Colorado Is A Slept-On Travel Destination For Mexican Food

When envisioning the most delicious plate of Mexican food in the U.S., some states stick out as go-to destinations, like Texas, New Mexico, and California. But while Colorado boasts some of the tastiest Mexican food north of the border, most don't seem to realize it's also a haven for spicy fare. Tex-Mex and Cal-Mex are widely known, beloved staples, so why doesn't Colo-Mex have as prominent an identity?

Traditional Mexican food is known for being vibrant and spicy, and in areas rich with Hispanic heritage, these cultural treasures are transformed when new preparation methods are adopted or region-specific ingredients are incorporated. Tex-Mex is much like traditional Mexican food, but it tends to utilize dry spices instead of chiles to bring the heat. Cal-Mex is another take on Mexican cuisine, tending towards leaner or more plant-based ingredients, like veggie or fish tacos. But with dishes like the Mexican hamburger and the Toro Pot, Colorado — owing to its unique history — hosts an exclusive Mexican fusion scene that is all its own.

After the end of the Mexican-American War, the Coloradan population contained a rich mix of backgrounds, including Mexican, Spanish, and Indigenous, and as the state's ethnic composition evolved, so too did the local cuisine. From wonton-wrapped chile rellenos in Denver to tempura-fried cactus in Grand Junction, Colorado's Mexican food scene differs from the adaptations of Mexican American food in the West and elsewhere. 

In an interview with CBS Colorado Mornings, Mexican food historian Gustavo Arellano had this to say about Colo-Mex food: "Denver, I have to say has one of the most unique Mexican food scenes that I have encountered in all my travels, and it's absolutely amazing." One dish Arellano singled out is the wonton-wrapped chili rellenos. These are classic chili rellenos, but instead of the more traditional soft breading, they're wrapped in wonton paper and fried, creating a crispy version of this characteristic Mexican recipe.

Colo-Mex food differs from traditional Mexican by utilizing local ingredients, like Pueblo chiles and the well-known-to-locals, Colorado green chili. Those familiar with red chili will notice some of the shared characteristics, but Colorado green chili stands apart from its crimson cousin. It's a thick, meaty stew that incorporates traditional Mexican flavors from tomatillos, cumin, oregano, and roasted green chiles. Instead of beef, Colorado green chili offers a generous helping of tender pieces of roasted pork. 

The secret to this extraordinary chili is to add tomatoes during the cooking process, which gives this dish its distinct tanginess and slightly orange color. Coloradans love to smother this exceptional chili on enchiladas, burritos, and even empanadas. At the famed Denver restaurant La Loma, you can even get a stuffed sopapilla smothered in it.

One way Colorado incorporates its green chili into dishes is the infamous Denver staple, the Mexican hamburger. El Chubby's in Denver is home to what some connoisseurs argue is the most authentic version of this quintessential Colorado dish made with ground beef patties, refried beans, cheese, and green chili wrapped in a tortilla. The end result is a mammoth plate sure to leave you stuffed and satisfied.

South of Denver in the Pueblo, another must-taste meal awaits: the Pueblo Slopper. This regional staple is as messy as it sounds, fashioned as an open-face hamburger with two burger patties and covered in cheese and green chili made with award-winning Pueblo chiles. It's a local legend representing comfort food at its best.

Various diners across the state also serve Toro Pots, which are a combination of hash browns and beef wrapped up in a tortilla. They get covered with cheese and a couple of ladles of Colorado green chili as they're presented. The dish can look similar to a smothered burrito, but one bite and you'll realize why this is the dish the cooks make for themselves when they eat.

Colorado is a veritable paradise for foodies with treats like Palisade peaches and Rocky Mountain oysters around every corner. But if you travel to the Centennial State don't forget about the Mexican food exclusive to Colorado. It's something unique unto itself, and there's only one place in the world to try it.