Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think about Mexican, Latin American or Spanish cuisine. But it’s home to a growing number of eateries showcasing lesser-known dishes that deserve recognition. Max Blume — a California native turned Pittsburgh restaurateur — is here to guide us through this flavorful maze. Blume is the co-owner and chef at Lola’s Eatery in Lawrenceville, a brunch spot offering Filipino and Mexican-inspired dishes, and Lolo’s Kuzina at Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District, which celebrates authentic Filipino cuisine. (Blume is of Mexican and Filipino descent).Blume grew up in Southern California, where vibrant Latin flavors were a part of everyday life. “My culinary mixtape features some fantastic under-the-radar Hispanic foods,” he says. His breakfast favorites are chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, and he swears by tortas and sopes for lunch. Aguachile and cachapas are essential choices for dinner. Blume acknowledges the hurdles faced in bringing new dishes to Pittsburgh’s dining scene, especially after the pandemic when diners may be more selective about how often they go out to eat. “We opened just before the pandemic hit, which was a challenging time for the hospitality industry. We quickly adapted our concept to survive in a shifting landscape,” Blume says of restaurant’s menu changes during that time.At Lola’s, the menu reflects Blume’s commitment to authentic cuisine while remaining accessible. “We incorporate genuine cooking methods and ingredients into our dishes, using things like chorizo, ube and traditional chili peppers,” he says. This approach allows diners to explore potentially new flavors without feeling overwhelmed.One dish that holds special significance for Blume is pozole, a comforting soup he makes each winter. “This recipe was passed down to me by my best friend, who, if I’m not mistaken, got it from his tía. The first time we made this dish, we dedicated an incredible amount of time to it—more than we usually spend on any new menu creation.”Pozole is a traditionally Mexican soup made from hominy and topped with cabbage. Photo courtesy of Lola’s Eatery. Blume recalls the effort that went into that initial batch. “We had to visit four different stores to track down the exact brands of ingredients the recipe called for, which was a bit of a challenge here in Pittsburgh. In the end, we made enough soup to last us for weeks—around 64 quarts, if I remember correctly! Cleanup? That was quite the undertaking!”While he appreciates the welcoming atmosphere Pittsburgh offers, Blume believes there’s much room for growth in how local diners engage with these lesser-known dishes. “There’s a definite need for curiosity and compassion when it comes to exploring these cuisines,” he shares. “Still, I’m optimistic about the city’s evolving taste.”Blume is eager to highlight other local spots that celebrate Hispanic cuisine. “Morcilla is a personal favorite. It’s a great spot for a date night, and the food consistently reignites our passion for the industry,” he shares. Other must-visit locations include Mi Empanada, known for top-notch ingredients, and Las Palmas market, home to the best tacos in town, according to Blume. And don’t miss the El Rincón Oaxaqueño food truck — their huaraches are a true highlight, he says.As we conclude Hispanic Heritage Month this year, it’s time to go beyond the basics and explore the lesser-known corners of this cuisine. Here are some of our favorites:Tamales and Chile Rellenos at La Palapa 🇲🇽 2224 E Carson St., South SideTamales are parcels made from masa (corn dough) filled with a variety of ingredients like meats, cheese or vegetables, and wrapped in corn husks. Chile rellenos are battered and fried peppers, typically stuffed with cheese or meat, providing a delightful contrast of crispy outside and gooey inside. Breakfast Egg Rolls at Lola’s Eatery 🇲🇽 3337 Penn Ave., LawrencevilleThese egg rolls are filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheese and jalapenos, offering a crispy, savory and slightly spicy start to your day. Pair your egg rolls with their pozole and churros for a breakfast experience that’ll knock your socks off. Costillas with Chicatanas at Duo’s Taqueria. Photo courtesy of Duo’s Taqueria. Costillas with Chicatanas at Duo’s Taqueria 🇲🇽 5906 Penn Ave., East LibertyPork ribs and … ants? Yes, you’re about to eat flying ants. Duo’s Taqueria serves up costillas (tender pork rib carnitas) slathered in salsa macha—a smoky, spicy chili oil with a secret ingredient: Chicatanas, the seasonal Oaxacan delicacy otherwise known as flying ants. They throw in a refreshing cabbage curtido (pickled slaw with cilantro and carrots) to balance out the bite, plus tortillas to wrap it all up. It’s adventurous, it’s bold, and yes, it’s ants. You’ll love it.Camarones at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina 🇦🇷 146 Sixth St., DowntownThese jumbo shrimp are grilled with garlic and rosemary, making them a seafood lover’s dream. Add a squeeze of charred lemon and you’re practically on an Argentinian beach. Bacon and Gouda Cheese Empanadas from Cilantro y Ajo. Photo courtesy of Cilantro y Ajo.Empanadas at Cilantro y Ajo 🇻🇪 901 E Carson St., South Side (plus a new location in Lawrenceville)Who doesn’t love empanadas? These flaky pastries are stuffed with all the good stuff — meats, cheeses or veggies — and baked or fried to golden perfection. You don’t need to wait for a meal either — Cilantro y Ajo’s empanadas are a great snack for when you need something warm and handheld.Arepas at Arepittas 🇻🇪 412-428 Cherry Way., DowntownThese thick corn cakes can be grilled, baked or fried and stuffed with anything your heart desires. At Arepittas, you can customize your arepa to your liking—so load it up however you see fit and get ready for a cozy meal.Pescado Frito at La Cocina De Betty 🇭🇳 1605 Broadway Ave., BeechviewAt La Cocina De Betty, pescado frito (fried fish) is a must-try. This crispy, whole fish is seasoned and served with lime, making it a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve just dined at a seaside shack, minus the sand in your shoes.Pastries from Panaderia Jazmin. Photo by Roman Hladio.Sweet Breads at Panaderia Jazmin 🇲🇽 300 Beverly Road Suite A., Mt LebanonFinish strong with the sugary goodness at Panaderia Jazmin. With conchas (sweet bread with a crunchy topping), churros (fried dough sticks) and tres leches cake (a rich, moist cake soaked in three types of milk), you’ll find it impossible to leave empty-handed.The post 7 Latin American dishes we love from Pittsburgh restaurants appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.