Mexican food in London

In an attempt to write about something that’s not as heavy as babies and marriage and my love of vampires (oh, to be that taxi!), I thought I’d write about something equally important but not involving so many feeeeelings. Because this time I’m writing about eating your feelings.

And no better way to do that than with some Mexican food. Who doesn’t feel better after some chips and salsa?

When I was studying here five years ago, it was difficult to find decent Mexican food. The Brits tried. They really did. But it was always a bit off. Even the Old El Paso taco seasoning packets at the supermarket seemed weird. (Curry powder finds its way into so many dishes in this country.)

But I’ve seen the supermarkets’ selection expand over the last few years. Now you can find lowfat sour cream and wholewheat tortillas and guacamole in a jar (which I would never buy but I’m just showing you how much more is on offer these days.)

Sure, they still have the ready-made nachos that they call Authentic Tex-Mex and Crispy Chicken Fajitas that look like something from KFC. And a weird nacho cheese dip from Tesco that is almost entirely mayonnaise. Like I said, they are trying.

We have to keep in mind that a messy kebab after a night out is the British equivalent to a late night run to Taco Bell or the Burrito Buggy (OU students – I’m looking at you). There are great Indian restaurants here – they didn’t know they needed Mexican food.

But I’m happy to report that really good Mexican food does exist in London and you actually have quite a few choices.

Lucky for me and my feelings, I work near a few of these fine establishments where you can get burritos practically the size of your head.

Daddy Donkey

They describe themselves as a “Kick-ass Mexican Grill” and do the “daddy” of burritos, as well as bowls and tacos. I hear they really are kick-ass.

Location:  Leather Lane Market, London,  EC1N 7TE

Freebird

The owner, Carlos, trained at the same culinary institute as the guy who started Chipotle. These burritos are seriously good and taste just like home.

(I couldn’t find a working website for them but follow them on Twitter if you’re one of those people.)

Location: Exmouth Market, Camden, Goodge Street

Beach Burrito (now EatMexicali)

I can’t vouch for this place but I’ve heard good things – they even do breakfast burritos. I’m in.

Location: Notting Hill, Chelsea and Soho.

Tortilla

A small restaurant across from Angel tube station that’s big on taste and value. They seem to understand exactly what “fresh, delicious California-Mexican cuisine” is. More importantly, they use Monterey Jack cheese. I can’t tell you how rare that is.

Location: 13 Islington High Street, London, N1 9LQ

Chilango (used to be Mucho Mas)

I haven’t been here but it looks cute and funky – not a prerequisite for amazing Mexican food but I just thought I’d add that in. They boast “fresh, fabulously tasty Mexican cuisine” and are also near to Angel tube station.

Location: 27 Upper Street, Islington,  N1 0PN

Mestizo

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Mexican menu, try this restaurant. It’s not the type of place you pop in for a take away burrito but it can be a fun night out with friends who appreciate that Tex-Mex is not proper Mexican food.

Location: 103 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 3EL

Wahaca

There was so much hype around this place when it came to London. I admit to being really excited about it too but this was before I knew of all these other places. Wahaca specializes in Mexican street food and I do always enjoy what I order…well, except for the time I ordered a burrito and was put off by all the cabbage stuffed in there. So, I go there for the taquitos and churros instead.

Locations: 66 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HG and Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GB

Cafe Pacifico

This Mexican cantina does the job as far as enchiladas and chimichangas are concerned. If you’re in Covent Garden, a perfect evening of Mexican goodness would be lite bites at Wahaca followed by margaritas and mains at Cafe Pacifico.

Location: 5 Langley Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JA

Taqueria

This “authentic Mexican taco cafe” in West London has a large range of tacos from prawns to chorizo to beer battered fish (I’m not so sure about that one but we’ll go with it). The restaurant is from the same people behind the Cool Chile Co.

Location: 139-143 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2RS

Cool Chile Co.

For those who would rather make their own Mexican food, Cool Chile Co. has what the supermarkets lack. After a quick scan of their site, I’ll be ordering some fresh corn tortillas and tomatilla salsa. You can order online or visit their stall at Borough Market.

I think this is a fantastic indication of what Mexican food in the UK will be in the future. And if none of these do it for you, have no fear, Chipotle is coming here! They are due to open their first restaurant in London later this year.

(Now, if only I could find some really good queso. Nobody does it like you Austin Grill. I’ll love you forever but please don’t ever redesign your menu again. I almost had a heart attack when I couldn’t find queso under the appetizer section. But you’re right, you know best. It really is a side. It goes with everything.)

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