacos el Paisaan is a popular spot for Chiles en Ramos in Mexicali.

Spicy stew made with goat meat and hominy at La Olla.

Slow-cooked lamb barbacoa at Taqueria el Paisaan.

Cooking Technique: Traditional slow-cooking method using pit ovens.
Flavor Profile: Distinctive smoky flavor from the cooking process.
Location: Taqueria el Paisaan is a popular spot for Barbacoa de Borrego in Mexicali.