Judging by the lines, La Panaderia is a must-visit morning stop in San Antonio. The local micro-chain fills its bakery cases with traditional Mexican sweet breads like pan de muerto and rosca de reyes, along with more modern options like a tequila-almond croissant and their trademarked “Croncha,” which cleverly mashes up a croissant and concha, the traditional Mexican sweet bread roll that resembles a seashell.

San Antonio is an American city that feels like no other. It carries the distinction from UNESCO as being named one of only two “Creative Cities of Gastronomy” in the U.S. (Tucson is the other), citing the San Antonio’s wide-ranging culinary heritage, including Mexican, Spanish, Indigenous, Asian and African, as well as its support of innovative culinary endeavors. The Flavor & The Menu team wanted to experience that mix of authenticity and creativity firsthand, so we set off on a flavor scouting trip, seeking out the dishes, flavors and ingredients that are driving culinary innovation in San Antonio.