How Chilaquiles Became One of Our Most Popular Dishes
- Eggs and Salsa
- May 17
- 3 min read
National Chilaquiles Day is coming up on May 23, and honestly… it’s kind of crazy to think about how far this dish has come for us.
Because when we first added chilaquiles to the menu, almost nobody ordered them.
Most people around here didn’t even know what chilaquiles were.
And we understood that.
For a lot of people in Fort Wayne, this wasn’t something they grew up eating.
But for us?
Chilaquiles were comfort food.
The kind of meal that reminds you of home, family, and slow mornings in the kitchen.
What Are Chilaquiles?
If you’ve never had them before, chilaquiles are traditionally made with:
Fried tortilla chips
Salsa or sauce
Eggs
Cheese
Crema
Toppings like onion, cilantro, avocado, or meat
Every family does them a little differently.
Some like them softer.Some keep them crispy.
Some make them spicy enough to wake you up immediately.
There’s no single “correct” version.
That’s part of what makes them special.
At First, Nobody Really Ordered Them
When we first added them to the menu, people were unsure.
You could almost see it on their face.
“Wait… soggy chips for breakfast?”
Not exactly the easiest sell at first.
So for a while, it was mostly:
Family members
People familiar with Mexican breakfasts
Curious customers willing to try something different
But we loved the dish too much to take it off the menu.
The Picture That Changed Everything
One morning during a rush, we made a plate of chilaquiles that looked too good not to photograph.
Nothing fancy.
No professional setup.
Just a quick picture in the middle of the chaos.
We posted it online.
And suddenly people started asking:“What IS that?”
Then they started ordering it.
Then telling their friends.
Then bringing people back to try it.
And little by little, the dish that almost nobody knew about became one of the things people come here specifically for.
Thousands of Plates Later
Now it’s hard to imagine our menu without them.
We’ve sold thousands of plates over the years.
Last year alone, we sold 8,271 plates of chilaquiles.
And this year, we’re already over 3,000 plates so far.
That’s honestly wild to think about considering there was a time when almost nobody ordered them.
Now people come in specifically asking for them.
Hopefully this year breaks even more records.
Some people order them every week.
Some customize them their own way.
Some try them for the first time and immediately understand why people love them.
And honestly, seeing that happen never gets old.
More Than Just Breakfast
Chilaquiles are one of those dishes that tell a story.
They come from resourcefulness.
Traditionally, they were a way to use leftover tortillas instead of wasting food.
But over time, they became something much bigger.
Comfort food.Family food.The kind of breakfast that brings people to the table.
That’s why this dish means something to us beyond just being popular.
It’s part of our culture.
Come Celebrate Chilaquiles Day With Us
National Chilaquiles Day is May 23, and we’ll definitely be celebrating around here.
If you’ve never tried them before, this is your sign.
And if you already love them…
You already know.
We’ll see you soon.
Chilaquiles Day Specials
This one’s for the real chilaquiles fans.
On May 23:
Buy 1 Chilaquiles, get the 2nd half off
Wear your Waynedale Café shirt → Buy One Get One FREE
Come before 9 AM and get free coffee with your chilaquiles
Dine-in only.
No shortcuts. Just good food and a reason to celebrate.
Bring your people and come hungry.
👉 Celebrate Chilaquiles Day With Us: