Due to the contrasts in Chihuahua's climate, agriculture took a long time to take hold and cultivate. Its rugged mountainous terrain also contributed to a short agricultural cycle. This is why the old villagers devised a way of preserving the crops in times of winter or drought, through the dehydration of vegetables, grains, fruit and even meat.
As time went by, Chihuahua's inhabitants dehydrated everything they cultivated and thus, a new cuisine with a delicious taste and peculiar seasoning originated. Among the products most commonly used to cook in this region, there are the dehydrated corn kernels, known as "chacales" and the chile "pasado", which is dehydrated green chile, a vegetable that represents the base of all stews prepared in this land. The dehydrated, dry meat is also very typical and is cut into thin slices called "cecinas" to create different dishes.
Stews are generally prepared with vegetables and grains such as potatoes, beans, corn, wheat, chickpeas and several varieties of chiles. Combined with meat, delicious dishes such as "picadillo", "caldillo", "asado" and "cocido", among others can be prepared.
Wheat has a very important place in the kitchen. That's why the wheat tortilla is consumed in larger quantities here than the corn tortilla, since it's the base of the famous and tasty "burritos". Likewise, in Chihuahua you will be able to try sweet delicacies such as milk candies and quince jelly.
If you want to find a truly local dish, found only in Chihuahua, try the "discada", a common dish that is eaten mainly in rural areas. The "discada" is a stew normally prepared on a covered plow disk. Long ago, when farmers found that the disk in the heavy machinery is worn, they threw them away. One day, someone had the idea of using it as a griddle to heat food upon. From this, they started cooking food on it and this particular stew was born.
La Calesa
It is one of the most traditional restaurants in Chihuahua and winner of multiple awards. It has served many celebrities such as Vicente Fernandez, Alberto Cortes, Facundo Cabral, Lucero and Silvia Pinal, along with Mexican and foreign politicians. La Calesa specializes in fine cuts and international cuisine. It also offers delicious seafood dishes and the best in traditional Mexican food. It provides, in addition, a bar and four private lounges, which are available to the public for holding weddings, baby showers, cocktails, conventions and group lunches or dinners.
Garufa
Garufa is an Argentinean cuisine restaurant that features fine cuts and the best selection of wines to accompany them, as a well as first-class service. It is ideal for the homesick Argentineans who miss the dishes of their country or for the general public that wants to try real Argentinean food. Here you will be able to try typical specialties, rarely found in other restaurants such as the "tarta pascualina", a puff pastry tart filled with spinach, chard and boiled eggs, cow tongue with vinaigrette sauce and even a steak "a caballo" (on a horse), meaning with one or two fried eggs over the meat. Besides offering its array of specialties, the restaurant sells its own products so you can be your own chef in the comfort of your home.
Oliveto
The grapevine decoration gives this Italian restaurant a vineyard touch. Taste a wide assortment of pasta with exquisite sauces, along with savory dishes based on meat, poultry and fish, everything with the special flavor that a homemade meal offers. To complement these specialties, there is no better choice than a wine from our well-stocked cellar.
Los Candiles
Los Candiles is located at the Westin Soberano Chihuahua hotel. This dining room features an elegant, classic and tasteful ambience, and provides four other private rooms for business lunches, dinners or other special occasions. Enjoy the national and international gourmet cuisine and specialties such as the traditional Chihuahua-style steaks, fresh seafood and fish, as well as an extensive variety of wines, while admiring the mountains of Chihuahua's landscape.
Maria Chuchena
Maria Chuchena's cuisine concept combines colors, aromas and flavors of our Mexico, updating age-old recipes with a contemporary touch, in a beautifully decorated ambience that highlights the roots of Mexican culture. Its cuisine, defined as innovative and exclusive, offers exquisite, traditional as well as vanguard dishes, prepared with quality ingredients.
Los Vitrales
Los Vitrales serves the best international dishes in a stylish atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening. It features a wide array of Cantonese specialties and a dessert buffet. In addition, it provides a bar with seven TV screens so you can watch your favorite sporting event. On the weekends, you can enjoy excellent mariachi and piano music as well.