You won’t find Mexican restaurants in Manchester or anywhere else that don’t include beans in most of their dishes. Beans are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, deeply embedded in the country’s culinary traditions and history. For thousands of years, beans have been a staple food, providing both nutrition and flavor in various forms. Their significance dates back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya and Aztecs, who cultivated beans alongside maize (corn) and squash—what is often referred to as the “Three Sisters” of agriculture.
Beans were not only a source of protein but also a key part of the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The Aztecs, for example, considered beans a gift from the gods and used them in religious ceremonies. These early beans were primarily small, dark varieties like black and pinto beans, which continue to be staples in Mexican cuisine today.
As European colonization introduced new crops and cooking techniques, beans remained central to Mexican food culture. Over time, the preparation of beans evolved, incorporating indigenous ingredients like chiles, garlic, and herbs, which transformed them into dishes like frijoles de la olla (simple boiled beans) or refried beans (frijoles refritos). These dishes became daily fare for people of all social classes, prized for their hearty, filling nature and versatility.
Beans are an essential component of Mexican meals. They are often served as a side dish or mixed into main courses like tacos, burritos, or soups. Beans are also a key ingredient in regional specialties, such as frijoles charros (beans cooked with bacon, sausage, and other seasonings) or tacos de frijoles (bean tacos). At many Mexican restaurants, rice and beans are a side that comes with most dishes.
Whether you like refried beans with rice, black beans in your burrito, or any variety of bean-based Mexican dishes, you need to visit Vallarta! Our Mexican restaurants in Manchester serve all your favorites, plus a few of our house specialties.