Review of 'Wahaca'

Wahaca is a refreshing newcomer to the London restaurant scene. Serving up modern Mexican cuisine sourced from local ingredients. They promise to bring “the spirit of Mexican market eating to London: respect for quality ingredients, passion for vibrant, honest food and the pleasure of sharing with others.” Quite. I think I can agree with all of the sentiments myself.

From the street you descend a stairway into the main eating area which is spacious and light with several, different rooms that you can be seated in with simple modern art and lighting. Despite being modern I found it warm and inviting (even being by myself).

I started with “Guacamole and tortilla chips” on recommendation of my charming waitress (who agreed to give me some samples of the two home-made salsas they have – both excellent). I found the tortilla chips a bit overdone though I am not sure whether this was intentional (if it was it made it a bit chewy) and the Guacamole a bit tasteless (more so than I would have expected). Having said this, this was the only disappointment in my otherwise outstanding meal.

Wahaca bill the main part of it's menu as “Street Food” which my waitress described as “Mexican Tapas” with a number of smaller, inexpensive dishes that are suitable for sharing with the recommendation of 2-3 per person (I would have though 3 was WAY too much particularly if you have a starter and dessert). From this menu I had “Pork Pibil” tacos (three small soft tortillas) which were a bit difficult to eat (very runny) but contained wonderful pork and worked very well with the salsa. The chicken taquitos (deep fried tortillas wrapped in a tube shape with the filling inside) were very rich and filling particularly with the large amount of salad included with it. My side order of Frijoles (black beans twice cooked with crumbled cheese) were the highlight of the meal for me – Fantastically rich and flavourful.

I did manage to find room for the dessert of “Churros y Chocolate” which were devine and VERY tasty – crispy with a fantastic soft interior with the melted chocolate that I was able to drizzle over at my pleasure (provided in a small container on the side).

A very satisfying experience and probably the best Mexican food I have ever had. Anywhere (even Southern California). Fantastic staff, great menu and atmosphere. The price is right too!

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2007-10-26


Cuisine: Mexican

Address: 66 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HG

Public Transport: TUBE Covent Garden, TUBE Leicester Square

Location: London (England) - Covent Garden

Map:

 

Show in Google Maps  Get Directions

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 240 1883

URL: http://www.wahaca.co.uk/