Tijuana has always been a place where people come to build something new. This spirit can be seen in the food locals have shared not only across Mexico but around the world. Recipes that began as simple experiments in home kitchens and street stalls have become part of the country’s culinary story.
To celebrate Tijuana’s 136th anniversary, it’s only fitting to highlight a few dishes that proudly represent the city’s creativity and its blend of cultures.
Caesar’s Salad
No list would be complete without the city’s most iconic and internationally recognized dish: the famous Caesar’s Salad. Created in 1924 by Caesar Cardini at his legendary Caesar’s Restaurant on Avenida Revolución, this dish still attracts thousands of tourists eager to taste the authentic recipe where it all began.
This simple yet flavorful salad features crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a dressing made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, pepper, and salt.
In 2024, this legendary recipe celebrated its 100th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its global impact. While countless variations exist around the world, only Tijuana offers the original flavor that made it famous.
Mexican Pizza
Another local creation is the Mexican Pizza, a lesser-known favorite that originated in Tijuana. Juan José Plascencia, known as Don Tana, came up with this twist while running his pizzeria. He also founded Grupo Plascencia, which includes beloved spots like the restaurant Guissepis.
The story goes that Don Tana drew inspiration from a simple mollete, a Mexican open-faced sandwich. He replaced the usual tomato sauce with refried beans and added jalapeños and cheese. Over time, other toppings like chorizo and bacon were added, turning this unique pizza into one of their most popular menu items.
Tostilocos
Tostilocos are among Mexican’s favorite street snacks, especially for those who grew up in Tijuana or want a taste of home abroad. While there is still debate about the exact origin, many credit a street vendor named Javier Rodríguez for inventing this wild mix in the 1990s.
The recipe might sound a bit crazy: a bag of classic Tostitos chips loaded with pickled pork rinds (cueritos), Japanese peanuts, tamarind candy, Mexican turnip (jícama), cucumber, hot sauce, chamoy, and lime juice. But the result is a perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavors with a satisfying crunch.
The best part is that Tostilocos can be made in endless ways. Some add mango, watermelon, shrimp, gummy candies, or swap the tortilla chips for Doritos. The only rule is to make it as wild as you want.
