Dishes · Dinner · Side dishes
Mexican rice, the grandmother's way
Mexican rice starts by frying dry rice in oil until it turns golden, before any liquid goes in. That step keeps the grains apart.
Cantina Rooftop
Dinner menu · Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm
Side dishes
- Arroz de la Abuela$8
Mexican traditional rice
- Frijoles Charros$6
- Pico de Gallo$7
- Totopos$7
- Chicharrón$10
Please tell your server about any food allergies.
Arroz rojo, and the wrong name for it
In Mexico it's arroz rojo, or just arroz. Spanish rice is a US name, and the dish isn't from Spain. Rice reached Mexico with the Spanish in the 1500s, and cooks there made it their own with tomato and broth.
Abuela means grandmother, and every family thinks theirs made it correctly. It's rarely the star. It sits beside everything else on the plate, catching sauce and beans, so order it for the table alongside something saucy.
Our menu lists it simply as Mexican traditional rice.
Keep reading
Arroz de la Abuela: questions
What's the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?
In the US they're usually the same dish under two names. Mexicans call it arroz rojo, and it doesn't come from Spain.
Why is Mexican rice red or orange?
Tomato, usually cooked into the broth the rice simmers in after it's been toasted in oil.
What's in the Arroz de la Abuela at Cantina Rooftop?
Our menu says: Mexican traditional rice. Tell your server about any allergies when you order.
How much for the Arroz de la Abuela at Cantina Rooftop?
$8 on our menu right now. See it on the full menu.
When can I order the Arroz de la Abuela?
It's on our dinner menu (Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm). We're at 605 W 48th St in Hell's Kitchen. Book a table.