What is New Mexican cuisine?
We get this question SO much at Bang Bang Cafe, we thought this would be the best way to start our blog! For starters, let’s introduce ourselves! My sister and I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We lived a couple blocks away from our favorite restaurants, Los Cuates and Hurricanes. Hatch Chiles are everywhere in New Mexico, from burgers, and pizza to eggs, jams and jellies, and even sushi! When we moved up to the Pacific Northwest we were shocked that we couldn’t get Hatch Chile’s anywhere up here!
In 2009 we had the opportunity to start the Bang Bang Café in Belltown. It was so fun and amazing, Yuki was able to bake everyday. I would cook and we found inspiration daily in the Belltown community.
With no local Hatch chile distributors available, we found a way to sneak up 50 lbs of green chile once a month. I would pull my little red Ford Ranger up to the huge loading locks at Southwest Air Cargo next to the semi trucks and pick up our precious cargo!
New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Pueblo Native American cuisine, Mexican and Hispano-Spanish cuisine. Hatch Chile refers to a variety of the anaheim pepper that is grown in an area around Hatch in southern New Mexico. The soil and growing conditions in the Hatch Valley create a unique terroir which contributes to the unique flavor. New Mexican cuisine developed in fairly isolated circumstances which has allowed it to maintain its Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and Latin identity. It is unlike any other Latin food originating in the US.
At Bang Bang Café, we offer Red and Green Hatch Chiles on many items. You can either smother your burrito in green, red or X-mas style sauce. We offer a select menu of baked goods, concha bread, scones, banana bread & cookies, as well as slices of carrot cake, galettes, and tiramisu. To go along with your fresh cherry almond scone, have a latte from our full espresso bar serving locally roasted Lighthouse Roasters. Or a sherry spritzer to cool the heat from your Xmas style smothered burrito.
We have a variety of items to accommodate any dietary needs, with a focus on vegan items. You’ll be able get the best vegan desserts in Seattle!
After being closed for a couple years during covid, we are so excited to be back open in Belltown, and excited to see you again!