Chipotle Mexican Grill is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. While their menu is relatively straightforward, some customers have been left wondering if they can customize their meals with a side of taco shells. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Chipotle and explore the possibilities of getting a side of taco shells with your meal.
Understanding Chipotle’s Menu
Before we dive into the topic of taco shells, it’s essential to understand Chipotle’s menu and how it works. Chipotle offers a variety of options, including:
- Burritos: A large flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Bowls: A bowl filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables, without the tortilla.
- Tacos: A crispy or soft taco shell filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Salads: A bowl filled with mixed greens, meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Customization Options
One of the best things about Chipotle is the ability to customize your meal to your liking. Customers can choose from a variety of toppings, including salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. However, when it comes to taco shells, the options are limited.
Can You Get a Side of Taco Shells at Chipotle?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While Chipotle does offer taco shells as part of their tacos, they do not typically offer them as a side item. However, there are a few ways to get your hands on some extra taco shells:
- Ask for extra shells with your tacos: If you order tacos, you can ask for extra shells on the side. This is a great way to get a few extra shells to use with your meal.
- Order a taco shell on the side: Some Chipotle locations may offer the option to order a taco shell on the side, but this is not a standard menu item. You can try asking your server if this is an option.
- Use the “secret menu”: Chipotle has a “secret menu” that includes items not listed on the official menu. One of these items is a side of taco shells. However, this is not a guaranteed option and may not be available at all locations.
Why Can’t You Get a Side of Taco Shells at Chipotle?
So, why can’t you get a side of taco shells at Chipotle? There are a few reasons for this:
- Menu simplicity: Chipotle is known for its simple menu, and offering taco shells as a side item would add complexity to the menu.
- Food costs: Taco shells are a food item that costs Chipotle money. By not offering them as a side item, the company can keep costs down.
- Customer expectations: Chipotle customers typically expect to get a complete meal, including a protein, rice, beans, and vegetables. Offering taco shells as a side item might confuse customers and change their expectations.
Alternatives to Taco Shells
If you’re craving something crunchy to go with your Chipotle meal, there are a few alternatives to taco shells:
- Tortilla chips: Chipotle offers tortilla chips as a side item, which can be a great alternative to taco shells.
- Crispy taco shells from the grocery store: If you’re really craving taco shells, you can try buying some from the grocery store and using them with your Chipotle meal.
Make Your Own Taco Shells at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own taco shells at home. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the corn tortillas into triangles or strips.
- Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the tortilla triangles or strips until they’re crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the taco shells from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle the taco shells with salt and serve.
Conclusion
While you can’t typically get a side of taco shells at Chipotle, there are a few ways to get your hands on some extra shells. By asking for extra shells with your tacos, ordering a taco shell on the side, or using the “secret menu,” you can satisfy your craving for crunchy taco shells. Alternatively, you can try making your own taco shells at home using a simple recipe. Whether you’re a Chipotle fan or just a lover of all things taco-related, we hope this article has been informative and helpful.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Chipotle may not offer taco shells as a standard side item, there are still ways to get your hands on some delicious and crunchy shells. Whether you’re a fan of Chipotle or just a lover of Mexican food, we hope this article has been informative and helpful. Remember to always be adventurous and try new things, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want – you never know what might be possible!
Can I get a side of taco shells at Chipotle?
Unfortunately, Chipotle does not offer taco shells as a side item on their menu. Their menu is designed around burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads, and they do not provide taco shells as a separate option. However, you can customize your meal by ordering tacos and asking for extra tortillas on the side.
It’s worth noting that Chipotle’s menu is relatively flexible, and you can often make modifications to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a taco shell fix, you might consider ordering tacos and using the extra tortillas to create your own taco shells. Just keep in mind that this might not be the most cost-effective option, and you may end up paying more for the extra tortillas.
Why doesn’t Chipotle offer taco shells as a side item?
Chipotle’s menu is designed to be simple and focused on a few core items. By not offering taco shells as a side item, they can streamline their operations and reduce waste. Additionally, Chipotle’s business model is built around providing high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, and offering taco shells as a side item might not align with this mission.
It’s also possible that Chipotle has simply chosen to focus on their core menu items and doesn’t see a demand for taco shells as a side item. The company is known for its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients and preparing food in small batches, so it’s possible that they don’t want to compromise on quality by offering a side item that might not meet their standards.
Can I customize my Chipotle order to get taco shells?
Yes, you can customize your Chipotle order to get extra tortillas, which can be used to make your own taco shells. Simply order tacos and ask for extra tortillas on the side. You can also ask for them to be warmed up or toasted if you prefer.
Keep in mind that customizing your order may not always be possible, especially during peak hours or at busy locations. However, most Chipotle employees are happy to accommodate special requests, so it never hurts to ask. Just be respectful of their time and the other customers in line.
How much do extra tortillas cost at Chipotle?
The cost of extra tortillas at Chipotle can vary depending on the location and the specific order. However, in general, you can expect to pay around $1-$2 for a few extra tortillas. This is a relatively small additional cost, especially if you’re already ordering a meal.
It’s worth noting that some locations may not charge extra for tortillas, especially if you’re ordering a large meal or a catering order. However, this can vary, so it’s always best to check with your local Chipotle to confirm their policies.
Can I use Chipotle’s tortillas to make my own taco shells at home?
Yes, you can definitely use Chipotle’s tortillas to make your own taco shells at home. Simply order extra tortillas, take them home, and bake or fry them to create crispy taco shells. You can also use them to make tacos, burritos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
One of the benefits of using Chipotle’s tortillas is that they are made with high-quality ingredients and have a great flavor. They’re also relatively inexpensive, especially if you’re already ordering a meal. Just be sure to store them properly and use them within a few days to ensure freshness.
Are there any other restaurants that offer taco shells as a side item?
Yes, there are many other restaurants that offer taco shells as a side item. Some popular options include Taco Bell, Del Taco, and Qdoba. These restaurants often have a wide range of taco shell options, including crunchy shells, soft shells, and even specialty shells.
If you’re looking for a specific type of taco shell, you may want to try a specialty Mexican restaurant or a local taco shop. These types of restaurants often have a wide range of options and may be able to accommodate special requests. Just be sure to check their menu and pricing before ordering.
Can I make my own taco shells from scratch?
Yes, you can definitely make your own taco shells from scratch. This can be a fun and rewarding process, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of shell or flavor. To make taco shells from scratch, you’ll need to mix together flour, water, and other ingredients, then shape the dough into thin circles and fry or bake them until crispy.
Making taco shells from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s a great way to customize your tacos and ensure that they’re made with high-quality ingredients. You can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious taco shells. Just be sure to follow a recipe and use proper food safety techniques to ensure that your shells are safe to eat.