Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Riverside, California, United States
1. Riverside BBQ Tri-Tip
Savor the smoky flavor of this local favorite at Smoke House BBQ & Grill. A classic California dish made with marinated tri-tip steak cooked to perfection.
- Local Favorite: A traditional Riverside dish loved by locals and visitors alike.
- California Style BBQ: Distinct from other BBQ styles, this one features a unique blend of seasonings and cooking techniques.
- Smoky Flavor: The smoky taste comes from slow-cooking the tri-tip over wood fire.
2. Menudo at Taqueria El Norteño
Enjoy a hearty bowl of Menudo at Taqueria El Norteño on Sunday mornings. This traditional Mexican soup is made with tripe, hominy, and chilies.
- Traditional Mexican: Authentic Menudo made according to traditional Mexican recipes.
- Sunday Specialty: A popular dish among locals, especially on Sundays.
- Hearty and Filling: Menudo is a thick, hearty soup that will leave you feeling satisfied.
3. Chicken Injera at Queen of Sheba
Experience the taste of Ethiopia with Chicken Injera at Queen of Sheba. The dish features tender chicken served on a spongy fermented flatbread called injera.
- Ethiopian Cuisine: A unique and flavorful Ethiopian dish not commonly found in other regions.
- Spongy Fermented Flatbread: Injera is a key ingredient, acting as both plate and utensil for this dish.
- Authentic Ethiopian Taste: The Chicken Injera at Queen of Sheba is a faithful representation of this traditional Ethiopian dish.
4. Phở Bò at Pho 79
Slurp up a steaming bowl of Phở Bò at Pho 79. This classic Vietnamese dish consists of beef broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef.
- Vietnamese Cuisine: A staple of Vietnamese cuisine, Phở Bò offers a unique flavor profile.
- Steaming Hot Bowl: Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a hot bowl of Phở Bō on a chilly day in Riverside.
- Tender Slices of Beef: The tender slices of beef cook gently in the hot broth, enhancing the dish's flavor.
5. Tamales de Tapion at El Tapion
Savor the earthy flavors of Tamales de Tapion at El Tapion. These tamales are filled with pork, potatoes, and olives, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Riverside Tradition: A long-standing Riverside tradition, these tamales are a must-try for visitors.
- Banana Leaf Wrapping: The tamales' unique banana leaf wrapping adds to their flavor and texture.
- Earthy Flavors: The combination of pork, potatoes, and olives results in an earthy, savory flavor profile.
6. Fish Tacos at Taco Rosa
Savor the fresh flavors of Fish Tacos at Taco Rosa. These tacos feature grilled fish, pico de gallo, and a tangy cream sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Taco Rosa prides itself on using the freshest ingredients in their Fish Tacos.
- Tangy Cream Sauce: The tangy cream sauce adds a unique twist to these already delicious tacos.
- Mexican Coast Inspiration: Inspired by the flavors of the Mexican coast, these Fish Tacos offer a taste of the sea.
7. Chicken Shawarma at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
Savor the aromatic flavors of Chicken Shawarma at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine. This dish features tender chicken seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and wrapped in a warm pita.
- Middle Eastern Cuisine: A delicious representation of Middle Eastern flavors.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, ensuring it's tender and juicy.
- Aromatic Spices: The unique blend of aromatic spices gives the Chicken Shawarma its distinctive taste.
8. Pupusas at Pupuseria Los Mangoes
Taste the authentic flavors of El Salvador with Pupusas at Pupuseria Los Mangoes. These corn or rice flour filled pockets are stuffed with cheese and meat or beans.
- El Salvadorian Cuisine: A unique and delicious dish that showcases El Salvador's culinary traditions.
- Corn or Rice Flour Pockets: The pockets are made from either corn or rice flour, giving them a distinctive taste and texture.
- Filled with Cheese, Meat or Beans: A variety of fillings ensures there's a pupusa to suit every palate.
9. Garlic Noodles at Hua Hua's Asian Bistro
Savor the tangy and garlicky flavors of Garlic Noodles at Hua Hua's Asian Bistro. These noodles are stir-fried with a generous amount of garlic, soy sauce, and vegetables.
- Asian Cuisine: A flavorful Asian dish that offers a unique twist on traditional noodle dishes.
- Generous Amount of Garlic: The generous amount of garlic gives these noodles their signature tangy and garlicky taste.
- Stir-fried with Vegetables: The vegetables add a freshness and crunch to the dish, complementing the bold flavors of the garlic noodles.
10. Korean BBQ at K-BBQ Riverside
Experience the interactive fun of Korean BBQ at K-BBQ Riverside. Choose your meats and vegetables, then grill them at your table for a personalized meal.
- Interactive Dining Experience: A fun and interactive dining experience that allows you to cook your own meal.
- Variety of Meats and Vegetables: Choose from a wide variety of meats and vegetables to grill at your table.
- Flavorful Korean Sauces: Enjoy the unique flavors of Korean sauces, which are essential for enhancing the taste of your grilled dishes.
11. Carne Asada Fries at Taco Shack
Satisfy your cravings with Carne Asada Fries at Taco Shack. French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
- California Style: A classic California dish featuring tender carne asada, melted cheese, and creamy toppings.
- Hand-cut French Fries: Hand-cut fries ensure a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- Tender Carne Asada: The tender carne asada is marinated, grilled, then sliced and added to the dish.
12. Vietnamese Rolls at Pho Than Brothers
Enjoy the freshness of Vietnamese Rolls at Pho Than Brothers. Rice paper rolls filled with rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein.
- Vietnamese Cuisine: A refreshing Vietnamese dish that showcases the flavors and textures of Southeast Asia.
- Fresh Ingredients: The rolls are made with fresh ingredients, ensuring a vibrant taste and texture.
- Customizable Protein Options: Choose from various protein options, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
13. Indian Samosas at Indian Oven
Taste the spicy flavors of Indian Samosas at Indian Oven. These fried or baked pastries are filled with seasoned potatoes and peas.
- Indian Cuisine: A flavorful Indian dish that showcases the rich flavors of Indian spices.
- Fried or Baked Pastries: Both fried and baked options are available, depending on your preference.
- Seasoned Potatoes and Peas Filling: The seasoned potatoes and peas filling make for a hearty and flavorful snack or appetizer.
14. Churros at Churro Co.
Indulge in the sweetness of Churros at Churro Co. These Spanish-style dough fritters are coated in sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce.
- Spanish Cuisine: A popular dessert originating from Spain, enjoyed worldwide.
- Sweet and Crunchy: The churros are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a generous coating of sugar.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A rich and creamy chocolate sauce perfect for dipping these sweet treats.
15. Italian Sub at Subway
Satisfy your craving for an Italian-style sandwich with an Italian Sub at Subway. This classic sub features ham, salami, and provolone cheese on a fresh roll.
- Italian-inspired: A delicious sandwich that pays tribute to the flavors of Italy.
- Fresh Roll: The fresh roll ensures a soft, chewy texture for your sandwich.
- Classic Combination: Ham, salami, and provolone cheese make up the classic combination for this Italian-inspired sub.