If you’re in the Sukhumvit area and craving A taste of Latino, this is the place. Cali Grill on soi 23, from Sukhumvit you go down past Cowboy, past the first side Street, almost to to the next crossroad and you will find this hidden little gem on your right.
Owned and run by Ecuadorian native, Mauricio. This dude is a great guy, from the second you walk in, you feel like you are part of the family. The atmosphere, the décor, you can just feel the vibe. There ain’t no frontin goin on here. This place is 100 percent authentic. He started out in Ecuador and immigrated to East LA later in life. I don’t know if you’ve been to East LA, but it doesn’t get more Mexican than that! He’s been running Cali Grill for just over for years now. All his recipes, you won’t find in cookbooks. His Ecuadorian menu comes straight from his grandma. He will tell you, all these foods are what he grew up eating. His grandma made them for the family, for his mother, and for little Mauricio who took notice and learned them all. His Mexican menu is the same. He brought in his long time friend, Panchito from Veracruz, who put his family recipes in the menu and when you eat there, you will taste the difference.
Cali Grill is a dream come true for Mauricio. He dreamed of having his own place one day and this is it. From the paintings on the was to the bar, to the food. It’s exactly what he had always imagined. It’s not too fancy but rich in culture, just like he wants it.
I’ve been coming to Cali Grill for years. I don’t know what it is, no no no, I know exactly what is, THE FOOD AND THE ATMOSPHERE!! Some Mexican food can taste Bland, but not here. It’s absolutely delicious!! Hands down, my number one place for Mexican, and I mean, MEXICAN/ECUADORIAN. It’s not Tex Mex, and I love my Tex Mex, ya know, cause I’m Texan, but this is the real deal and I love it!
So, let’s talk food!! When you go, you gotta try the Tortilla soup. It’s the best Tortilla soup in the city. I’ve had a lot of Tortilla soups around town but none even come close to this.
His Empanadas are packed full of flavorful chicken seasoned and prepared with love, or at least that’s what it tastes like because I’ve never had anything this good anywhere else. He told me these are his biggest seller and people come from all over just to get them and I believe it, too.
The chicken quesadilla also shares this flavor. I don’t know what his secret is and I don’t want to know, but when you taste it, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.
I love the carnitas and I usually order a few extra tortillas and make me a burrito out of them with the rice and beans, tomatoes and onions that come with it, but that’s me. I told ya I’m from Texas, ????. I don’t know if I’m gonna be doin that in the future though. This last trip, I ordered my usual and Mauricio said “Man, you always make your burrito, but why don’t you try my Wet Burrito?
It’s good!!! “. Aaiiiigght!!! Bring it on!! He did, Damn!!!! IT’S GOOOOD!!! I’m gonna have a hard time going back and not ordering it. It was that good. It’s been two days and I honestly don’t know if I’m gonna make it through the weekend without going back to get another one. I also tried the Ecuadorian Llapingachos.
These are little potato pancake type things stuffed with mozzarella cheese and they are quite tasty. His Tequila Shrimp is off the chain!!
Highly recommend giving it a go when you stop in. My wife orders it every time we go there whether she’s hungry or not, ????. She just loves it and I can’t argue with her either, it really really good. OK, I save the best for last, The Chicken Sudado.
I had never had it until this last visit. I always order my usual just because I’m not too familiar with Ecuadorian food, but Mauricio insisted I give this a try. All I can say is, THANK YOU MAURICIO????. Hey man, this soup is insane!! It’s like a chicken soup but whatever he puts in it is delicious. I’ve never had this flavor before and it’s absolutely amazing!! I don’t know if amazing is a strong enough word, but try it! You won’t be disappointed.
Cali Grill is the real deal, best in the city. Highly recommend it. Go in, say hi, experience what Mauricio has to offer. You’ll understand what I’m talking about when you step inside and if you don’t know what to order or are unsure, just ask the man, he will take care of you. Or if you have something you want in mind, just ask him, if he can do it, he will. One thing I know for sure, is that when you leave this place, you gonna leave happy and full, and most likely with a pretty good buzz????
Cheers mates and Orale’ Carnal, congratulations on making your dream come true.
24 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
