A whole Hatch long green chile, roasted until charred, stuffed with a mix of Chihuahua or Monterey Jack cheese, then battered in egg white and fried until.
Where to eat it: 2 restaurants across 1 city.
The chile relleno is a classic Mexican dish but El Paso's adaptation using Hatch New Mexico chiles is specific to the borderland. The proximity to the Hatch Valley (60 miles north) gave El Paso chefs access to the hottest, most flavourful chiles in the region. L and J Cafe has served a version of this dish since 1927.
L and J Cafe in El Paso, open since 1927, is the city's oldest Mexican restaurant, serving red enchiladas and house-made salsa from its East Missouri.
Order: Red enchiladas with chile de arbol salsa, or the green chile relleno
Tip: Arrive before noon on weekends; the lunch crowd fills every table by 12:30.
Cafe Mayapan at La Mujer Obrera community centre on Texas Avenue is El Paso's best-kept culinary secret, serving pre-Hispanic dishes including nopales.
Order: Nopales taco or tamales with atole on Saturday mornings
Why locals love it: Operated by a labour organisation, not promoted through restaurant channels; no signage visible from the street
Tip: Look for the La Mujer Obrera entrance on Texas Avenue; the cafe is inside the building. Saturday 08:00 for tamales and atole.
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