📍Los Huacales – Calle de Alonso 42, Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Gto.
🌍Country: Mexico   
🔥Must-try dish: Enchiladas Mineras
🪑Seating: Indoor seating only.
👍The high: The server made the experience by telling me the history of the dish, why the ingredients are used, and how it;s unique to this region. 

👎The low: This place is busy, so there might be a short line. There’s a quick turnover though, so the wait shouldn’t be too long! 

The Enchiladas Mineras: Guanajuato’s Heart on a Plate. 

Every city has that one dish that captures its soul. For Guanajuato, it’s the Enchiladas Mineras, a humble, hearty plate that somehow feels both homemade and full of history.

Now, when you think “enchiladas,” your mind probably goes straight to saucy, cheesy, nap-inducing goodness, and fair. But these? They’re different. The Guanajuato version skips the heavy hand and goes for flavour that’s fresher, earthier, and somehow still indulgent.

Picture four enchiladas nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce (yes, lettuce). The filling is chunkier and a little drier than the typical kind, stuffed with root veggies and other good ingredients that give each bite some real texture. Instead of being smothered in sauce, they get just a drizzle, enough to tie it together, not enough to drown out the flavour.

Then comes the cheese, a dry Oaxacan variety that tastes like feta and buffalo mozzarella had a delicious little fling. It keeps things salty and creamy without being over the top. And the chicken? A big, juicy piece perched right on top instead of hidden inside. It’s unexpected, but it works, it’s like the dish is saying, “Here I am. Take a proper bite.”

If I had to sum it up, this dish is the Mexican equivalent of a Sunday roast or a slow-simmered pasta bolognese:  warm, soulful, and satisfying, but never too much. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down a little and just enjoy being exactly where you are.

The added touch of tortilla chips and two hot sauces to kick off the meal was a good start, and paired well with their daily agua fresca flavour – pineapple. These juices are light and help to break down some of the spicier flavours that crop up in Mexican foods. 

As for the menu, it reads like a love letter to Mexican comfort food: a full page dedicated to mole, generous soups options for the chillier months, and all the classics you crave.

The décor? Simple, lived-in, full of charm. The old wooden signs, colourful flags hanging overhead, and fresh flowers were all that it needed to feel at home. It feels more like you’ve been invited to someone’s family table than seated at a restaurant. Most of the crowd are locals, which says everything you need to know.

After dinner, there’s no shortage of street music, and bars to check out, many of which serve Mexican wine that;s made in the region. The Mexicans are proud of it, and it tastes pretty good. This city feels more like it has a European influence with wine bars, pizzarias, and colonial architecture. All of which are things that I love. 

Make sure to make a detour to Guanajuato on a trip to Mexico, since this enchiladas, and the vibe are unique to this magical place. A kaleidoscope of colourful buildings, winding alleys, mountain views, and music that seems to pour from every corner. It’s impossible not to fall for this city, one bite (or song) at a time.

Eat with you soon!