Discovering El Huarache Azteca's Authentic Mexico City Flavors

Located in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, El Huarache Azteca offers a culinary journey straight to the bustling streets of Mexico City. Owned by Mexico City native Eva Saavedra and passionately supported by her daughter Mayra Chavez, this vibrant restaurant celebrates the rich tapestry of indigenous Mexican cuisine. With every dish, El Huarache Azteca invites diners to experience the authentic flavors and traditions of Mexico's capital city.

Saavedra's culinary journey began as a simple tradition of feeding her friends and family out of her backyard. What started as a heartfelt gesture soon evolved into a business venture at the urging of her friends. With the support of her loved ones, she sought guidance from an organization empowering Latina entrepreneurs. Through their mentorship and grant support, Saavedra was able to establish El Huarache Azteca as her proper business.
 

“She would take me and my younger brother all the way to San Francisco on BART for her to be in this program. It was a cohort of maybe 8 Latina women and out of the cohort she was kind of the only one to create a business. Through the support of ALAS [organization empowering Latina entrepreneurs] and The Unity Council we were able to establish the restaurant,” Chavez said.

What makes El Huarache Azteca so unique is how they celebrate Mexico City's rich culinary history by incorporating traditional ingredients like nopales (cactus), flor de calabaza (squash blossom), and huitlacoche (corn smut). These unique ingredients, often overlooked in mainstream Mexican cuisine, offer a taste of indigenous heritage and bring a depth of flavor to every dish.
 

On the ingredients, Chavez says, "They’re common in Mexico City, but they are not as widely recognized as tacos or enchiladas. They reflect not only Mexican culture but also the pre-Hispanic and pre-colonization history of Mexico. These dishes feature ingredients that were traditionally consumed by indigenous communities, such as the Aztecs and Mayans. They highlight the rich history embedded in the food we enjoy throughout various regions of Mexico.”

Both Chavez and Saavedra blend traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary culinary trends. Recently, they have observed a rising demand for vegetarian options and realized their menu has always featured a delightful array of vegetarian dishes. One traditional dish they are eager to transform into a vegan option is Chile en Nogada (chilies in walnut sauce), a beloved specialty during the Mexican Independence Day celebrations. They are committed to ensuring that this iconic dish is available and accessible to all customers, regardless of dietary preferences.
 

“Interesting enough, I feel like we’ve always had vegetarian dishes without labeling them vegetarian. It’s something we clearly label now. One of the things we're working on right now is creating Chile en Nogada as a vegan dish. Me and my mom were able to create it without meat or dairy. We used lentil, instead of ground beef. Honestly I was very impressed. It was our first time. I have friends who are all vegan, and I wanted them to try this. We want to make sure we can serve this dish to everyone!” 

By sourcing high-quality ingredients at budget-friendly prices, El Huarache Azteca ensures that everyone can savor their delicious creations—from traditional huaraches to unique specials. Their dedication to making delicious food accessible to all makes them a cherished spot in the Fruitvale district, where every plate tells a story of passion, community, and culinary artistry.
 

“We want to make sure we provide delicious and affordable meals to not only the Fruitvale District, but to all of Oakland,” says Chavez.

El Huarache Azteca is a culinary journey that beautifully blends Mexican heritage with the vibrant spirit of Oakland. Saavedra’s cooking style is a testament to the flavors they she grew up with, infused with the unique influences of their Bay Area community. Every bite at El Huarache Azteca is a celebration of both their heritage and the city they call home.