La Toxica is a family-run Mexican taqueria in Montréal where you can order a burrito at Plaza Saint-Hubert in Villeray or at Chinatown Saint-Laurent. Our kitchen builds each burrito the Mexican way, with a focused filling such as carnitas, al pastor or birria, rather than the heavy rice-and-cheese stack of the Tex-Mex style. Below you will find how the two styles differ, what a good burrito contains, and how to order ours.
Ready to eat? See the La Toxica menu or order online for pickup or delivery.
Where did the burrito come from?
The burrito comes from northern Mexico, where wheat flour tortillas are part of everyday cooking. Those tortillas are soft and sturdy enough to wrap around a filling and carry in one hand. Workers needed food that travelled well and needed no plate, so they rolled beans and braised meat into a tortilla and kept going.
That origin explains the style. A traditional burrito is practical, compact and built around one main filling.
What is the difference between a Mexican burrito and a Tex-Mex burrito?
A Mexican burrito stays simple and lets one filling lead, while a Tex-Mex burrito adds layers until it becomes a full plate wrapped in a tortilla. Neither is wrong. They are two different roads from the same starting point, and knowing the difference helps you choose what you are craving.
Scroll the table horizontally
| Element | Mexican style | Tex-Mex style |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | One main protein, such as carnitas or al pastor | Ground beef or chicken with many extras |
| Rice | Rare | A standard layer |
| Cheese | Light, or none | Generous and melted |
| Sauce | Salsa on the side or a spoonful inside | Poured over the top |
| Size and eating | Handheld | Large, often eaten with a fork |
Tex-Mex developed in Texas and the American Southwest, and its burrito grew bigger and richer along the way. The Mexican version stays leaner so the flavour of the meat and salsa comes through.
What goes into a real Mexican burrito?
A real Mexican burrito starts with a warm tortilla and a well-cooked filling, then adds only what improves it. A cold tortilla cracks, while a properly warmed one wraps cleanly and holds together to the last bite.
The protein
- Carnitas: pork braised slowly until it pulls apart, often crisped at the edges.
- Al pastor: pork marinated in dried chiles and achiote, with a touch of sweetness from pineapple.
- Birria: slow-cooked, deeply seasoned meat with a rich, savoury depth.
The supporting cast
Beans, a little rice if the kitchen uses it, fresh salsa and perhaps guacamole round out the burrito. Every ingredient should add flavour, not just volume.
Where can I eat a good burrito in Montreal?
La Toxica serves burritos at both of its Montréal restaurants. Our birria goes back to Rosa Castellanos and her grandmother’s recipe, and the same care for slow-cooked meats shapes the rest of the kitchen. You can read more about Rosa Castellanos and our family story, or look at our birria tacos in Montreal if you want to try the dish that made us known.
Plaza Saint-Hubert in Villeray
Our Plaza Saint-Hubert restaurant is at 7221 rue Saint-Hubert, near métro Jean-Talon on the Villeray and Little Italy side. Parking nearby is limited street parking and paid lots.
Chinatown Saint-Laurent
Our Chinatown Saint-Laurent restaurant is at 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent, near métro Saint-Laurent and Place-d’Armes. Use the upper-floor entrance, which is separate from the ground floor.
What burritos does La Toxica serve?
The menu has a full burritos section built around the same fillings our kitchen is known for, including carnitas, al pastor and birria. The current choices and prices are always listed on the menu page, so check it there for the latest line-up.
Corn tortillas are the base of most of our cooking, but burritos are traditionally wrapped in wheat flour, and our kitchen handles wheat. If you have an allergy, tell the staff when you order.
Can I get a burrito delivered in Montreal?
Yes. La Toxica delivers through Uber Eats and DoorDash, and there is also an online ordering page. Our weekly promotions are dine-in only and do not apply to delivery, so see the promotions page if you plan to eat in.
Frequently asked questions about burritos at La Toxica
Does La Toxica serve burritos in Montreal?
Yes, La Toxica has a full burritos section on its menu, available at both of its Montréal restaurants and for delivery.
Is a La Toxica burrito Mexican or Tex-Mex?
La Toxica cooks Mexican food, so our burritos focus on well-prepared fillings like carnitas, al pastor and birria rather than a pile of rice and cheese.
Where can I order a La Toxica burrito?
You can dine in at Plaza Saint-Hubert, 7221 rue Saint-Hubert, or at Chinatown Saint-Laurent, 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent. You can also order online or through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
What are La Toxica’s opening hours?
Plaza Saint-Hubert is open every day, from 11am Monday to Wednesday and 10am on Friday and Saturday. Chinatown Saint-Laurent is closed Monday and opens at noon Tuesday to Sunday. Call 514 277-1111 or 438 380-8995 to confirm before you go.
Does La Toxica handle allergies in its burritos?
La Toxica asks you to tell the staff about any allergy when you order, because the kitchen handles wheat and we do not promise gluten-free food.
Hungry for a burrito? Browse the menu or order online from La Toxica.
