La Dueña Mexican Kitchen — Restaurant in Moab

After a day of mountain biking in the red and expansive Moab trails, we were starving for a good meal. As we head back to camp, a little red truck calls our attention with the words “La Dueña Mexican Kitchen.” My companions say it’s perfect, but as a Native Mexican citizen, I had my doubts about Mexican food in Utah.

Those suspicions were right. The first issue arises when I look at the menu. In big red letters, it reads “$4.50 PER TACO.” A whopping $5 per taco? Do these tacos give you super powers? Do they let you fly? My mother could feed a family of 5 for $5 with just tacos. It’s just corn and a bit of meat. But regardless, my hunger is far too great, so I firm the price.

I get to the front of the truck to order, really excited to speak to another Mexican. Maybe they’ll be excited to hear Mexican Spanish too. Maybe I’ll have a nice conversation with them using my native lingo. I’m looking forward to this potential cultural connection. I start giving my order in Spanish, and am greeted with a look of confusion. Now I’m angry. You are telling me, that “La Dueña”, the woman in charge of the Mexican kitchen, doesn’t speak Spanish? How? This should be a crime. This woman is, in my humble opinion, a poser. She’s propagating my native food and has no clue about the corresponding culture. If you are ever at a Mexican place and the cook doesn’t speak Spanish, RUN!

But despite that, after my REALLY uncomfortable interaction with this woman who keeps asking me uneducated questions about my home, I finally order. I’m sitting patiently waiting for my food. And I keep waiting, then more waiting. I ordered two tacos and a quesadilla, and it took them maybe 30 minutes to provide me food. I could’ve returned to my city in Mexico, sourced local ingredients, prepared the dishes, and come back, and it would still would’ve been faster than the service.

At this point, I must admit, I’m hangry and irritated. The place hasn’t exactly met my expectation, but I still haven’t tried the food. I take the first bite, and to my surprise, I’m quite pleased. The quesadilla is good. Not fantastic, but good. It needs a bit more cream and sauce. I return to the lady and politely ask for more.

“It’s a dollar per extra sauce.” “Are you joking?” “No, it’s because people waste it often.”

What I do with my cream is none of your concern. If I want to put it on my tacos, that’s my decision. If I want to bathe in it, that’s also my decision. Mexican culture is often characterized by pure generosity and kindness. Mexican people love to give, and keep giving. This extra charge for sauce goes against everything that Mexico stands for. A true desecration of our National identity.

I’ve gotten far too emotionally invested in this review, but for the right reasons. I love my country and my food, and I want the whole planet to love it too. “La Dueña (Barely) Mexican Kitchen” does not contribute to this.

If you are ever here, do yourself a favor and go to Milt’s Stop and Eat. They make a...

La Dueña is a culinary delight on wheels that truly stands out in the world of Mexican food trucks! I recently visited and indulged in their fish tacos and pork tacos—each bite was a burst of flavor. The fish tacos were perfectly crispy and light, while the pork tacos featured tender, juicy meat that practically melted in my mouth. And the red sauce? It was absolutely addictive—I couldn’t stop eating!

But what really sets La Dueña apart is the incredible team behind the counter. The employees are, without a doubt, the best. Their friendly smiles, attentive service, and genuine passion for what they do made the entire experience even more enjoyable. They go above and beyond to ensure every customer feels welcome and satisfied, adding a personal touch that you just don’t see everywhere.

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican flavors, mouthwatering tacos, and outstanding service, La Dueña is the place to be. I can’t wait for...

I don’t like doing negative reviews but I can not say something here…Food was mediocre/adequate but way overpriced! Some outrageous charges. Here was my order: $6.00-12oz watered down Horchata- (just to be clear this was a single horchata). Maybe they listed the price for this somewhere but I can’t see how they came up with $6 for this! Such a ripoff. $4.50- al pastor taco. No salsa. And they asked if I wanted salsa. Glad I did because it needed it! Wait… $1.00- salsa (one of those little condiment cups!) I assumed this would be included since you know I bought a $4.50 taco. Nope! $7.00- asada sope. It was okay. I got it to go. Guess what they charged me for the little box too! $0.50. Grand total with tax- $20.64. They were nice enough and it was clean food but not sensational which is what I would expect for so expensive. In...