Brooks, Alberta — In recent years, Brooks has become a true melting pot of cultures, and among the most delicious and significant contributions is Latin cuisine. From Mexican tacos to Venezuelan arepas and Colombian empanadas, the flavours of Latin America are not only present but are increasingly appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
A growing Latin community
With over 15,000 residents, Brooks is home to a diverse immigrant community, and Latinos represent a vital part of that cultural mosaic. According to data from Statistics Canada and local settlement organizations, it is estimated that at least 10% of the population of Brooks has Latin American origins. The most represented nationalities include Mexicans, Colombians, Salvadorans, Venezuelans, Hondurans, and Guatemalans.
The power of cooking as a cultural bridge
For many immigrants, food is a way to keep their identity alive and share their culture with others. "Food is love, it is roots, and it is history. When a Canadian tries a pupusa or a homemade tamale, they are not just tasting a dish, they are tasting our traditions," comments Gloria Ramírez, a Salvadoran entrepreneur who recently opened a small café in downtown Brooks.
Latin culinary ventures are on the rise
The growing demand for Latin food has driven the opening of several restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries with Latin flavour. At community events like the Brooks Rodeo or summer festivals, Latin food stalls are among the most popular. "More and more Canadians are looking for something different, something with flavour and soul. Latin food has that and more," says Javier Medina, a Colombian chef who works at a fusion restaurant.
Canadians love our flavor
The reactions have been swift: many Canadian residents of Brooks are discovering new flavours that they now consider part of their regular diet. "I had never tried an arepa before, and now I can't stop eating them," says Linda Thompson, a local teacher. This type of comment is repeated on social media, food reviews, and everyday conversations.
A legacy that is simmered slowly
The influence of Latin cuisine goes beyond the palate. It also contributes to integration, job creation, and the strengthening of the social fabric of Brooks. Initiatives such as cooking workshops, cultural fairs, and collaborations between Latin restaurants and traditional local establishments are sowing a promising future.
"Our food speaks for us, and in Brooks, it is being heard with the heart and the stomach. This is just the beginning of a feast that unites cultures and celebrates diversity," concludes Gloria Ramírez.