Fast casual Mexican and Tex-Mex eateries have never been more popular than they are currently. They provide flavor, value and variety that other forms of fast food cannot compete with. Between 2012 and 2017, Mexican restaurant revenue reached $41 billion. Further, a 2018 MSN poll found that Americans favored Mexican and pizza-oriented chains to more traditional burger and fried chicken chains by a 37% to 32% ratio.

Therefore, it’s safe to assume that many Americans are willing to lay down some extra cash in exchange for fresh products and boldly flavored cuisine. (The exception, of course, is Taco Bell. Their food is the culinary equivalent of a mattress found at an abandoned 19th century hospital).

Although many of the chains deserve the popularity they receive, areas with significant Hispanic populations are often filled with little taquerias that offer terrific food for short money. It’s not just Mexican food either; Colombian, Brazilian and Caribbean cuisine has also earned it’s place in the U.S. food landscape.

No New Hampshire city may be more fully equipped with South American eats than Nashua, and one place in particular has gained a superlative fan base: California Burritos.

I fell in love with this place as soon as I walked up to it, before I even went inside. The place occupies an adorable blue building on Factory Street that practically begs you to come in. Walk inside, and you’ll find a cozy environment that is constantly buzzing with activity. Order at the counter, eagerly watch your order being made, pay and take a seat at one of the handful of tables. The set-up is familiar; the innate vibrancy and festivity is what sets California Burritos apart.

The menu itself resembles a certain burrito-centric Mexican Chain (you know what it is), but two items stand out. The first is the carne asada fries, which pile steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese, sour cream and salsa verde on a pile of crispy potatoes. Not exactly authentic, but they certainly fall into the how-could-it-not-be-delicious category of foods.

The second is the item that deserves the most attention. Pupusas are a Salvadoran specialty that, despite their rising popularity, remain a difficult item to find in New Hampshire. This is a shame, because they are an inexpensive and delicious dish.

Essentially, a pupusa is a thick corn tortilla that is stuffed and griddled until puffy and golden brown. When you order a pupusa (or two, or maybe three) at California Burritos, the cook will ask you if you want all three fillings (cheese, cooked ground pork and refried beans). Then they roll the masa into a ball, fill it with the ingredients, flatten it into a disk and slap it onto the blazing hot flat top grill. Five or so minutes later, you are presented with what will probably be the best thing you’ve eaten all week.

Before I continue, let me say that you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t get all three fillings. The beans are creamy and starchy, with a nice earthiness. The pork is worked into a paste, creating a texture that resembles French pork rilletes, with a rich and meaty flavor. The cheese is nice and melty, adding additional richness. This is not a healthy meal, but it is a hearty and satisfying one.

They accompaniment of choice is curtido, a zesty mix of cabbage, carrots, onions, jalapenos and an acidic component. The crunch and acidity of the curtido complements the richness of the pupusas. A side of thin, mildly spicy salsa is also served on the side.

The whole package is not only well-balanced and delicious, but also inexpensive. Three pupusas easily constitutes a meal, and you’ll pay less than seven greenbacks for them.

Nashua residents have been so pleased with the quality and affordability of California Burritos that a Hudson location opened in late 2017, and a second Nashua location opened on Cellu Drive last year.

Deliciousness and affordability intersect at California Burritos, a local stop with pupusas that are so good, you may swear off burritos for the rest of the year.

References : https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-trends/specialized-market-research-reports/consumer-goods-services/food-service-drinking-places/mexican-restaurants.html https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-burger-chains-lose-ground-to-mexican-and-pizza-2017-6