It’s that time of the year again. While students are exploring the city and becoming readjusted to the college workload, there’s one big event coming up; Latinx Heritage Month. I know you’ve probably heard it called Hispanic Heritage Month for most of your life, but Latinx Heritage Month includes 1) anyone within the gender binary and 2) our Caribbean and Brazilian neighbors. And while not everyone can relate to being Latinx, there is one thing that unites us all: Food.
Coming to Richmond is always different for Latinxs because you end up missing your mother’s homemade delicacies, and you don’t always have the time to sweat over a stove with all of the ingredients and recipes your parents try to dictate over the phone. So what do you do? What do you do when you’re homesick and not even Christian’s Pizza can make you feel better? You go to these Latinx-owned restaurants. Yeah that’s right, I got the hook up.
1. La Milpa– Located in 6925 Hull Street Rd. Richmond, VA 23224, La Milpa is more than just your typical Mexican restaurant. It is also a market and everything is genuine. The food, the service, the people… You’ll forget that you are out of swipes and will dip into that small savings fund because trust me, it’s worth it, and very affordable.
2. El Rey – Located on 6006 W Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230, El Rey Latino Market is also more than it seems. While it is also a market for Central American groceries, it is also an amazing place to get authentic Central American foods. Their pupusas are a usual go-to, but anything else on their menu lives up to its name; El Rey (The King).
3. Panchito – Okay yes, you have to go to the Midlothian Turnpike. No, it’s not that far because it’s just 15 minutes away driving! And for amazing food, better yet, amazing tacos. Kiss the Student Commons Taco Bell goodbye and get yourself in a car or a friend that has a car. The address is 6531 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23225. You’re welcome.
4. Los Gauchos – Delicious, adorable and affordable. What else would you want from an Argentinian restaurant in Richmond? Located on 6935 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228, this restaurant will have you thinking about their food for weeks and weeks. Empanadas, churros and choripan sandwiches? F*ck yes.
5. Mary’s Empanadas – Well, the name says it all. I know I just talked about El Gaucho’s empanadas, but hear me out. These are Chilean empanadas. Yes, every country has a different way to make empanadas. Yes, we will take almost any empanada, any day. And for all you vegetarians out there, this is for you with their vegetarian empanadas options. It’s a cute little food truck right outside of VCU’s Student Commons! WOAH!
6. Kanoa, Latin Cuisine – Last but most definitely not least, we have this gem on 417 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA. Offering a diverse selection of Venezuelan inspired food, this is a great find. If you’ve never had Venezuelan food, definitely make it your mission to try some there.
All of these restaurants are in Richmond and are Latinx owned. I hope you took a screenshot or saved it on your bookmarks, because this small and handy guide to just SOME of the Latinx-owned business is a treasure in itself. Now go support local businesses, and happy Latinx Heritage Month.