Celebrate Independence Day with the Best Chile en Nogada in Guadalajara

Is it that time of the year? Wait, what time of the year? Chile en Nogada time! Yesss!

For many people around the world September is associated with the beginning of Fall, when hot summer days get chillier, leaves start turning yellow and the beginning of the end of the year. But in Mexico, September stands for - Independence Day. Though the actual celebration takes place on 16th of September - Fiesta goes on for the whole month. Streets and plazas are decorated with La Bandera de Mexico, people are united by a common sense of Pride, ¡Viva Mexico! is shouted by everyone.

And like any Proper Holiday - Mexican Independence Day has its own festive dish! Let me introduce you, Chile en Nogada. It originated in Puebla but now it is commonly eaten all around Mexico during September, including in Guadalajara. In my opinion it is the most iconic Independence meal, because of its colors, green - white - red, which reminds us of the Mexican flag.

But first things first - what is it? It is roasted Chile Poblano (not spicy at all) stuffed with Picadillo filling. It can vary but usually the Picadillo consists of meat, fruits such as apple, pear, peach, dried fruits, and nuts. The whole thing is covered with Nogada Sauce - sweet, creamy and nutty -and decorated with pomegranates sprinkled on top. You might be confused right now - what? Fruits with meat? Sweet sauce? It does sound a bit strange, but you’ll love it! Honestly, I am not saying this because I’m writing the article. Ask anyone you meet in Guadalajara and they will most likely agree. It is one of the best dishes in Mexican cuisine - and it’s the most patriotic. 

And now I would like to recommend to you 5 restaurants where you can eat tasty Chile en Nogada in Guadalajara. 

La Tequila is a widely known restaurant - winner of national and international prizes. There are several things that I like about this place -  they have their small veggie farm (at the Avenida Mexico location). They prepare classic Chile en Nogada all year long, and the restaurant offers one of the biggest variations of Tequila in Guadalajara - around 200 different bottles! The interior is a cozy place that combines modern décor with regional materials. 

Insider Tip: Before you leave the restaurant, they'll treat you with homemade tequila ice cream.

I’d say that of all the places on the list, this is the most intimate and romantic one. The restaurant name, Sacromonte, comes from a neighborhood in Granada - a city in Spain - so the restaurant has Spanish motifs in its decoration, but their menu is an expression of love for Mexican cuisine. Their Chile en Nogada is delicious, gordito, and it is on the menu all year long. It is worth mentioning that the restaurant occupies a beautiful house, built by famous local architect Pedro Castellanos. 

Mexia recently opened but already has received rave reviews from local foodies. Mexia is a tribute to Mexican cuisine, a place where North and South meet East and West, their Menu is indicated by Season, and combines local products, such as requeson from Sta.Tere’s market, with regional Mexican products like lobsters brought from Baja California. Their Chile en Nogada is prepared using a traditional recipe but with contemporary touch.

Wooden “old school” furniture, landscape paintings on the wall, a patio filled with plants, and classic “Equípale” chairs give Rio Viejo a sort of Rancho vibe. And in case you’d like to try a different kind of Chile en Nogada, this place offers you both a traditional one and a special one - filled with duck confit.

As Jorge Orozco, chef of Los Amores de Frida, said “You can’t find a real authentic Chile en Nogada in Guadalajara”, but that “...his recipe is the most original”. I usually recommend this place for people from out of town, because it combines several elements that are interesting for visitors - it is a vibrant place, decorated with Frida´s photos and paintings - and their menu is a bit surprising, apart from traditional Mexican Dishes, there are Prehispanic dishes, you can try different kinds of insects, and you can even receive a certificate for eating a scorpion (if you are brave enough to eat one).