London's best review, food and drink news
This latest Latino venue is keen to show that Mexican food can be cool and stylish, as well as great with cold beer. Food arrives as it’s cooked. We were given some nachos and guacamole, then came the ‘sides’ of green, coriander-laced rice, which was delicious, and some rich, smoky frijoles, and then our main course choice: a scrumptious ‘street food selection’. For £19.50 we got two lean steak tacos, two small chicken tacos, two chorizo quesadillas, two aubergine and goat’s cheese quesadillas and, best of all, two tacos full of tender fish in an achiote (annatto seed) marinade. The menu contains none of the classics such as chiles en nogada, no escabeches, no stews and – a real sin – nothing accompanied by mole. We suspect ambition has been reigned in to keep prices low and clients flowing in. Was the taco fest better than mere beer food? Just about. Awful acoustics make this a noisy place; with no reservations unless you’re a group of eight or more, be prepared to stand around while others tuck in (there’s no boozing at the bar either). The lime and yellow interior is visually impressive and the menu is quirky, but Wahaca isn’t going to transform the way Londoners see Mexican food.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
|
|
London's best review, food and drink news
|
|
The best of London in your inbox
Up to the minute picks of the best things to do in London, delivered to your desktop.
|
|
Having subsequently returned to Wahaca for a second try (the amount of satisfied people around were too many and we had to see if something was wrong with us), we had the chance to speak to the staff and even the chef there and we have cracked it.
We were told that we we had ordered on our first visit (the wahaca selection to share) was more of an introduction to Mexican food for "novices", which may explain why we didn't find it as tasteful as we had hoped.
We therefore were more adventurous with our choices this time and must admit that it was indeed tasty and much more satisfying. The tortilla soup, Pork Pibil tacos and main were all very good, as were the churros we had for dessert (surprisingly light).
The only thing I would say is that for anyone out there it is not obvious (and the staff didn't tell us at the time) that the wahaca selection is merely an introductory fare for 1st time Mexican diners - you have been warned now. If you want taste, go for anything else on the menu and you'll definitely enjoy Wahaca and its ambience.
I went to Wahaca for the second time yesterday just because I was very hungry and in need of Mexican food. Again I was very disappointed to confirm that Wahaca lacks that sophisticated favour of proper Mexican food. The 'stylish Mexican market'concept works despite the fact that stylish and Mexican market contradict each other -it reminds me of that horrible name 'favela chic'. However, the quality of the flavour is quite poor. La Taqueria in Nottinghill and Mestizo in Warren Street are much better options than Wahaca. If you want to know what real Mexican food tastes like I don't recommend you to go to Wahaca.
I love this place! have been four times now and every time ive tried something different and every time its been delicious. Oh and the churros at the end are to die for. Its got a really funky feel and the waiters are all happy smiley people..love it!
I laughed, I cried, I ate.