Cemitas at Dorado Tacos
A cemita is a Mexican sandwich served on a fluffy sesame-seeded egg roll. At Dorado Tacos in Brookline, cemitas are served with black beans, chipotles en adobo, avocado, Oaxaca cheese and cilantro. It’s stuffed with your choice of pork loin, steak, chicken, chorizo, portabella mushroom, or grilled zucchini and red peppers.
I’ve eaten at Dorado several times – they are known for the baja style fish tacos – but I’ve never tried the cemitas until recently. I chose the house-made chorizo because anything house-made instantly appeals to me (and let’s not lie here, it’s because I really like chorizo).
But before I get to the cemitas, let me get to this first:
When friends asked me what I like most about Dorado, I say the caesar salad (what? Just because it’s a Mexican place doesn’t mean they can’t throw down a good Caesar) and the tortilla chips. These warm lightly salted tortilla chips with two kinds of fresh salsa make one crunchy plate of goodness. The green salsa is piquant with a very mild heat while the pico de gallo tastes fresh and summery.
This was one punchy, flavorful sandwich. I was expecting a chorizo patty or chorizo crumbles – this was more of a spread – but it was salty and spicy and herby. The egg roll was fluffy and filling; even though I usually try to stay away from white bread (because the whiter the bread, the quicker you’re dead), it was well worth the high glycemic index ;) I like the cheese crumbles too, with the black beans and avocado. And I really, really like the chipotles. Everything just worked together splendidly.
Cemitas originated in the Mexican state of Puebla, and they are considered street food. I can understand its appeal: It’s simple, quick, cheap, and easily customizable (check out how to make your own cemita). It’s also a nice change from the usual Mexican fast food options of burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. And I bet if someone starts a food truck just selling cemitas, it’ll be a big hit!
Are there any Mexican foods that you only recently discovered?
Those tortilla chips look really good. I’ve only had a quesadilla there before but loved it and loved the guac. The cemita looks delicious and reminds me a little of the tortas at Olecito.
I’ve never had cemitas before but it is something I’d definitely like to recreate!
I don’t think I have ever heard of a cemita. Sounds DELICIOUS!! I’m all about chorizo too.
Sounds delicious! Love your nail polish.
Melissa, it’s OPI You Don’t Know Jacques – one my very favorite polishes!
I looove the cemitas at Dorado. I believe that’s the first place I tried them.
This looks so good and also remind me of the tortas as Olecito. I am long overdue to try Dorado!
Thank you for your detailed and generous comments about our restaurant. We are very appreciative for your taking the time to write about us on your blog.
(As your pictures are terrific, would you contact me, please, to see if you can make them available to us?)
Thank you. Michael
Hi Michael, thanks for dropping by my blog. I emailed you already :)
Wow, their food looks (and sounds) fantastic!
LOVE Dorado’s!
You really always eat the best food. I think salsas make or break the restaurant. And the chip. Can’t be too thin.
I’ve never had a cemita, but it sounds (and looks) delicious. I definitely need to take a trip out to Dorado Tacos.
The cemita looks delicious! Avocado yummm. I love your new profile picture :) where was it taken, and what were you holding, a cookie?
Hi Pats, it was just taken yesterday at a bakery here in Boston called Flour – I was with sina Sabs and Jamie who was visiting for the weekend. And yes I was holding a cookie, but not just any cookie – it was a homemade Oreo!! You and Monic will love it…
I still need to get to Dorado!
Wow. These look amazing. I need to find this in DC!
I have never heard of that either, and I lived in southern california for years! totally unacceptable. that sounds DELICIOUS.
i have never had this before but just by looking at the recipe and pictures, i can tell i would like this. thanks for sharing :)
the whiter the bread, the quicker you’re dead – HA how have I never heard this saying? I mean I knew wheats better for you, this is just funny!
I HAVE heard of cemitas, but I had no idea what they really were. they look amazing.