Giant Guatemalan Flour Tortillas Arrive in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to the largest Guatemalan community in the United States, bringing regional food traditions from the Mayan world straight to the Southland. Eater LA reported that giant flour tortillas from the Izabal Department, a northeastern region of Guatemala, are now drawing crowds at a handful of restaurants and food stands across the San Fernando Valley.
The trend centers largely around Tortillas de Harina Chatias, a business launched in late July at a temporary location in Van Nuys before relocating to Northridge. Sisters Janissa Urrutia and Linda Urrutia own the restaurant, naming it after their mother, Arminda “Chata” Urrutia. The family hails from Finca Yuma in Los Amates, and they previously ran a restaurant called Chatias back in Guatemala. Following their initial success, the sisters expanded with a second location in North Hills on October 9.
Tortillas De Harina Chatias Highlights Comida Porteña Guatemalteca
Tortillas de Harina Chatias focuses on comida porteña Guatemalteca, highlighting the Garifuna cooking of Livingston and Puerto Barrios. The signature item is a medium-pizza-sized flour tortilla brushed with mayonnaise, then loaded with carne asada or other meats, refried black beans, pickled cabbage, grilled potato, tomato salsa, and a grilled green onion. Diners tear off pieces of the tortilla to scoop up the toppings.
To accommodate local customer demand, the kitchen also serves an unconventional jumbo version featuring carne asada, carne adobada, longaniza, chorizo, pickled cabbage, potato salad, refried black beans, grilled potato, and plantains. Linda Urrutia noted that local diners prefer a spicier profile, prompting the kitchen to dial up the heat on their sauces and expand meat and side dish options. On weekends, large family groups frequently order these tortillas alongside tapado, a creamy mixed seafood soup made with coconut milk, green banana, plantains, and sweet peppers, served with a whole fried fish, rice, and beans.
Where to Find Izabal-Style Tortillas in the San Fernando Valley
While Tortillas de Harina Chatias has captured significant attention through social media marketing, several other local vendors also offer Izabal-style tortillas de harina:
- Churrascos Gualan LA: A backyard pop-up in Van Nuys selling tortillas de harina enrolladas, which are stuffed like an open-ended burrito.
- La Sexta: A weekend festival in Sun Valley featuring live music, sports, and food vendors.
- Sabor de Mi Tierra: A street stand located in North Hills.
Operating entirely through counter service to manage the high cost of business right now, the Urrutia sisters continue to juggle heavy to-go orders and long lines of customers seeking a taste of Izabal. Tortillas de Harina Chatias operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 8968 Corbin Ave in Northridge and 15304 Parthenia St in North Hills.
