Xintli in Baltimore: Mexican Street Food from a Truck in Fells Point
Xintli is a food truck specializing in Oaxacan-style tlayudas, a crispy, hand-pressed tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and rotating proteins, parked regularly in the Fells Point neighborhood. The operation is small and seasonal, with a focused menu that reflects the owner's regional expertise rather than a broad Mexican-American standard.
What Xintli actually is
A standalone food truck serving Oaxacan street food, Xintli operates without a brick-and-mortar location. The truck appears at set times and locations, primarily around Fells Point. The signature item is the tlayuda, pronounced "tla-YOO-dah," a large thin tortilla fried until crisp, then topped with refried beans, Oaxaca cheese, and proteins like chorizo, grilled chicken, or asiento (crispy pork). Unlike tacos or burritos common at most Baltimore food trucks, a tlayuda is eaten with the hands and has a surface quality closer to pizza bread than a standard tortilla. The truck also serves quesadillas and seasonal specials.
Menu and pricing
Tlayudas run $8 to $10 depending on protein choice; chorizo and asiento are on the higher end. Quesadillas are $7 to $9. Add-ons like extra cheese or guacamole run $1 to $2. Prices are subject to seasonal input costs; confirm current rates before visiting. The menu rotates with availability and season, so daily specials may differ from the standard lineup.
How Xintli compares to other Baltimore food trucks
Baltimore's food truck scene includes broad-appeal options like Chubby Chickpea (Middle Eastern) and Fogo de Chao on Wheels (Brazilian) alongside Mexican-focused trucks. Xintli differs in specificity: most Mexican trucks in the city offer tacos, burritos, and quesadillas from a general regional palette. Xintli's focus on tlayudas and Oaxacan preparation creates a distinct offering. If you want familiar Mexican-American truck fare, El Columpio or similar operations serve it faster and with more seating options. Choose Xintli if you want to try a specific regional Mexican specialty that you won't find at other Baltimore trucks.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Xintli works best for adventurous eaters comfortable with hand-held, crispy-based food and unfamiliar regional names. It suits lunch crowds in Fells Point who can eat standing or sitting on a bench. It does not suit diners seeking a full sit-down meal, a wide vegetarian selection (though options exist), or a predictable menu. The truck's seasonal hours and occasional gaps mean it is not reliable for a specific craving on a specific day.
What the first visit involves
Locate the truck using its social media pages or by asking at nearby shops on Thames Street in Fells Point, where it parks regularly. Study the menu board; if you are unfamiliar with tlayudas, ask the vendor for a description or recommendation. Expect to order and receive food within 5 to 10 minutes during off-peak times; lunch rush can stretch longer. Stand or find a nearby bench to eat. Bring cash or confirm card payment beforehand; not all food trucks in Baltimore accept cards consistently.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The truck operates Thursday through Sunday, typically 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., though hours shift seasonally and may close in winter months. It parks on Thames Street near the Fells Point waterfront; confirm the exact spot on social media before visiting because the truck relocates within the neighborhood. Street parking is available but competitive during peak hours and weekends. There is no onsite seating, so you will eat standing, walking, or using nearby public seating. The truck does not offer delivery through third-party apps; it is cash-friendly but confirm card acceptance on arrival.
Xintli fills a gap in Baltimore's food truck lineup by offering authentic regional Mexican cooking rather than generalized truck fare, making it worth seeking out if you are in Fells Point and curious about Oaxacan food.
