Greg Brinkman

When you think of Mexican street food, you think tacos. And why not? It is the quintessential street food. But the ingenious minds behind Papa Chulo Street Food aim to shift your culinary compass.  This food truck serves a blend of Mexican and American gastronomic delights that’ll make you redefine what it means to enjoy street food.

Papa Chulo Street Food started its delectable journey under the name Mr. Pap’s in the year 2019 in Torreón, Mexico. Fate and love led Andres, one of the founders, to the United States to marry Sylvia. The couple decided to carry the venture with them and thus, in May 2023, Papa Chulo was born in Orem, a gastronomic phoenix that rose from the ashes of geographical relocation.

Stepping up to the truck, the first thing that strikes you is the vibrant energy that Papa Chulo Street Food emanates. There’s a sense of welcoming warmth as if each customer is considered family, and the aroma of food being freshly prepared is an invitation you cannot resist. And why would you? When the air is perfumed with an enticing blend of sizzling meats, fresh sauces, and simmering spices, the temptation becomes irresistible.

At Papa Chulo, the philosophy is simple: bring two neighboring cultures together through food. A bite here is not just a meal; it’s an experience that marries the classic flavors of Mexico and the United States. 

The menu is simple but perfectly executed. You pick your cone; Traditional – only fries, simple – one topping, doble – 2 toppings, or triple – 3 toppings. Those toppings are chicken, Al Pastor, or Carne Asada. That’s it. Then pick your sauces. The day I went, they had bonus jalapenos to throw on top. On weekends, Andres says, they have some bonus sauces they bring to the table. 

The carne asada was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I went with buffalo and bbq sauces. Tangy, spicy, savory, everything you want in a bite. Another favorite was the chicken with cheddar cheese sauce, ranch, and parmesan. Don’t knock it until you try it. The fries create the perfect base for the meats and sauces offered and it all comes together in a beautiful balance. 

The folks at Papa Chulo Street Food believe in the values of Respect, Commitment, Humility, and Responsibility. Each dish prepared, and each interaction had, is a testament to their adherence to these values. They treat their customers as family, fostering a sense of community that transcends the boundaries of conventional street food culture.

In addition to the killer food, what makes Papa Chulo a truly memorable experience is the passion and dedication that the team puts into their service. Every order is prepared with care, each customer is treated with respect, and the cheerful ambiance is infectious.

If you are already in the area, make it a point to swing by Papa Chulo Street Food. If not, you definitely need to keep tabs on this team and find them. If you’re on a lunch break or are looking to grab a quick bite before heading to your favorite watering hole, Papa Chulo has got you covered. Indulge in their scrumptious offerings, soak in the lively vibe, and I assure you, disappointment won’t even be on the menu.

If you go, find them most of the time at

1290 S State Street
Orem, UT 84097  

But of course, check their social media pages for updates. 

When you think of ceviche, you probably don’t think of Mexican food. Well, the folks at La Cevicheria in downtown SLC want to change your mind. They have plenty of your Mexican favorites, but you do yourself a disservice if you don’t try at least one of their stellar ceviche dishes. Give them a shot, and they will convince you that Mexican ceviche is where it’s at. 

We stopped by on a chilly afternoon for an early dinner, walking out of the cold and into a tropical oasis. The restaurant is brightly lit and colored, just like you might expect in a Mexican beach town. With a lively soundtrack to keep the energy just upbeat enough but not so loud you can’t hear your dining companion. After the bitter cold we’ve had the last few weeks, it was a welcome reprieve. 

The service was some of the most attentive and fun I’ve experienced in ages. They obviously care about their customers and their food. Jordan was delightfully helpful and made some excellent recommendations, and I will echo those here. The Tacos Baja Fish and the Avocado Tuna Ceviche were stellar. 

Speaking of food, I may be a bit of a sucker for octopus in all its forms. We did not try the octopus ceviche this go around, but I can guarantee I will return to try it. We did, however, opt for the Pulpo Zarandeado, a grilled octopus dish served on top of a citrus and greens salad dressed with a magical special sauce and pico on the side. Grilled to perfection, it rivals any of the octopus dishes in the valley. I will be back for this. 

While the Avocado Tuna Ceviche was excellent, the Ceviche La Cevicheria was also some of the best I’ve had here in the city. Fresh salmon and tuna marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and cucumbers with the house vinaigrette. All the ceviches are served with fresh, in-house-made tortilla chips perfectly fried to complement and support the ceviche.
The Tacos Baja Fish were your classic fish tacos. Perfectly breaded and fried, covered in a delicious homemade avocado and chipotle dressing with purple cabbage and pico. If you don’t add the pickled onions, you are missing out.
They have a solid selection of Mexican and local beers and some fantastic Tequilas. We opted for a Horchata De Fresa and Café De Olla instead on this trip. The strawberry horchata was refreshing despite the cold just feet away, so I opted for the Mexican spiced coffee. Their coffee with Mexican spices, chilis, and just a touch of sweetness may have convinced me to change up my own coffee brewing routine.

If you are in the downtown vicinity, swing by for lunch, or grab a bite before hitting up your favorite watering hole after work. I promise you; you won’t be disappointed.