Rosa Inungaray has been a staple at El Paso’s St. Anthony’s bazaar for decades, serving up delicious enchiladas that have become a beloved tradition for many in the community. Starting at the young age of 13, Rosa has been the main cook and boss of her enchilada booth, commanding the kitchen with authority and skill.
Growing up with a single mother who had limited time to cook, Rosa found her passion for cooking with the help of the women in her church who taught her how to prepare traditional dishes. When her family moved to El Paso in the late 1960s, they quickly became involved in the Catholic church and eventually took over the enchilada booth at the bazaar.
Rosa’s secret to success lies in her handmade grill, where she can fry up to 20 tortillas at a time in a pool of sizzling oil and chile. The process requires precision and skill to ensure that the tortillas are cooked perfectly without burning.
Beyond just serving food, Rosa has created a sense of community and belonging for many through her enchilada booth. People line up eagerly every Labor Day weekend to get a taste of her famous enchiladas, and the smell of her cooking fills the air, drawing in crowds from all over.
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