El Trigal Mexican bakery

There are a couple of mentions here, but I think el Trigal, which is at least a once-a-week stop for me, deserves its own thread. Anyone who thinks Mexican pastries are ho-hum at best ought to get themselves here early in the morning, when everything is fresh out of the oven or fryer. Pastries at el Trigal are airily light, yet buttery rich at the same time. For the donut lovers out there (count me among you), el Trigal's are some of the best around. So light and delicate, with a real yeasty taste that's enhanced by just a subtle sweetness*. Every time I've been to el Trigal (always before 8AM) the donuts have been still warm - impossible not to eat in the car on your way home. The eggy, custardy pastry with raisins is also remarkably light and delicate.

Before I found el Trigal, I basically thought Mexican pastries were a waste of calories. Now - fortunately or unfortunately - I'm hooked on them.


*I'm lucky enough to live walking distance from 2 of the best donut sources in Chicago - the other being the ridiculously good lemon donuts at Beograd which, when available, are almost always still warm, as they deservedly sell out almost as quickly as they're cooked. Beograd is another place that doesn't get nearly enough LTH love.



El Trigal Mexican Bakery
3107 W Montrose Ave
(773) 478-9116

Beograd Cafe & Market
2937 W Irving
Chicago, IL 60618
773-478-7575

Kennyz wrote:For the donut lovers out there (count me among you), el Trigal's are some of the best around. So light and delicate, with a real yeasty taste that's enhanced by just a subtle sweetness*.

I'm not familiar with Mexican doughnuts. Can you elaborate more on how they differ from typical American ones?

happy_stomach wrote:

Kennyz wrote:For the donut lovers out there (count me among you), el Trigal's are some of the best around. So light and delicate, with a real yeasty taste that's enhanced by just a subtle sweetness*.

I'm not familiar with Mexican doughnuts. Can you elaborate more on how they differ from typical American ones?

I have no idea about Mexican donuts in general. El Trigal's donuts have 5 qualities that make them different from the donuts I've typically eaten elsewhere: (1)they're not as sweet, so the yeasty bread taste really shines through as the primary flavor; (2)they're bigger; (3)they're lighter in texture, so while you get just a little chew they almost seem to disappear like air in your mouth after you bite; (4)they're cheaper; (5)at least at the times I go, they're warm and super fresh.

Kennyz wrote:

happy_stomach wrote:

Kennyz wrote:For the donut lovers out there (count me among you), el Trigal's are some of the best around. So light and delicate, with a real yeasty taste that's enhanced by just a subtle sweetness*.

I'm not familiar with Mexican doughnuts. Can you elaborate more on how they differ from typical American ones?

I have no idea about Mexican donuts in general. El Trigal's donuts have 5 qualities that make them different from the donuts I've typically eaten elsewhere: (1)they're not as sweet, so the yeasty bread taste really shines through as the primary flavor; (2)they're bigger; (3)they're lighter in texture, so while you get just a little chew they almost seem to disappear like air in your mouth after you bite; (4)they're cheaper; (5)at least at the times I go, they're warm and super fresh.

Thanks! All of those qualities sound just dandy. I'll try to make a pre-8am visit some time soon.