Here's the History Behind Mexico City's Best Churro Spot, Churreria El Moro (2024)

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Here's the History Behind Mexico City's Best Churro Spot, Churreria El Moro? ›

Founded in 1935 by Spanish immigrant Francisco Iriarte, El Moro took its name from a churro vendor in the town square of Elizondo, Iriarte's hometown (moro is Spanish for Arab).

Churreria El Moro History

El Moro was founded in 1935 by Francisco Iriate, an immigrant from Spain. He started the business after realizing no churros were sold in the city. The name El Moro is a nod to the Arab salesmen traveling through towns in Spain selling churros from carts.

Churros, a Historical Treat

Churros' story begins in Spain, where they were first introduced by Spanish shepherds. The origin of their name is a subject of debate, with some theories suggesting they were named after the churra breed of sheep, whose horns supposedly resembled the twisted shape of churros.

The main difference between Mexican and Spanish churros is cinnamon. What is this? In Spain, churros are only coated in sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce. In Mexico, churros are coated in a sugar and cinnamon mixture and can be eaten alone or with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.

History of El Morro

1 In its entire history, the intimidating fortress has successfully blocked every naval attack, even when England's Sir Francis Drake tried to breach its walls in 1595. El Morro fell only once, when England's George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, took the fortress by land in 1598.

However, my favorite local vendors are in Coyoacán, where you can buy a churro for $20 Mexican pesos (equal to $1 USD). I particularly like those because you can add an extra flavor like chocolate, strawberry or blackberry marmalade, cream cheese, and even Bailey's.

Churros originate in Spain and Portugal, but made their way to Mexico and other former Spanish colonies and settlements as well. Spanish churros and Mexican churros are very similar. Spanish churros are coated in sugar and served with a thick dipping chocolate.

Churro is the term for fritters. The most typical of Spanish breakfasts comprises chocolate (hot chocolate) con churros.

Churros (deep-fried, cinnamon-and-sugar-coated pastry sticks) aren't exactly the healthiest snack. But Robin Miller's lightened-up baked churros are a better-for-you alternative.

Churros come in many shapes and sizes, but the traditional churros of Madrid are quite thin, typically shaped like a loop and have a star-shaped edge for that extra crunch. This kind of churros is called churros madrileños in other regions of Spain, because they are so typical of the city.

Where in Spain is churros famous? ›

Chocolatería San Ginés – Madrid

Without a doubt, it goes to Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid. That's right, we said it. You can find the best churros in Spain in the capital city of Madrid. Not only does this place serve up mouthwatering churros, but it's also the oldest chocolatería in Madrid.

Flan. Arguably the most popular classic Spanish dessert, flan is also one of the most versatile. Indeed, there are numerous variations of the rich, gelatinous dessert which incorporate eggs, cheese, coconut, and vanilla.

Churros are fried until they become crispy and golden brown. In Mexico, churros are normally eaten for breakfast dipped in hot chocolate or coffee, but also as a snack throughout the day.

In Spain, there are restaurants devoted to serving churros, which are designed to be dipped into thick drinking chocolate or milky coffee for breakfast, along with street stalls serving up fresh churros to whisk home to share.

The El Moro Saloon housed what is the present day El Moro in 1906 and was home to Durango most infamous shoot out when Sheriff William J. Thompson was killed by Town Marshall Jesse Stansel. The argument stemmed from the Sheriff attempting to eliminate gambling in local saloons.

Xurreria El Trebol launched in 1950, making it the oldest churros place in town, that's still in business.