Our Story

Our story began with the friendship of two Mexican Americans finding their way in Dubai and striving for more in life. Connected by a shared genuine passion for authentic flavors, tequila, and the vibrant culture of their Mexican heritage, Edgar Jimenez and Priscilla Hernandez were inspired to open Chalco’s Cantina.

Once apon a time in Mexico

Originating from small town of Chalco in Mexico, Edgar has spent most of his childhood in his family’s restaurant in Los Angeles, California and has always wanted to open his own. Chalco, located south of Mexico City, has a vibrant culinary scene with amazing little restaurants, street food vendors and markets, where you can find flavors from all over Mexico. Paying tribute to his original hometown and its incomparable gourmet experiences, Edgar opened his first Chalco’s Mexican Grill in Belfast, Ireland, before opening 3 more fast-casual Mexican food joints in Dubai and Jeddah. In 2022, he partnered with Priscilla to open Chalco’s Cantina, a Mexican restaurant and bar offering his original family recipes in Dubai Marina – one of the most-sought after neighborhoods in the city.

“Mexican cuisine comes from a tradition of street food, which is simple and affordable, and that’s what we offer at Chalco’s Cantina.”

Edgar Jimenez

Our Cultural Heritage

Growing up in Northwest Indiana, just outside of Chicago, Priscilla has always been true to her Mexican roots, and food, dance and music has always been at the center of her cultural heritage. As she moved to Dubai, opening a Mexican restaurant and bar was an opportunity for her to continue holding onto that culture and all the things that remind her of home. Additionally, creating a home-grown brand was a natural step for her to better understand the UAE business environment as her line of work focuses broadly on supporting the growth and prosperity of the UAE economy.

“We’ve created an authentic and warm place that feels like home, with a cuisine that reflects the diversity of Mexican food and our different cultural influences.”

Priscilla Hernandez

The Head Chef

For Chef Jose Alonzo Lopez Jimenez, cooking is a family affair! Born in Mexico City, Alonzo’s first steps in cooking were in his Grandma’s kitchen where he learned her traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Inspired by his father, a self-taught chef, Alonzo then decided to study what he truly loves: cooking. After 15 years working as a Chef for a prestigious international hotel chains in Mexico City and Cancun, his culinary journey and talent brought him to Dubai. Since the opening of Chalco’s Cantina, Chef Alonzo has crafted a tasty menu which expanded from 8 to more than 50 dishes. His specialties include Birria Tacos, made of slow cooked beef stew, Pozole, a hearty soup with chicken and corn, and Chile Relleno, a roasted poblano chili pepper stuffed with cheese. At the heart of his cuisine are authentic recipes, the freshest ingredients and a lot of love and generosity.