Welcome to Kamloops

Kamloops is a beautiful city located at the junction of the North and South Thompson Rivers in the Thompson Valley. It is the second-largest city in the British Columbia Interior. The city is attractive to many international cultural groups because of its beauty and closeness to the Thompson Rivers University. Kamloops has a desert climate that is a great opportunity for activities such as fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. It does not stop there, the city is also growing and expanding and becoming a multi-cultural destination. You will be able to find several international food restaurants that will make each International student feel close to home. 

As someone who identifies as a Latino person, today I will introduce you to the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Kamloops. If you are new in the city, this piece will guide you through places that will make you feel at home. It might feel overwhelming to be far from your hometown and family, the beginning is never easy but there are things that can help. It is believed that a way to get to someone’s heart is by sharing food. The restaurants will not only help heal a homesick heart but will also help introduce you to some wonderful caring people. 

Video link to check out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q5vwFLlfrE

Here are the authentic Mexican restaurants in Kamloops.

CASA AZUL

Location: 330 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC V2C 2A5

Authenticity.

That is the keyword to their food.  The restaurant has an extended menu for everyone and it is absolutely delicious. The food is handcrafted, using traditional recipes and methods passed down through family generations. You can find the menu on their website which makes it easy if you want to see the menu before you get there. The place is decorated with love and Mexican pride. It is family-owned and operated, meaning the owners are usually around to help and support you. Casa Azul first opened its doors in 2019 in Downtown Kamloops and it has been a big hit for many Latin American students. They strive to make every guest feel at home and give them a sense of community. They serve fresh and warm Mexican dishes, as well as desserts and beverages. They also host community and cultural events, such as several cultural holidays, sports events viewings, and live music and dancing. Some of these events and celebrations include Dias de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, where they set up an ofrenda, or an altar, with pictures of their passed family members and serve specific foods that are special to that day. They have also included dances and live music for Mexico’s Independence Day. 

Recommendations: Alambre Tacos. A wonderful explosion of flavors in your mouth that contain peppers, spices, and pineapple on the top.  Chicken Chimichangas. The plate is full of flavor and colors that bring warmth.

Both plates are topped with authentic fried beans and Mexican rice. 

Website: https://casaazulkamloops.ca/

HACIENDA CIELITO LINDO

Location: 750 Fortune Dr #23, Kamloops, BC V2B 2L2

Hacienda Cielito Lindo is a relatively new Mexican restaurant in Kamloops. The restaurant owners got their inspiration from places located in their home country. They used the colors and decorations of their villages to make the restaurant feel welcoming to everybody. Hacienda Cielito Lindo classifies as an authentic Mexican restaurant and their food proves it. The cuisine is not only placed in the flavors of the plate but also in its appearance. They decorate with jalapenos and spices as well as use authentic handmade tortilla warmers.

They placed a priority on making their guests feel welcomed and special by bringing in warmth and joy while serving. The servers are kind and helpful, always willing to provide a wonderful service. The business is still looking for new guests so they are not as busy and crowded as other Mexican restaurants. 

Recommendation: Molcajete. A beautifully designed plate that is perfect sharing between two meat lovers. Tacos. While they are a basic staple of the Mexican diet, they have a wide variety of different styles and if you’re feeling adventurous you can ask for 4 tacos each with different meat. 

Website: http://haciendacielitolindo.com/

PACIFIC TACO

Location: 1180 Columbia St. W G117, Kamloops, BC V2C 6R6

Pacific Taco is a family-owned business that serves quick Mexican- American- Columbian food. It is located in Lower Sahali, a few minutes away from Thompson Rivers University. They work on slow-cooked but fast-served food, with servers that are friendly and welcoming. The place is decorated with lots of colorful boards and menus to attract the gaze of people. In 2021, the restaurant was awarded Readers’ Choice Winners. Their websites are a perfect way to get you hungry, creating a positive environment and providing you with professional photographs of their different plates. If you need a hand picking a dish, employees will provide you with a guide through their popular dishes. 

The owners believe that fresh food and quality ingredients make a difference in the world. They state that food must be made with love and passion as it is something that will connect with people. One of their highlights is that you can choose your dish and watch it be assembled, you are also able to build and customize your own salads and burritos. This is a great place if you forget to pack some lunch and are on your way to the university. The business also provides a perfect ambiance for any international students that need a place to work or study. 

Recommendations: Burritos. Come in different sizes, including beans, rice, cheese, salsa, and you can choose or build it as you desire by adding more toppings.

Website: https://pacifictaco.ca/

SENOR FROGGY

Location: 450 Lansdowne St. #235, 724 Sydney Ave #9 

The restaurant takes Casual Mexican Food to a different level of fast food delivery. The food is made for people who are not fanatics of spices and like to keep it simple but open to new try new plates. The business has been open for decades and is consistently working on community events to help PAC fundraisers, and works on donating meals to worthwhile organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. Senor Froggy takes pride in making everything fresh each day and trying new recipes with local suppliers.  

The restaurant has been classified as Kamloop’s favorite Mexican Restaurant for over 37 years. People love how affordable and independent the business operates. The restaurant presents with nice bright colors that bring a warm Mexican atmosphere and they had beautiful sun decorations and Christmas lights on their ceiling.

Website: http://www.senorfroggy.ca/

QUESADA BURRITO & TACOS

Location: 1210 Summit Dr, Kamloops, BC V2C 6M1

Burritos are the keyword that attracts people to this location. It has a variety of flavors and sizes of burritos. The owner opened the first Quesada Burritos & Tacos in Toronto in 2004  as a goal to bring a part of Mexican fast food to Canada. There are now more than 100 restaurant locations around Canada. Steve Gill, the founder and owner, brought his passion for burritos with wholesome ingredients. The most exciting thing about the franchise is that the restaurant provides the ability to customize the meals, similar to Pacific Taco.

The restaurant offers good service and catering for private events. The servers are understanding and very helpful when it comes to completing your order. The restaurant also provides authentic beverages such as Jarritos, a common Mexican soda. The building has more simplistic decor, but it is small enough to be a grab-and-go type of business. 

Recommendations: Burritos. They are customizable and can suit every type of pallet.

Website: https://quesada.ca/