Stephen Chavez
We were craving menudo and something close to home, so we finally stopped at a little spot we’ve driven past a hundred times: La Cocina de los Reyes. This family-owned gem in La Puente has great Yelp reviews, and now we know why.
From tamales made with chipilín leaves (a traditional ingredient from Chiapas passed down from our indigenous ancestors) to barbacoa chiapaneca slow-cooked with plantain and avocado leaves, the menu is packed with authentic regional flavors.
We started with the menudo, served in a light, flavorful broth with bolillos and the softest handmade corn tortillas. We also tried the chipilín chicken tamal wrapped in banana leaves and a taco mixto loaded with carnitas, buche, and cuernitos. Every bite felt like home.
Five stars from us. The owners were incredibly friendly and made us feel so welcome while we asked about the dishes. We’ll definitely be back to explore more flavors from Chiapas.
… moreJulie Marquez
We had high expectations for this place. Ordered the menudo and three different flavored tamales and the champurrado since it’s been rainy and chilly.
The service was very friendly. They asked if we wanted chips and were served chips bathed in black beans and cotija cheese. We were off to a great start!!
The champurrado was served nice and hot BUT the texture was watery and the drink was flavorless.
The menudo was fine.
The tamales were good, but very different from your typical . Glad we tried something different.
… moreRoopa Bala Singh
Fresh, bold, the tortillas say it all; assured, pillowy, layered and complex while being buttery soft and simple. That mole, with its sweet darkness, a hint of kick. The chips come to your table already sprinkled liberally with love; frijoles negros y cotija, one red and one green salsa – all this off the bat once you concede that yes, you would like some chips. I had the Chiapas #3 on the host’s recommendation and it was delicious – the chorizo and eggs was a bit oversalted, I think they double salted the chorizo and then again in the eggs, so that did show up a bit strong. I got the flautas which were lovely and thin while still being substantial. I got the platanos duros con crema dulce for desert, so good, just the right amount of char for sweet and a little savory. The chicken soup tastes unique, fresh, delicious. The spoon you use will be coated in viscous, golden goodness. A bunch of this food I got to go to share with a friend. We are both happy I came. Final note, I felt comfortable, safe, and welcome as a solo lady diner.
… morejuan gonzalez
If craving real mexican food, must try this place, food is delicious my plate tortas de camaron con nopales black beans and homemade tortillas was bomb.
… moreGigi
Very good food and the vibes are immaculate. The server was very friendly and welcoming to me and my friends. He made us feel welcomed. Such a good and pleasant experience at this place, would definitely come back again! 🙂
… moreRonnie Pina
Pozol de Cacao was Amazing drink, Plátanos con crema delicious, hand made tortillas every bite delicious, real authentic flavor Plate, Tamal de chipilin, chorizo with black beans all bomb. Hungry thinking about how good it was, i recommend this place 100%
… moreNelson Castillo
Not too often, i get the enjoyment to give a full 5 stars on everything. I came here with my kids and wife after an unfortunate visit at the local hospital. It was empty, and when i first walked in, it was fresh compared to the blistered heat from outside. It was very clean, and my first walk into the door, and im greated by fransisco a super friendly and nice host. Instantly, my family and I felt comfortable. He explained the food origin to us, which was interesting, and even though there were a few people walking into the door, he maintained an even flow of attentiveness and good demeanor. The food was presented very well, and you can see there is great pride in making this food. We ordered taquitos, bean with cheese taco. We ended up ordering another cause it was so good, and the tortillas on the highest plus side are made by hand in-house. They were so soft, this is definitely a hidden gem of los angeles. This is a family business, and places like this definitely deserve community support. I highly recommend it here you wont go wrong.
… moreMax F Tennies
Food was delicious and fresh. Try the homade, spongy, corn tortillas. Small place. Family owned vibe. Staff attentive and helpful. Came here on a fluke but was happily surprised of the freshness and style of food. I will come back again.
… moreLouis G
Very nice place. A bit small but food and service make up for it. We had the menudo and it was really good. Meat was not over cooked and not to firm. Tortillas hechas a mano nice and hot, and they were actually good. Definitely recommend this place. Gracias
… moreJared Cohee
CHIAPAS, MÉXICO (via Eat the World Los Angeles) – Sandwiched between Oaxaca and Guatemala, Chiapas is a lesser-known regional cuisine that has just as much indigenous influence as its neighbors. As the only place in Southern California offering this special food, La Cocina de los Reyes must be making anyone that calls Chiapas home very happy.
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