Mala

Are you a fan of Tex-Mex food? You're probably thinking about a certain famous food chain but let me stop you right there, this place I'm going to introduce you to is a hundred times more homemade and authentic you won't be able to help but fall in food love. What is the name of this piece of heaven and where can you find it? Mala is the Tex-Mex restaurant you've been searching for all your life and you can find it at Av. de las Americas 767 A in Ciudad Juarez. 

This small, but full of flavor, restaurant was created by Arnoldo Palma and his main inspiration was his mother. He wanted to make sure that his vision for Mala was the perfect representation of his mother and some of her best qualities. You can see this love for his mother translated in the authentic and delicious food as well as the welcoming and beautiful space.  

What makes this place special? One word: family. Mala wants you to go enjoy their food and to make feel like you are part of their family. Their entire family put a lot of effort into all the food and space they have now, and they want to make you part of that family. They really want you to sit down, relax, and feel comfortable as if you were at your own house. Not only is the environment a great place to go and spend some time, but while you're there you get to enjoy delicious, fresh, homemade food. 

Asking Arnoldo what he recommends, his short answer was: everything! He explained that all of their dishes are the products of a lot of thought and love. He says that his entire family had a say in the process of creating the perfect menu for their restaurant. Though if you really do force him to choose his answer would be the empanada, which has been a family recipe passed down for generations.  During my trip to Mala I got to try the empanada and a Chiluca (a fried burrito). With any option that you choose, you get to build your own by deciding what meat, or vegetarian!, you want. This leaves you with a bunch of different choices, and a good excuse to come back!

So the next time you're craving Tex-Mex food skip the fast food and go get yourself some authentic, fresh, homemade food from Mala. You'll fall in love with their food, their restaurant, and the lovely people!

PS. Did I tell you they are starting to sell Elotes! Follow them on Facebook to find out about their Elote parties!
P.S.S. Arnoldo would like to thank all of his friends that have helped him out throughout this journey especially Alan and Christian! Without family and friends, things wouldn't be the same!