Carne asada, sour cream, cheese and French fries, wrapped tightly in an enormous warm flour tortilla. Hungry yet? It may sound easy, but California burritos have taken San Diego by storm and are slowly making their way to the West Coast. While there is no confirmed origin, the California burrito is easily the most popular burrito, and, because of that, has earned its rightful place on approximately every taco shop menu. Whenever the San Diegan native leaves the area, their taste buds cry, for they know that no other burrito anywhere will fill the void left by the California burrito. While I’ve found the bastard version of the California burrito in Los Angeles, and even as way back as Chico, it never tastes quite the same. The ingredients are all there, but it does not have that particular flavor I’m searching for. Maybe San Diego is near Mexico. Maybe because he was born in the heart of Southern California. Whatever the reason, the California burrito continues to land on menus across the American Southwest.
This cultural food revolution is not just limited to burritos. There are a number of other menu items that are barely found outside of San Diego County. These include carne asada fries, taquito burrito, chile realleno burrito and lots of more. Carne asada french fries are essentially french fries smothered with meat drowned in sour cream, cheese and guacamole. They are the best hangovers after a fun night on the town with your friends. Typically, carne asada french fries are served in large portions, making them an ideal meal to share with others. The taquito burrito may be precisely what you’d imagine it to be; a burrito with carne asada, guacamole, cheese, and, two to three taquitos stuffed inside. The chili relleno burrito is similar to the taquito burrito, but rather than carne asada, it contains rice and fried beans instead. This is a classic burrito for vegetarians searching for something more unique than the standard vegetables or beans and cheese. These food combinations may sound strange at first, but I highly recommend sampling each. I guarantee you will find at least one that will change your perspective on what you consider standard taco shop food, endlessly. As I sit here writing this, hundreds of miles away from my favourite San Diego taco shop, I remain hopeful that, one day, my beloved California burrito will be perfected, wherever I’m.
Top 5 Burritos in the San Diego Area:
Don Pedro Taco Shop
Roberto’s Taco Shop
Visit robertostacoshop.com
Las Cuatro Milpas
1857 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Habaneros Mexican Grill
