Discover the flavors, history, and cultures that converge in Mexicali through these six emblematic places, where gastronomy and tradition merge in every corner.
1. La Chinesca
La Chinesca symbolizes Chinese migration in Mexicali and reflects the resilience of this community that arrived in the early 20th century. Located beneath the streets of Mexicali, this underground neighborhood emerged when thousands of Chinese immigrants, expelled from the United States, found refuge in the city. They established a vibrant social and economic life in these tunnels, with shops, restaurants, and even clandestine casinos, all while facing racial discrimination.
Chinese cuisine began to merge with local ingredients from the Baja California desert, creating a hybrid cuisine that is now a fundamental part of Mexicali’s culinary identity. Although many tunnels are no longer in use, some have been restored, offering visitors a glimpse into this fascinating history. La Chinesca remains a symbol of the cultural fusion that characterizes Mexicali. Location: Primera, 21100, Mexicali, B.C. Book a tour by phone: 684 150 3694. Cost: $200 pesos per person.
2. Wok Museum
The Wok Museum pays tribute to the history and legacy of the Chinese community in Mexicali, showcasing how this influence transformed local gastronomy. The museum presents the first Chinese restaurants that emerged in the city in the early 20th century. These establishments began to fuse local ingredients with oriental recipes, creating a unique cuisine that gained popularity and became an essential part of Mexicali’s gastronomic offering. Today, Mexicali is known for having some of the best Chinese restaurants in Mexico. Location: C. José Azueta, Primera, 21000 Mexicali. Entrance: $25 pesos per person.
3. Imperial Garden
The Imperial Garden, currently run by Pablo Chee, is one of the most emblematic restaurants in Mexicali, with a history deeply connected to Chinese migration. Founded by the Chee family, descendants of immigrants who arrived in 1905, the restaurant offers a unique fusion of Chinese cuisine and desert ingredients. This combination of flavors has positioned the Imperial Garden as a benchmark of Mexicali’s gastronomic identity. The restaurant’s name is inspired by the old Imperial Hotel, where composer Jack Tenney wrote the iconic song “Mexicali Rose.” Location: Av. Francisco I. Madero and G Street, Mexicali, Baja California. Average cost: $350 pesos.
4. El Norteño, Asadero Rústico
El Norteño, Asadero Rústico is one of the best places in Mexicali to enjoy authentic charcoal-grilled beef tacos, a dish that embodies the essence of northern culture. Founded in 1987 by Bruno Serrano Palapa, who came to Mexicali seeking the American dream but found his home in the city, this grill has earned a place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. The legacy of El Norteño has grown under the leadership of his son, Bruno Serrano Pérez, who has been key in the expansion and modernization of the business. The grill uses meat from Sonora, offering prime export products, and the menu has evolved to include high-end cuts, providing a unique culinary experience in a family-friendly atmosphere. Location: Calzada de las Américas, Mexicali, Baja California. Average cost: $200 pesos.
We hope you can soon visit this Baja California destination and discover the magic of these must-visit places. We’re sure you’ll love them!
Mexica Fé: A Culinary Oasis in Mexicali
Directed by the talented chef Ilean Padilla, Mexica Fé is a space that pays homage to desert ingredients, reinterpreted with a modern approach and subtle touches of oriental techniques. This restaurant has become a relaxation oasis in Mexicali, standing out for its creativity and respect for local products.
The main ingredients in its cuisine, such as dates, lavender, and saladitos (dried apricots in brine), are innovatively used to create dishes that deeply connect with the region’s roots while surprising with their modernity.
At Mexica Fé, desert cuisine transforms into a fascinating culinary experience. Chef Ilean Padilla draws inspiration from the region’s ancestral traditions but elevates them by incorporating influences from other cuisines, a nod to Mexicali’s multicultural history. Ideal for breakfasts, the menu explores the richness of the land. Location: Obregón 1150, Mexicali, Baja California. Average cost: $300 pesos.
Corazón Artesano: Celebrating Traditional Mexican Flavors
Under the direction of Marcos Figueroa, Corazón Artesano is a restaurant that celebrates traditional Mexican flavors with an artisanal and contemporary approach. Using local products from the Baja California region, the chef has created a culinary proposal that highlights the authenticity of Mexican cuisine, balancing tradition and modernity. Each dish at Corazón Artesano showcases respect for techniques while adding an innovative touch that elevates the experience.
The restaurant has gained notoriety not only for its attention to detail and commitment to ingredient quality but also for being the chosen spot by Luis Miguel to enjoy a meal before his concert in Mexicali. Location: Calzada Cetys 2731 Int. 1101, Residencial Calzada, Mexicali. Average cost: $800 pesos.
We hope you can soon visit this Baja California destination and discover the magic of these must-visit places. We’re sure you’ll love them!
Source: Food and Travel
