<div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v17.0&appId=1360880647827568&autoLogAppEvents=1" nonce="nOICdQjC"></script>

Bugambilias

Written By Scott Joseph On April 5, 2018

Bugambilias birria

Bugambilias isn’t the sort of place you’d just wander into, not unless you live in the vicinity of Lancaster Road between Orange Avenue and South Orange Blossom Trail. If you do live in the area, you know there are myriad Mexican restaurants, many as authentic as you’re likely to find in the area, to choose from. Bugambilas would be a good choice.

Though it isn’t a guarantee of authenticity, it’s a pretty good indication of it when one has to ask if a menu is available in English. (One was.)

While I was still trying to navigate through the Spanish version, I was drawn to the Pozole, a favorite of mine. But when I failed to notice it was available only on Saturdays and Sundays, I figured I’d better switch to my first language. (Not that there’s a second one, mind you.)

Instead I chose the Birria, shown at top, which is available todos los dias. Birria is basically a beef stew and is a traditional dish from the Jalisco region, which is home to Guadalajara. This isn’t a stew like American versions — there are no carrots or potatoes or peas. But on the other hand, it isn’t made with goat or mutton, as it might be in Mexico.

South Steel SJO March AD copy

Bugambilias tortillas

Although the menu suggested it would be spicy, it was not so much. It had wonderful globules of grease floating atop the souplike broth. And the meat, in huge hunks, was good and tender. It was served with a plate of accouterments — cilantro, chopped onion, jalapeños, lime wedges — and a container of hot tortillas, wrapped in what appeared to be a dish cloth. One is meant to put some of the meat onto a tortilla, sprinkle with the condiments and make a little wrap. You may also squirt one of the sauces that are provided (I recommend it). There is a flavorful salsa verde and red sauce that the young woman who served it said is very hot. She wasn’t kidding.

Bugambilias taco

I also sampled a steak taco, served simply on double tortillas. (All the tortillas here are corn; I’d be surprised if there were any flour ones in the kitchen. Maybe for the quesadilla that’s on the menu, which is probably there for people like me who happen in.) The meat was chopped into small cubes, served with sliced radishes and sprinkled with fresh cilantro.

Bugambilias sopes

The taco was good, but I really liked the Sopes, with carnitas and queso fresco. The thick platform was nice and crisp. It was difficult to eat with the white plastic fork that was provided, but I managed.

Bugambilias interior

The surroundings are simple. There was a television in one corner playing what sounded to me to be a Spanish language soap opera. I believe someone was dying in a hospital somewhere. Despite being the only non Latino in the place, and regardless of a sign on one of the walls stating that parking was for Mexicans only, I felt comfortable and welcomed.

I’d wander in again. Maybe on a Sabado or Domingo for Pozole.

Bugambilias is at 737 W. Lancaster Road. Orlando. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. The phone number is 407-745-5614.

Bugambilias menu

We hope you find our reviews and news articles useful and entertaining. It has always been our goal to assist you in making informed decisions when spending your dining dollars. If we’ve helped you in any way, please consider making a contribution to help us continue our journalism. Thank you.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
<div class="fb-comments" data-href="<?php the_permalink() ?>" data-width="100%" data-numposts="5"></div>
Scott's Newsletter