Testal Makes Burritos for the Burrito Purist
First, we need to rethink the burrito. For too long we’ve been told by our Chipotle overlords that burritos are to be stuffed to the brim, filled with on-demand ingredients that all kind of taste the same. Huge, globulous masses meant to put you into a near-instant food coma. Break away from this thinking. At Testal, the burrito is a lovely, much smaller thing, filled with only a few ingredients that are designed to tickle the palette in different ways. If you just eat one, you won’t feel like a disgusting mess at the end, sweating the excessive calories your body doesn’t instantly store as fat. If you eat two though, which is definitely something I do, you certainly will… so maybe don’t be like me.
Where: A little up from the base of Grand Ave, near downtown Phoenix
Website: testalphx.com
Reservations: Nope
Tip: The burritos are on the small side (and priced accordingly), so don’t be afraid to get two.
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Testal has 5.5 Yumpoints
MAR 8, 2024 / NIKKI BUCHANAN
Eater: 18 Essential Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix
Located just up the street from Bacanora, tiny Testal is named for the doughball that becomes a tortilla, and, indeed, tortillas are made fresh daily here, to be used as wrappers for messy, open-ended burritos, made the traditional Chihuahuan way. Try these two classics of the state: comforting deshebrada (shredded beef and potatoes) and chicharron (spicy, softened pork rind in salsa verde with pinto beans). Then wash everything down with an agua fresca many diners likely have never run into before — refreshing Iskiate, composed of chia seeds, lime juice, and agave nectar.
FEB 29, 2024 / TIRION BOAN AND SARA CROCKER
Phoenix New Times: The 10 best Mexican restaurants in metro Phoenix
Grand Avenue has gotten a lot of press for Mexican food lately, thanks to Sonoran sweetheart Bacanora. But just up the street sits Testal. This small counter-service spot offers intense flavors and soul-satisfying dishes from Chihuahua and some of the most unusual burritos in town.
FEB 1, 2024
Phoenix New Times: The Top 100 Restaurants
The first thing to know is that you’ll probably want to order two for lunch. These burritos are quite small and come open on both ends, like overstuffed rolled tacos. But the beauty of their size is that you can try a variety of the exceptional fillings on any given visit.
APR 27, 2023 / ASONTA BENETTI AND LAUREN TOPOR
Thrillist: The Best Restaurants in Phoenix Right Now
One of the wonderful changes to Phoenix’s culinary options over the years has been the diversification to its Mexican cuisine scene. With more restaurants showcasing regional dishes, diners are able to experience the differences in flavor profiles and Testal Mexican Kitchen is a perfect example. A James Beard semifinalist, the restaurant focuses on the dishes of Northern Mexico, providing burritos, tacos, and bowls. Protein selections include chicharron in salsa verde, colorado (pork with red sauce), or a savory and slow-cooked birria (beef). Don’t expect burritos the size of your arm and stuffed to the gills; these Chihuahuan specialties are more loosely wrapped around the fillings, which are almost stew-like, with fresh and light tortillas.
JAN 25, 2023
James Beard Foundation: 2023 James Beard Awards Semifinalist
Best Chef: Southwest: Fernando Hernández, Testal
Sep 23, 2021 / Chris Malloy
Phoenix New Times: Cafe Review: Two New Phoenix Gems That Highlight Mexico's Regional Flavors
I would roll by Testal for a quick burrito. It ranks in the top tier of burrito rollers in the city. I would come for a cocktail, or to sit and knock out some work after breakfast, or to taste sotol neat, or to feel good about the new generation of Mexican food. The newer guard is showing promise — both on the higher end and at places you can eat like a king for a few bucks.
