The holidays are full of celebration—late nights, family gatherings, and maybe one too many festive drinks. When the morning hits and the joy of the season turns into the agony of a holiday hangover, nothing soothes the soul quite like a warm bowl of menudo soup from Delia’s. Whether you enjoy it at home or join us for a comforting weekend meal, menudo has long been the go-to remedy for shaking off “la cruda” and getting back into the holiday spirit.
Its Origins
Menudo began as a humble “poor man’s soup”—a dish created from leftover meats, slow simmered with spices for hours. Traditional preparations could take all day, often made in a large pot where beef tripe and aromatics are united into one comforting feast. Like tamales, it was a family affair—shared during major celebrations like Christmas, New Year’s, and weddings. It wasn’t just food; it was tradition.
Remedies from Around the World
People all over the world have been searching far and wide for a hangover remedy for a long time. Some can make sense while others are questioned. Here are a few of the funniest that we’ve found online:
- In Puerto Rico, before starting to drink, rub a slice of lemon into the armpit of your drinking arm. (Health)
- In Ireland, according to legend, you’ll need to bury yourself neck-deep in wet river sand in order to cure a hangover. (Gizmodo)
- Some Native American tribes believe that licking your own sweat can cure a hangover. (Mental Floss)
- In Hungary, in order to rid your hangover, you must drink sparrow droppings in your brandy. (Huffington Post)
- Now, if you don’t mind smelling like lemon for a day, then these remedies might be for you. But for the rest of the world, there is one secret that a majority of people swear by.
Curing La Cruda During the Holidays
Even legends like George Strait swear by menudo’s magical effects. But what makes it so special? Is it the infusion of red chile, the long cooking time, or the moment when the tripe is tender and ready to enjoy? No one knows for sure, but one thing is certain: when the holidays get a little too festive, authentic menudo always brings you back to life.
Weekend Menudo at Delia’s
In the Rio Grande Valley, few traditions are as beloved as a steaming bowl of menudo on a winter weekend. At Delia’s, ours is so unforgettable that one sip may just become your new holiday ritual. Enjoy it every Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM, perfect timing for the morning after your holiday gatherings.
How to Make Menudo Part of Your Holiday Traditions
• Host a morning-after gathering. Invite friends for a relaxed post-party hangout—serve menudo, holiday pastries, and hot drinks for the ultimate recovery brunch.
• Turn your kitchen into a holiday gathering spot. While menudo reheats—whether you use a slow cooker or stovetop to reheat your menudo—it’s the perfect time for decorating cookies, wrapping gifts, or catching up with visiting family.
• Create a holiday aroma bar. Set out bowls of onions, cilantro, lime, oregano, and crushed red pepper so everyone can customize their own tripe soup just the way they like it.
• Keep it simple and stress-free. Buy menudo on Sundays only at any Delia’s location. Gather everyone to eat and enjoy the next day.
