Driving down 12th Avenue, you’ll see a lot of food trucks, mostly selling tacos and hotdogs. Or, you might find some serving cóctel de elote (corn in a cup). However, it’s not too common to find a food truck serving gorditas. This is where Gorditas Las Lupitas comes into play.
With the sun shining on most days and Latin music playing on the speakers, your food is brought to you at your table outside.
Yes, they sell gorditas, as the name suggests, but they offer multiple varieties of food including sopes, tostadas, and of course, we can’t forget tacos.
Jesus Antonio Ruiz, owner of Gorditas Las Lupitas, runs the food truck with his family. “It’s a family-owned business. It’s just us running it; no experts work here. It’s my wife, my daughter, and me,” said Ruiz.
In 2018, Ruiz and his wife, Mirna, who both love to cook, started the business because they wanted to bring something different to the table.
“Here, mostly no one sells gorditas, especially Sinaloan-style. Food never ends because everyone goes out to eat. We even have clients who come at least three times a week just to eat here. I’m surprised they are not tired of the food,” said Ruiz.
Traditional dishes found on Gorditas Las Lupitas’ menu include Chicharrón en Salsa Verde, Cochinita Pibil, Carne con Chile Colorado, Rajas, Gartinada, Picadillo, and Nachos con Carne.
These are just a few of the traditional foods found in Sonora, where Ruiz grew up, and also in Sinaloa, where Mirna was raised. The couple, born in different states, both bring new tastes to the community.
When it came time for me to choose what to eat, I had to try the Rajas Gorditas, a thick, round cake made from masa (corn dough). The cheese and cream melted and mixed alongside the poblano chile, making every bite enjoyable and creamy, with a never-ending craving for another bite.
The Gartinada had to be the next one to munch on. It was like eating an opened-up bean and cheese burrito. The pork sauce gives it a rich and deep flavor — very savory, a bit spicy, with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Deshebrada Sope, also known as shredded beef, comes with a thick masa base, similar to a tortilla but smaller with raised edges to hold the toppings. It’s topped with a well-flavored beef, along with lettuce, avocado, onion, carrot, and cheese.
Lastly, a Chicharrón Tostada, which is a flat, crispy tortilla with pork rinds and green chile. It’s not hot but brings a sweet, spicy kick to every bite! Beans, lettuce, avocado, onion, carrot, cucumber, cheese, and sour cream finish off the dish.
If you want to try something different, you must pay a visit to Gorditas Las Lupitas soon.
The food truck is located at 4609 S 12th Ave S. For more information, follow Gorditas Las Lupitas on Instagram.
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I was not born in Tucson, However, I was raised in the city. I am a recent graduate with a degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona, Class of Spring 2024. What’s not to love about Tucson? You’ve got...
