Honest Puerto Rican Food in the Bronx

An international community of settlers, the Bronx celebrates diversity everywhere you look. Today, as immigrant success stories become the new norm, the borough is a far cry from the symbol of decay it represented a few decades ago. And with such a vibrant and constantly evolving immigrant community, it’s easy to stumble upon amazing food.

Lechonera La Piraña

Lechonera La Piraña is run by Angel Jimenez, whose authentic Puerto Rican dishes are as impressive as his commitment to the community. Parked on the corner of 152nd Street and Wales in the Bronx, this food truck serves sinfully delicious roasted pork with crispy skin. It’s seasoned with adobo and oregano, slow-roasted for eight hours and served with heaping scoops of yellow rice.  152nd St & Wales Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455

188 Cuchifritos

If you’re looking for authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican dishes, head to 188 Cuchifritos near the Fordham Road subway stop. It’s a casual spot with counter service, a few tables and a long menu written on a board that wraps around the small space. Among the lengthy list of pork-centric offerings, you’ll find chicharrones, that come with a thick layer of melting fat and meat, blood sausage, pig ears, stewed pork, fried pork, and gizzards served with green banana, garlic, lemon and vinegar. And don’t forget a side of mangu, a traditional Dominican dish of mashed boiled green plantains topped with pickled onions.  158 E 188th Street, Bronx, NY 10468;  718.367.4500

Photographs courtesy of Travel Channel.