It can be tough to choose among the roughly twenty-five tortas listed on the chalkboard near the entrance at the bright and inviting Mexico’s Deli in west Houston. Shown by number and partial description, for fans of piquant and tender meaty goodness, each of the Mexico City-style sandwiches is an enticement.
One of recommendable choices is the #22 pastor, marinated pork, pineapple & melted cheese torta ($6.99), which features that and more on toasted, airy telera roll. The pastor is pork roasted and cut from a traditional trompo, a vertical spit. The other porcine component is from a loin that had been marinated for a day with ten different spices and herbs. Presented as attractively as an inherently messy torta can be, small pieces of the moist meats are mixed with chunks of pineapple and some mild asadero cheese then topped with avocado, slices of tomato and some raw onion. An enjoyable mix of understated, complementary flavors, it is even better with a few swigs of the slightly smoky, intense, deep-reddish-colored salsa that accompanies it.
Mexico’s Deli
2374 Dairy Ashford (north of Westheimer), 77077
281-679-7790
mexicosdeli.com