Once upon a time, I used to think all Mexican food was like the stuff served up in the Wahaca chain of restaurants. It turns out I couldn’t be further from the truth. After visiting Mexico in all its glory and splendour and being shown around by a native, I discovered the true flavour of the country. The street food stalls serve up chicharrón tacos, chicken tostadas and cheesy empanadas. Little pots of chillis, herbs, sliced onions and sauces plenty. Oodles of fresh fish chopped up and served ceviche style. Creamy guacamole. Delicious is an understatement.
It turns out, though, if you know where to look, there are plenty of places to test your tastebuds in this fair city. You just need to know where to look. And if you wanted even more of an excuse to dive headfirst into Mexican cuisine, it’s Mexican Day of the Dead.
La Piñata
This month, sees the arrival of a mezcal and tequila festival at Tobacco Docks. The festival is a Mexican celebration of agave spirits, culture and tequila tasting brought together by 20 different producers. For those who think you know your stuff, prepare to be tested. You’ll be led through the different terroir of each pińa, the roast, fermentation, and distillation details by each producer as well as the stories behind each bottle. If tasting flights aren’t your thing, there will also be the very best cocktails to swig down, including Margaritas, Palomas and Boilermakers. Feeling hungry? You can also dive into the street food stands that are set to whip up something a little extra.
Where: Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, E1W 2SF
Website: www.tobaccodocklondon.com
Printhouse x Mezcal Verde
Printhouse x Mezcal Verde serves up all things mezcal every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm – 11 pm in the heart of East London. Not only that, but there’s live music and a selection of tacos being served up. All of the spirits come from Mezcal Verde an artisanal brand built from seed to sip, using organically grown 8-year-old agave Éspadín. Plus, there’s a really great courtyard to make the most of the weather before we head into winter.
Where: 133 High Street, Stratford, E15 2RB
Website: www.theprinthousebar.com
1910 Cantina
The founders of 1910, Jose and Mauricio, were born and raised in Mexico so they really know their stuff. Jose brings his expertise in mezcal and tequila to the table, while Mauricio brings his incredible cooking skills. It’s the perfect match. Think authentic recipes, delicious drinks, and friendly service. With sustainability at the heart of everything they do, they serve up a range of soft tortilla tacos and dishes: Cochinita Pibil (with slow-roasted pork), Baja Pescado (battered white fish with lime and red cabbage) and classic enchiladas.
Where: 3 Ramsden Road, Balham SW12 8QY
Website: www.1910cantina.com
Upstairs at La Bodega Negra
In Soho, Upstairs at La Bodega Negra is a vibrant taqueria based on the ground floor (ironically). It serves up street-style Mexican food and margaritas alongside a seriously hefty tequila and mezcal collection. The restaurant is above La Bodega Negra’s wild, notorious subterranean tequila den for dancing and raucous activity (which you can dip into if the need arises).
Where: 16 Moor Street, Soho, W1D 5AP
Website: www.bodeganegracafe.com
Santo Remedio
Santo Remedio is another Mexican restaurant with Mexican founders. They serve up the food that they grew up eating at home, in markets, taquerias and at celebrations. They source speciality ingredients from Mexico and use traditional cooking techniques to serve up meals to remember. Even the décor is created by Mexican artisans and craftspeople.
Where: 152 Tooley Street, London Bridge, SE1 2TU
Website: www.santoremedio.co.uk
By The Handbook