Wahaca – Mexican dining in London

If you are looking for good, cheap, Mexican food in London, look no further than Wahaca.

Last night, when out with a couple of friends, for a couple of drinks, I came across this wonderful chain restaurant in Covent Garden (other locations include Soho, Canary Wharf and White City).

The place was crowded – we could see people waiting around to be seated – but we ( party of three) were seated straight away. Large, paper menus took up the majority of the small table, but we fitted round it comfortably.

The noise was quite loud, not due to the latin-style music playing in the background (the kind that makes you wiggle your shoulders in your seat), but to the easy chatter of the diners.

There were many tables throughout the restaurant (I failed to notice how big the room was, but it seemed to go back for quite a way), and behind the bar bottles of tequila were lined up.

The food… 

After quickly scanning the menu, my companions and I were delighted to find that the food was relatively cheap. Starters were around £2.95-3.25. We got a pottle of tortilla chips, with guacamole and salsa to share – and were delighted when refills were free!

Yummy 'street food'

In the mains sections was something called ‘street food’: you order 2-3 dishes (priced £3.50-4.85). Items included tacos, tostadas, taquitos and quesadillas.

Mains, which were slightly larger, and slightly higher in price (£5.45-9.95), included ‘from the grill’, soups and salads, burritos and ‘classics’ – huevos rancheros, MSC* fish tacos and pork pibil.

I had the chicken burrito, and for 50p extra added chedder and mozzarella cheese. It was absolutely delicious, but be warned, if you aren’t into spicy foods you should stay away. Or at least have something cooling and refreshing nearby.

Chicken Burrito with cheese

A selection of drinks and puddings were also available. And for all you vegetarians out there  – veggie options are on the menu too!

We had a great waiter, who patiently waited for us to make up our minds, and who really knew how to sell the menu to us. Not anticipating on ordering a starter, we were persuaded to order tortilla chips, and all three of us (including myself, who never drinks beer) to order Pacifico Clara.

If you want a description on the beer, sorry, you’ll have to look elsewhere  as it really wasn’t to my taste. They also had a wide (and tempting) range of tequila.

A different form of marketing 

In the bathroom, one of my companions came across an usual form of marketing. Tucked into the edge of the mirror was a little packet which looked as though it held matches.

But no! On lifting up the flap you find a ‘grow your own Serrano Chillies‘ kit! Five chillies to plant for yourself.

With the addresses of two of the restaurants, email and blog address on the back, I think its a great little marketing trick – one you are bound to tell your friends about (as I am doing now).

For opening times check out the website.