Which is the better burrito?

Ah, burritos ... they seem so simple on the outside, but once you take your first bite, things get messy. In this episode of Grubbin', James Beard award winner Bill Esparza ( / streetgourmetla ) makes the case for the slim, simple, and elegant Mexican burrito. On the other side, the owner of Boyle Heights institution El Tepeyac ( / officialtepeyaccafe ) Carlos Thome argues in favor of his behemoth of a burrito, "The Hollenbeck." So, where do you stand? Are burritos a skinny snack or a dinner for two? Dive in and decide for yourself.
As a standup comedian, ‪@TraeCrowderLiberalRedneck‬ travels all around the country, so he’s no stranger to folks insisting that their regional cuisine is the best in the world. North Carolina vs. Texas BBQ, New York vs. Detroit Pizza, Nashville vs. Korean Fried Chicken - the beefs never end! In this series, Trae talks to chefs and experts from across the country to determine whose grub reigns supreme.
IMAGE SOURCES:
El Tepeyac Cafe
Bill Esparza
Wikimedia Commons
L.A. Taco
Los Angeles Magazine
Getty Images
Envato
Electric Recipes
Calisphere
/ officialtepeyaccafe
/ streetgourmetla
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[@wPatrickSF]

If you can't eat a burrito with your hands, its not a burrito.

[@TroIIingThemSoftly]

I mean, you can pretty much eat _anything_ with your hands if you really want to.

[@Oreyee]

I'm loving this show! Seen two episodes so far, and in both the two competing parties were nothing but nice to each other, while still disagreeing. Now, obviously it's easier to do this with something like food than, say, whether or not a woman gets to make decisions about her body, but on the other hand so many shows would still try to play up the drama in a debate like this. 5 stars!

[@OllamhDrab]

See, not to diss anyone's traditions, but the best burritos, I think, are from shops that are run by someone's grandma making burritos for college kids. May not be authentic, by many standards, but the love's there. :)

[@iquestion8493]

Thanks Trae 😊

[@justaguy6100]

I think of burritos the way I think of omelets. It's a basis point of ingredients with a universe of variation.

[@4melinda7]

Growing up in New Mexico, I never heard of rice in a burrito. No rice!😂

[@BenjaminMartinez-em6ed]

Same here ,refried beans ,pork or chicharrones ,and or beef hatch green or red in a handheld or Christmas on a smothered, cheese and guacamole on top, rice on the side never inside

[@katiepatrick425]

I'm lucky to live in Aurora IL & close to Chicago so I get some great Mexican food. I prefer the smaller style burrito & a lot of fresh salsas

[@AxeMan808]

That was probably the least competitive / conflicting food one you've done so far.

[@saywhat6062]

Don’t like rice in my burritos. Love chili colorado or chile verde burritos!

[@tempedweller1]

Lived in El Paso for a long time and LOVE N Mexican cuisine. It’s not super spicy, but simple, savory, comforting and delicious. That “Hollenbeck” looks totally amazing, but I’m admittedly biased after all my surrogate abuelas’ meals over the years so definitely Team Esparza. 😂

[@jannhebrank]

LOL burritos are subject to whichever cook is making them. Its a sandwich and you can put anything in them that is in the frig

[@richardbale3278]

In my experience, a truly bad burrito is a rare thing. Obviously, some are better than others, but in a pinch, I have no problem ordering a $5 Cravings Box. But there is no substitute for high quality ingredients and skilled preparation.

[@TroIIingThemSoftly]

Chipotle: hold my burrito.

[@33amra33]

Here in mexico we have something called a "superburro" or "burro Percheron" which are bigger ans thicker than regular burritos and are usually had for dinner. But it's still lets packed and more manageable than the ones defended here by the American guy.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

My opinion is the same as New York vs Chicago pizza: I love them all ❤

[@erikavaleries]

At least you will have leftovers with the American version 😂

[@squeakco]

I’m a California taqueria girl. Rice, pintos, queso, pico de gallo, crema , guacamole and…..jalapeños!

[@cachecow]

You forgot the Mission Burrito of San Francisco ... which is better than both of those from the south!

[@denisestarr2314]

Tex-Mex is the best .

[@richardbale3278]

You are so right. There was a restaurant in San Angelo, Texas, when I was stationed there. Mejor Que Nada was Tex-Mex paradise!

[@paulromero3783]

The Mexican burrito is too plain. The LA burrito is too massive and big and can't be eaten with your hand!! Now the burritos in San Francisco are large and can be eaten with your hands and are sooo delicious!!!!