Hey Natali, what’s your all-time favorite thing to do?
I’m so glad you asked! Hands down, without a doubt, it’s trying new restaurants and coffee shops with the people I love. And guess what I did this past Thursday night – exactly that.
I can’t recall exactly what corner of the internet I learned that Fresno got its first Honduran restaurant, but somewhere along the way, I stumbled across that tidbit and made a mental note to visit Keidy’s Honduran and Mexican Restaurant. I knew I’d need to check it out soon! So far, I haven’t come across a Latin American cuisine I don’t love, and my trip to Keidy’s proved Honduran food was no exception.
Keidy’s is located off Herndon and Blackstone in the Pinedale area, just barely north of Blackstone Avenue. Parking is easiest if you turn in on Beechwood, loop around the back of the building, then come out along the front so you can park right near the door. The restaurant is unassuming, but you can’t miss it – there are a ton of handwritten white and red signs proclaiming Honduran and Mexican food is available there, and announcing that it is “open!” (My personal favorite says “Hondureño Mexican Food Voted #1 by Doctors” – I have no idea which doctors, but after eating there, I’ll cosign.)
When we walked in, a friendly staff member welcomed us and asked if we’d like to dine in or order takeout. (Of note: when we went, we were spoken to and ordered in Spanish. It might be helpful to have someone in your group who is bilingual, or at least good with Google Translate on their phone, for the smoothest ordering experience.)
The dining room had comfy booths and perfectly set, squeaky-clean tables, so we decided to stay. We were offered menus in either English or Spanish, placed our order at the register, and then sat wherever we liked. It was a quiet night in the restaurant, but soccer played on two TVs, and I can easily see it being a laid-back spot to watch a match while you eat.
To drink, we ordered a Jamaica (hibiscus) Agua Fresca and a Honduran Horchata. When we asked how the Honduran version differed from Mexican Horchata, the server explained that it’s made with ground pumpkin seeds and peanuts. My husband really enjoyed it and said it was blended smoothly – not seedy – and was both tasty and filling.
For food, my husband ordered Chilaquiles (yes, it was dinner time, but he will order that any time it’s available – he loves it!) with fried egg and chicharrón. I ordered a Pupusa con Queso (a cheesy, handmade, pillow-y pocket served with salsa and curtido – a fresh slaw made from carrots, cabbage, lettuce, and spices) as well as the Quesabirria taco plate. I was pretty sure this was going to be more than the two of us could eat, but I really wanted to try something from both cuisines.
As we sat down, we were served hot, freshly fried tortilla chips with a refried bean dip topped with crumbled cheese – complimentary and delicious. After a few minutes, our food started to arrive, with the Pupusa coming out last. It was clear it had been handmade fresh to order – it was piping hot, with gooey melted cheese, and the salsa and curtido were both flavorful and the perfect accompaniments.
My Quesabirria taco plate came with pickled onions and beets (I had to ask if they were beets or carrot slices, but either way they were crisp, delicious, and surprisingly spicy!), salsa, and a generous portion of consommé for dipping. My husband’s Chilaquiles plate was hearty, flavorful, and massive in size. We both enjoyed every bite, and still had to take some home because we were beyond full.
Eating at Keidy’s was fun because two of the dishes we tried were familiar to us (as frequenters of Mexican restaurants), yet the salsas, sauces, toppings, and drinks gave us a taste of Honduran flavors that were completely new. We definitely left wanting to return and try more.
If Honduran food is something you already love, or if you’re ready to experience it for the first time like we did – or even if you just appreciate good, authentic, well-made Mexican food – we really enjoyed Keidy’s and recommend you give them a try, too!
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