Mission burrito

The Mission burrito is a cherished variety of burrito that originated in the 1960s in San Francisco's Mission District. Distinguished by its substantial size and distinctive ingredients—such as extra rice—this burrito begins with a steamed tortilla to render it more flexible before the fillings are added. This method sets it apart from simpler burritos that contain only beans, rice, and meat, or the California burrito, which includes cheese and potatoes.

In the Mission District and the broader San Francisco Bay Area, numerous taquerias specialize in preparing these burritos. The debate over which taqueria makes the best one is a fervent topic among locals, evoking strong loyalty and passionate discussions. Since the 1960s, the popularity of Mission burritos has spread across the United States and Canada.

The origins of the Mission burrito trace back to the 1960s, with La Cumbre Taqueria frequently credited as one of the first establishments to sell this style. However, its precise beginnings are somewhat unclear, with some suggesting that it was inspired by burritos introduced by farmworkers or miners from earlier decades. By the 1970s and 1980s, the Mission burrito had firmly established itself as a distinctive culinary trend.

Beyond being merely a food item, the Mission burrito holds cultural and political significance, especially during periods of gentrification in the Mission District. It is closely linked to both bohemian and Chicano culture in San Francisco.

The influence of the Mission burrito extends far beyond San Francisco. National chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill have adopted their own versions of this style, and many cities across the U.S. now offer burritos inspired by the Mission style. Even places in the UK and Canada have begun serving Mission-style burritos.

Traditionally, these burritos are wrapped in aluminum foil to keep everything contained, whether dining in or taking out. Most people eat them with their hands, peeling back the foil as they go. Adding a bit of salsa before each bite is a common and delicious practice.