August 28, 2025

Los Angeles Food Trucks Bringing Colima’s Flavors to the City

News Summary

Food trucks in Los Angeles are serving the authentic and unique flavors of Colima, Mexico. These mobile kitchens offer a variety of traditional dishes, reflecting Colima’s rich culinary heritage. Standouts include traditional drinks and seafood dishes that attract food enthusiasts across the region. As the demand for regional flavors continues to grow, these trucks play a vital role in showcasing Colima’s culinary traditions and enhancing the city’s gastronomic diversity.

Los Angeles Food Trucks Serving Authentic Flavors of Colima, Mexico

Los Angeles is now home to food trucks bringing the unique and authentic flavors of Colima, Mexico, offering locals a taste of this small coastal state. These mobile kitchens serve a variety of dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Colima, attracting customers from across the region.

Colima is located between Michoacán and Jalisco on Mexico’s west coast, well-known for its stunning landscapes which include both fire and snow-capped volcanoes. It’s also the location of the busiest seaport in Mexico, the port of Manzanillo. The city of Tecomán, often referred to as the “lime capital of the world,” is famous for its distinctive key lime, known as the Colima green diamond. Furthermore, the region is renowned for producing Sal de Cuyutlán, a hand-harvested sea salt that adds a special touch to its culinary offerings.

The influx of people from Colima to Los Angeles has caused a demand for authentic regional food. After moving to Los Angeles a year ago, many individuals, including the author of this story, found themselves often questioned about their region of origin. The longing for home-style flavors pushed them to find local sources for their beloved dishes, leading to the discovery of two popular food trucks in the city.

Food Trucks Introduce Colima’s Culinary Heritage

One standout food truck is located on Alameda Street, operated by Juan Casillas, who has been serving Colima-style cuisine for over 23 years. His main feature is tejuino, a traditional drink made from corn dough, piloncillo (brown sugar), Sal de Cuyutlán salt, and limes. This refreshing concoction, hailed for its sweet and sour flavors paired with a thick texture, has become a summer favorite among locals.

Casillas founded his food truck in 2002, unable to find authentic tejuino in Los Angeles. He began with just $50, a pot, and a cooler, and over the years, his drink has gained a loyal following. Customers flock to his truck from different areas, praising his version as uniquely delicious compared to other offerings in the city.

In recent times, Casillas has faced challenges due to ICE raids that have caused apprehension among potential customers. However, he has adapted by utilizing delivery services such as Uber Eats to maintain his business and continue serving his community.

Mariscos El Colima: Quality Seafood Offerings

Another food truck making a significant impact is Mariscos El Colima, situated in Boyle Heights and run by siblings Mercedes and Raul Diaz. This food truck specializes in high-quality seafood, sourcing approximately 80% of its ingredients directly from Mexico on a weekly basis, ensuring freshness and authenticity.

The Diaz siblings leverage their coastal upbringing to create innovative dishes. Their menu features unique items like oyster shots and the “levanta muertos” cocktail, which is popularly thought to cure hangovers. Their commitment to quality and creativity draws customers from as far away as Bakersfield and San Diego, eager for a taste of their expertly crafted seafood dishes.

The Diaz siblings emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with their customers, aiming to cultivate a base of repeat patrons rather than focusing solely on new visitors. This approach has contributed to the growing popularity of Mariscos El Colima.

Support for Local Journalism

The rise of food trucks serving Colima-style food in Los Angeles highlights not only the diverse culinary landscape of the city but also the importance of local culture. Maintaining coverage of such stories is vital for community awareness. Supporting local journalism plays a critical role in ensuring that these and other important stories continue to be told, enriching the cultural fabric of the area.

As food trucks continue to bring authentic regional flavors to Los Angeles, they also serve as a reminder of the rich culinary traditions that immigrants carry with them, enhancing the city’s cultural diversity and gastronomic scene.

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Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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