Some of my favorite foods are made from ingredients that most people think of as scraps or offal (not awful, lol). Growing up, we ate every single part of the animal because it felt wasteful not to! 



I enjoyed chicken livers, hearts, feet, and beef tongue (yakitori), made pho from oxtails and bones, and even indulged in head cheese (Giò Thủ) and honeycomb tripe. We roasted whole pigs at gatherings! 



Now, I see these foods trending due to their health benefits—like collagen and minerals from bone broth. Roasted bone marrow is a favorite at Casa Pantera, and beef tongue is becoming an expensive delicacy at Mitsuwa Gyuten, celebrated for its taste and health benefits! 



Unfortunately, these items can be pricey, especially oxtail. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Rio Foods Co.! They’ve been serving El Pasoans quality offals and butchered meats since 1965. 



The people who work there are incredibly friendly and truly knowledgeable—many are third-generation workers! Their loyalty to the craft shines through in every interaction. Plus, it’s one of the cleanest establishments I’ve visited when it comes to butcheries! 



I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and prices! They offer a wide range of items, from whole heads to oxtails, marrow bones, shanks, tripe, stomachs, chicken feet, and even whole suckling pigs. Can you say Litson/Lechon? My Puerto Rican in-laws and Filipino friends will be so excited! 





I’ve been trying to find a roasted pig, and now I can! I love that El Paso has these amazing little shops everywhere, and I hope everyone knows that exploring is the best way to discover hidden gems. 



Come check them out!










