Corpus Christi offers South Texas-style edibles that are unique to this area. So in between those delicious meals, make a dash for an afternoon snack like fully-loaded chicharrónes or corn or fruit cups. And of course, awaken that palate by dousing these treats with the bold flavors of chile, sal y limon!
La Michoacana Bakery
For an unbeatable selection of baked goods made fresh daily, you’ve come to the right place. Between 80 and 100 varieties of pastries, cookies, empanadas and more at just $0.59 a piece. Sought after treats include empanadas de calabaza (pumpkin turnovers), barra de queso (cream cheese-filled pastries topped with icing), pink cake and marranitos (pig-shaped cookies made with molasses). The bakery also offers specialty items like flour and wheat tortillas, pan de polvo, chocolate flan and tres leches cake.
Rosty Corn
You can’t miss the little red choo choo train in front of the Corpus Christi Trade Center, not to be confused with roasty corn. Corn cups come in three sizes ($4, $5 and $6). Fresh corn husks are thrown on the pit, the corn is removed from the ears and tossed into a cup with your choice of butter, mayonnaise, lemon pepper, chili powder or parmesan cheese. For just $7, try the signature “loaded baked potato,” piled high with fresh corn and all the fixings, shredded cheese, sausage and steak. The family-run business, started by the late Virgilio Fernandez, is insanely popular with an average wait time of 20-25 minutes for fresh food made on site. Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7:30 p.m.
Tower Imports
As soon as you walk through the main entrance of the Corpus Christi Trade Center, you can find leche quemada (caramelized milk) and an assortment of candies made from pumpkin, sweet potato and guava. Folks line up for savory chicharrónes (pork cracklings) seasoned with chile, sal y limon, pico de gallo, cabbage and sour cream for only $8. Enjoy a refreshing lemonade, Mexican Coke or Joya flavored drink. Plan ahead: this cash only business is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pick up a piñata or Lotería cards, too.
Sno-Ball Too
A Corpus Christi favorite since 1972, choose from more than 50 homemade flavors at this new Southside location. Try a sweet and spicy chamoyada “raspa” or play it safe with classic strawberry. A 16 oz. single flavored sno-ball is only $3. Mix flavors like leche canela (cinnamon milk) with banana, or try toasted marshmellow or the pic-a-dilly, where you can chose any flavor of snowcone with diced pickles and your choice of Kool-Aid flavor sprinkled on top.
La Paletera
If fresh fruit cups are what you crave, ask for the “copa de todo,” which consists of apples, bananas, cantaloupe, cherries, coconut, cucumber, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries and watermelon. A 32 oz. cup is only $6.25. Add salt, lime and chile or skip it. Grab a light lunch like shrimp cocktail or sandwich combos with chips or a 6 oz. fruit cup. There also are delicious fruit licuados (milkshakes), “fruity freeze” smoothies and popsicles to choose from; or try la “bomba” a hybrid of a corn cup and Frito pie for just $4.99.
Hungry yet? Visit Corpus Christi on an empty stomach and taste some of the best South Texas-style treats.
