Mission Burrito - also known as a San Francisco style burrito, is a large, flour tortilla-wrapped burrito originating from the Mission District of San Francisco. It is characterized by its generous fillings, typically including rice, beans, cheese, a variety of meats & condiments like salsa, guacamole, & sour cream.
Variations & Comparisons:
California burrito:
A similar burrito found in Southern California, but often replaces rice & beans with fries.
Chipotle burrito:
While not a true Mission burrito, Chipotle's burrito is a popular, mass-produced version that incorporates some elements of the San Francisco style.
La Taqueria:
A well-known taqueria in the Mission District that is known for its burritos, though they are often made without rice.
Making a Mission Burrito:
Steam or Warm Tortilla: Soften the flour tortilla by steaming it or warming it in a pan.
Assemble Fillings: Layer the fillings on the tortilla, starting with rice, beans, cheese.
Add Meat: Include your choice of meat, like carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas.
Add Condiments: Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, & or other desired condiments.
Roll & Wrap: Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly.
Optional Sealing: Sear the burrito in a pan to help it hold its shape.
Variations & Comparisons:
California burrito:
A similar burrito found in Southern California, but often replaces rice & beans with fries.
Chipotle burrito:
While not a true Mission burrito, Chipotle's burrito is a popular, mass-produced version that incorporates some elements of the San Francisco style.
La Taqueria:
A well-known taqueria in the Mission District that is known for its burritos, though they are often made without rice.
Making a Mission Burrito:
Steam or Warm Tortilla: Soften the flour tortilla by steaming it or warming it in a pan.
Assemble Fillings: Layer the fillings on the tortilla, starting with rice, beans, cheese.
Add Meat: Include your choice of meat, like carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas.
Add Condiments: Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, & or other desired condiments.
Roll & Wrap: Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it up tightly.
Optional Sealing: Sear the burrito in a pan to help it hold its shape.
Mission Burrito Key Features:
Size: Mission burritos are known for their large size, often described as being substantial enough to serve as a complete meal.
Fillings: They usually include rice, beans (often pinto or refried), cheese, & a choice of meat (like carnitas, al pastor, or carne asada), as well as various toppings & condiments.
Tortilla: A flour tortilla, often warmed or steamed, is used to wrap the fillings.
Condiments: Common condiments include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, & pico de gallo.
Cultural Significance: The Mission burrito is a staple of San Francisco's food culture, particularly in the Mission District, which has a strong Latino population.
History & Origins:
The exact origin of the Mission burrito is debated, with some attributing it to Taqueria La Cumbre.
La Cumbre claims to have invented the burrito in 1969, offering a substantial burrito for working people.
The Mission District, with its high concentration of Latino residents, is considered the birthplace of the burrito.
Size: Mission burritos are known for their large size, often described as being substantial enough to serve as a complete meal.
Fillings: They usually include rice, beans (often pinto or refried), cheese, & a choice of meat (like carnitas, al pastor, or carne asada), as well as various toppings & condiments.
Tortilla: A flour tortilla, often warmed or steamed, is used to wrap the fillings.
Condiments: Common condiments include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, & pico de gallo.
Cultural Significance: The Mission burrito is a staple of San Francisco's food culture, particularly in the Mission District, which has a strong Latino population.
History & Origins:
The exact origin of the Mission burrito is debated, with some attributing it to Taqueria La Cumbre.
La Cumbre claims to have invented the burrito in 1969, offering a substantial burrito for working people.
The Mission District, with its high concentration of Latino residents, is considered the birthplace of the burrito.
by Blu_leef May 05, 2025