About Sylvia Casares, Houston's Enchilada Queen

Tex-Mex done right

For more than 25 years, chef Sylvia Casares has reigned as Houston’s Enchilada Queen – serving 19 varieties of enchiladas and winning national recognition as a James Beard nominee, cookbook author, and authority on Texas border food.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Sylvia grew up with a passion for the flavors of the Rio Grande Valley. After years of honing her skills, she opened Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, where loyal guests come for authentic Tex-Mex enchiladas, fajitas, and classic dishes. Her acclaimed Enchilada Queen Cookbook brought those recipes to kitchens nationwide.

Today, Sylvia is bringing that same South Texas tradition home with the Signature Sauce Collection – Medium Red Salsa, Tomatillo Sauce, and her famous Enchilada Chili Gravy. Made the hard way, with no shortcuts, they deliver restaurant-quality Tex-Mex flavor in every jar.

From her Houston kitchens to yours, Sylvia’s mission is simple: to share true Tex-Mex flavor and keep the legacy of Texas-style chili gravy alive as the cornerstone of Houston’s enchilada culture.

You can enjoy Sylvia’s Signature Sauce Collection at home or visit Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen for the full Tex-Mex experience.

“If flavors are to be rich and fresh, you can’t be afraid of using a whole spice that needs to be ground, a guajillo chili that needs to be simmered, or a sauce that needs its many ingredients to marry overnight. It’s one of the things I pride myself on as a Texan: lower your head and roll up your sleeves.”

Sylvia Casares
Houston's Enchilada Queen