Can you imagine a world without nachos? When Ignacio Anaya decided to melt cheese on top of tortilla chips for a group of American army wives stationed in Mexico during the Second World War, he truly changed our snacking lives forever. Nowadays, you'll spot a plate of tortillas and melted cheddar on almost any restaurant menu. And even though it’s difficult to be disappointed by nachos, some are undeniably better than others.
Known mostly for its tacos, Tacofino also does a super fine plate of nachos topped with chopped tomato salsa, green onions, chorizo (optional), and chipotle sour cream. Here’s the kicker: these nachos use feta instead of cheddar or mozzarella and, surprisingly, it works.
Hidden away in Granville Island’s famous public market, La Tortilleria can be easy to miss, but “miss out” is something you do not want to do when it comes to their nachos. A relatively small and humble dish compared to others on this list, these nachos are authentically similar to nachos you might come across in Mexico. And they’re cheap too! Chopped tomato salsa, fat black beans, guacamole and sour cream all melt together over two layers of tortillas to create that classic flavour combo you’re going for when you try to make nachos at home in your pyjamas.
Carnivores should be excited to try the nachos at St. Augustine’s on Commercial Drive. Piled high with pulled pork, salsa, sour cream, and green peppers, you could basically dig into a plate of these with a knife and fork. Your tortilla chips will be snapping under the weight of all the meat, but that’s hardly a bad thing because – yum!
This Gastown favourite offers an ingenious twist on traditional nachos: a gigantic plate of tortilla chips arrives with a bowl of melted cheese and toppings in the centre, so that you must dip the chips in the cheese. Confused? Think of it this way: you don’t have to worry about unequal coverage! No chip can be left without toppings when you get to individually top each one yourself.
If you’re looking for nachos made with traditional Mexican ingredients, then look no further than Patron Tacos & Cantina whose plate of nachos is like a taste fiesta in your mouth. Yellow corn tortilla chips are layered with sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapeños, tart salsa, and your choice of meat: Mexican chorizo, beef tinga or chicken tinga.
A favourite dish among Kits residents, Local’s nachos are served with chunks of avocados, lots of gooey Monterey Jack cheese, refried beans, pulled chicken and barbecue sauce. Sour cream is drizzled on top and guacamole is served on the side. You won’t want to share!
For the veggie inclined, this popular taqueria lets you “veganize” your nachos with vegan cheese and vegan sour cream. Bandidas offers four different kinds of nachos to choose from: the Pascale Mark (sweet peppers, corn and jalapeños), Pete and Bits (feta, goat and mozzarella cheese with pinto beans), Hampton (chipotle tofu and pinto beans) and G.L.D. (roasted pineapple, black beans, spicy Mexican corn mix and fresh jalapeños).
You can’t go wrong ordering nachos at a restaurant that specializes in Mexican food. The guacamole gets rave reviews at this casual Yaletown spot, and those who don’t care for much heat can rest easy knowing that salsa and toppings are famously mild.
This Coal Harbour restaurant overlooking the Burrard Inlet may be known for its expansive patio and stunning views, but it also boasts a killer plate of nachos. Fully loaded and served with ample salsa and sour cream, amp up this already impressive platter with pulled pork or chicken and don’t deny the guacamole. Bring a group to tackle the mound or make it your final stop after a city-wide seawall bike trip and dig into it with a friend. You’ll be hungry.