Among the flurry of tamales, tacos, taquitos and burritos, there is another equally classic Mexican dish: the torta. Tortas are a Mexican sandwich made with bolillo or telera bread and stuffed with a choice of meats and toppings such as al pastor, avocado, and caramelized onions. However, not all tortas are created equal. Here are four local shops putting their own twist on the typical torta.
Tortas El Tri
Tortas El Tri serves a wide variety of tortas ranging from the simple Jamón (ham and mozzarella cheese) to the namesake El Tri. El Tri is a protein-packed torta that includes milanesa de res (traditional Mexican breaded beef), pierna (shredded pork leg), sausage, ham, egg, mozzarella cheese and chipotle sauce. All specialty tortas include tomato, onion, jalapeño, avocado and beans.
2837 N. 75th Ave., Phoenix, 623-846-4139
Los Reyes de La Torta
Los Reyes de La Torta’s signature torta just so happens to be the king. Filled with ham, mozzarella cheese, pork sirloin, breaded beef and a sausage-chorizo omelet and topped with tomato, caramelized onions, fresh avocado and chipotle sauce, Del Rey (“the king”) is the shop’s most popular torta.
Two Valley Locations, losreyesaz.com
TEG (Tortas El Güero) Torta Shop
For more than 20 years, TEG has been serving a variety of tortas ranging from Tortas Cubanas (breaded steak, pork pierna, ham, cheese) to Tortas Hawaiianas (ham, pineapple, cheese). However, TEG also caters to plant-based patrons. For zucchini enthusiasts, TEG offers the Calabacita Torta which includes zucchini, spinach, red bell pepper and cheese. TEG also offers the Torta Poblana filled with poblano chile, mushrooms and spinach.
2518 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-252-9228, tegtortashop.com
El Original Tacos Jalisco Mexican Food
Tacos Jalisco offers a torta that may require a fork and knife to eat. Drowned in hot sauce and filled with a choice of asada, al pastor, carnitas, cabeza, lengua, buche, tripas, chicken, chorizo, ham or milanesa, the Torta Ahogada (“drowned torta”) is this taco shop’s trademark torta.
3060 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, 480-941-9095, tacosjaliscoscottsdale.com
