Why Do American Burritos Have Rice? The Surprising Truth Behind Mission-Style Burritos

Exploring the evolution of the burrito and the rise of the rice-filled 'mission-style' version in the U.S.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:39am

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A bold, graphic illustration composed of a repeating pattern of a single burrito ingredient, such as a pile of rice or a mound of guacamole, rendered in a high-contrast, silkscreen-style pop art aesthetic with a vibrant, neon color palette.The vibrant and playful visual representation of the burrito's key ingredients reflects the ongoing evolution of this Mexican staple into an American culinary icon.San Diego Today

Ever bitten into a burrito and wondered why it feels more like a rice pillow than a Mexican masterpiece? While traditional Mexican burritos are typically stuffed with meat, vegetables, and beans, many U.S. versions come loaded with rice, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. This article explores the reasons behind the rise of the 'mission-style' burrito and the debate around authenticity versus innovation.

Why it matters

The inclusion of rice in American burritos has become a point of contention, with some seeing it as a delicious twist and others viewing it as a betrayal of traditional Mexican cuisine. This story sheds light on the history and motivations behind this culinary evolution, sparking discussions around cultural appropriation, perceptions of value, and the changing tastes of American diners.

The details

According to Laurence Cohen, corporate brand chef at Tex-Mex restaurant Austin Grill, the addition of rice to American burritos is largely driven by the perception of value. 'The bigger the burrito, the more people feel they're getting their money's worth. Rice is cheap, so it's an easy way to bulk up the meal without breaking the bank.' However, this has led to concerns that customers are simply paying for filler rather than authentic flavors. The 'mission-style' burrito, which originated in San Francisco's Mission District in the 1960s, is credited as the inspiration for Chipotle's famous foil-wrapped creation. Two restaurants, El Faro and Taqueria la Cumbre, claim to have invented the rice-filled burrito style, though the exact origins remain disputed.

  • The 'mission-style' burrito is believed to have originated in San Francisco's Mission District in the 1960s.
  • In 1961, El Faro restaurant claims to have invented the rice-filled burrito style.
  • In 1969, Taqueria la Cumbre also claims to have created the 'mission-style' burrito.

The players

Laurence Cohen

Corporate brand chef at Tex-Mex restaurant Austin Grill, who explains the business rationale behind adding rice to American burritos.

Steve Ells

Founder of Chipotle, who reportedly drew inspiration from the Mission District's burritos while working there.

El Faro

A restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District that claims to have invented the 'mission-style' burrito in 1961.

Taqueria la Cumbre

Another restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District that claims to have created the 'mission-style' burrito in 1969.

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What they’re saying

“The bigger the burrito, the more people feel they're getting their money's worth. Rice is cheap, so it's an easy way to bulk up the meal without breaking the bank.”

— Laurence Cohen, Corporate Brand Chef, Austin Grill

What’s next

The debate around the authenticity and evolution of the American burrito continues, with discussions around whether Chipotle should add the California burrito (featuring french fries) to its menu to further embrace the rice-filled, Americanized take on the classic Mexican dish.

The takeaway

The rise of the 'mission-style' burrito in the U.S. highlights the ongoing tension between cultural authenticity and culinary innovation. While some see the addition of rice as a delicious twist, others view it as a departure from traditional Mexican cuisine. This story invites readers to consider the complex interplay between perceptions of value, consumer preferences, and the evolution of beloved ethnic dishes in the American market.