Ana Lizama, who hails from La Union, El Salvador, took over ownership of the Texanita’s Big Tortas restaurant at 2200 Aldine Mail Route Rd. in March.
“I wanted to work and manage my own business to help my family and myself,” she explained.
The restaurant opened in 2021, according to Lizama. Touting the “best big tortas in Houston,” Texanita’s offers the Latin-style sandwiches in variations such as the popular La Cubana, a big beast of an item featuring ham, chorizo, milanesa (thinly sliced meat) cheese and pineapple.
Also ordered frequently, according to Lizama, is the Torta Burger — beef, ham, pineapple and mozzarella, plus American cheese and bacon.
In Spanish, a torta is a cake. A torta sandwich, however, is said to have originated in Puebla, Mexico, in the days when the French occupied the area. It has made its way across the border and onto many menus at local restaurants.
For lunch recently at Lizama’s restaurant, I went for the Gallinita Mix torta, which my waiter said was his favorite. It did not disappoint, with perfectly grilled and juicy chicken and fresh, flavorful peppers.
Gallinita, by the way, means “little hen.” However, there was nothing little about it. My torta was enough food for me to enjoy for lunch and dinner.
My dining companion chose an item from the non-torta side of the menu. She went for the flautas — chicken and cheese rolled up into a crispy taco and served with a zesty green sauce — and was happy she did.
Standing behind the counter at her “new” place, Lizama said she didn’t make any major changes after taking over the restaurant. She said she likes the location in the modern strip center near the intersection of Aldine Westfield and Aldine Mail Route because of the customer traffic provided by nearby bus stops.
Texanita’s also offers breakfast sandwiches on bagels, a variety of chilaquiles (a traditional breakfast dish consisting of corn tortillas cut into quarters and lightly fried with avocado, eggs or other ingredients) and a special menu for the little amigos.
A postcard on the counter the place serves “lo mejor de le mejor,” or “the best of the best,” and customers seem to agree.
“When the word gets out, it will be standing room only,” one reviewer said online.
Another reviewer going by “Michael R.” called it a “killer spot” where the “vibes are as good as the eats.”
“This place dishes out massive, tasty tortas that hit the spot. The bread’s fresh, and the fillings?Just wow. It’s casual, it’s cozy, and it feels like you’re just hanging out at a friend’s place,” he said, adding: “Trust me, you’ll roll out of there full, happy and probably planning your next visit.”
Texanita’s Big Tortas
346-610-0016
2200 Aldine Mail Route #102
Houston, TX 77039
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
https://www.texanitasbigtortas.com/order-online
— by Dorothy Puch Lillig
