Lourdes Mexican Food, a family-owned chain of restaurants in San Diego County, is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly its iconic chicken soup. From humble beginnings as a small taco and cake shop in Escondido, the Parra family has built a beloved local institution, serving up comfort food that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of North County residents for over three decades.
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Image: Courtesy @lulueatsat. Lourdes Mexican Food’s delicious dishes.
From Tacos and Cakes to a Culinary Legacy
In 1988, Hector and Lourdes Parra opened a small shop on Escondido Boulevard. Hector focused on tacos, while Lourdes baked her famous tres leches cakes. However, the Escondido summers proved too hot for baking, leading Lourdes to shift her focus to savory dishes. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s recipes from Sonora, Mexico, she began crafting large batches of chicken soup, enchiladas, and seafood dishes.
The Secret to Lourdes’ Famous Chicken Soup
The star of the Lourdes Mexican Food menu is undoubtedly Lourdes’ chicken soup. While slightly Americanized, the recipe remains largely true to its Sonoran roots. A “secret” spice blend in the accompanying salsa elevates the soup to legendary status. Generous chunks of white meat chicken, a hearty scoop of rice, fresh cilantro, onions, and thick avocado wedges create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Served with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, and spicy carrots, it’s a complete comfort food experience.
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Image: Julie Pendray. A steaming bowl of Lourdes Mexican Food’s signature chicken soup with all the fixings.
More Than Just Soup: A Diverse Menu
Beyond the iconic soup, Lourdes Mexican Food offers a diverse menu featuring classic Mexican dishes. Salads, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas are all made with fresh ingredients and the same commitment to quality that defines their signature dish. The different locations also boast their own specialties, with the El Norte Parkway location known for its breakfast burritos and the Cardiff location popular for its salads and enchiladas.
A Family Affair: Expanding the Lourdes Legacy
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Image: Courtesy Lourdes Mexican Food. The exterior of a Lourdes Mexican Food restaurant location.
The Parra children now own and operate the newer, more modern Lourdes Mexican Food locations in San Marcos and Cardiff. Despite the expansion, the family remains committed to using Lourdes’ original recipes, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations. From scratch-made rice and beans to the carefully prepared soup, each dish reflects the family’s dedication to authentic Mexican flavors. With plans for future expansion, the Lourdes legacy is set to continue for generations to come.
Experience the Taste of Lourdes
From a simple family recipe to a beloved local chain, Lourdes Mexican Food is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and delicious food. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of chicken soup or exploring the diverse menu, Lourdes Mexican Food offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that keeps customers coming back for more.
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Image: The interior of the original Lourdes Mexican Food restaurant on Escondido Blvd.
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Image: Alex, Lourdes, Cynthia Dirroco, Hector, and Rafael Parra at the San Marcos Lourdes Mexican Food location. Photo courtesy of the Parra family.
