London - Wahaca

So Wahaca was a wee bit hit and miss in my books. For example, while the black bean and cheese quesadillas and the spicy sweet potato pieces were really delicious, the soft tortilla tacos were just ok, and were tiny, so looked a bit sad on the plate. I kept adding a spicy sauce to liven them up, but every time I did this I re-realised I just wasn't that hard when it came to spice, and then had to add yoghurt to cool it down. This became an endless and slightly frustrating dance, one which I never mastered, as I never managed to get the combinations right. But enough of this sob story. Onto the drinks! However the final blow sadly arrived with these... Admittedly, we bought it on ourselves, as we should have read between the lines, but when you order 'Hibiscus water: cranberry flavoured Mexican flower juice', you expect something pretty cool, right? Alas what arrived was nothing other than Ocean Spray cranberry. Or actually it was probably Ocean Spray's slightly cheaper cousin. I felt a little betrayed, and things only worsened with the arrival of the cleverly named 'Citrus Fizz', which sheepishly showed itself to be nothing other than soda water. If it's soda water, Wahaca, just call it that, then feelings can't get hurt.

A huge redeeming feature, however, is the clever and I think rather wonderful idea of giving you on leaving what looks to be a cardboard packet of matches. This then however turns out not to be matches, but rather chilli seeds stuck onto sticks, ready to plant at home. I wandered past my chilli plant a moment ago, growing on my window sill, and with this all misgivings towards Wahaca disappeared. Although my experience was hit and miss, I do recommend a visit, as at the end of it all a lot of care and thought has gone into the place (and its drink descriptions), and you walk away with your very own chilli plant.
So why not?

J

 

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I'm back! I thought I'd add my twopence to this post as I've been to Wahaca twice in the last few months.

 

Contrary to J, I love this place. Hidden away in one of the busiest areas of London in converted shipping containers, Wahaca brings something a little bit different to the norm. The concept is pretty simple - shared Mexican dishes and tequila-based cocktails. Personally I think the food is incredible, although I have to agree with J that some portions can be a bit measly and some dishes - notably the soft tacos - a little bland. Also, this being Mexican food, if you're not a fan of cheese than moo-ve on to a different place (sorry!); pretty much every dish is smothered with cheese. There's even a cheese fondue-type dish with a lone nacho chip placed sparingly on top. I would highly recommend the quesadillas - delicious filled flat wraps - and the taquitos - lovely little Mexican spring rolls.

 

As for the drinks - tequila this, tequila that, tequila everything... The signature Mexican beverage is clearly very well stocked in the Wahaca cellars. Try the Wahaca Mule - a tequila, ginger beer and lime infusion or there's one which includes a hefty amount of salt amongst its ingredients; I've forgotten its name. 'Agua de mar', perhaps?

 

Given the relaxed atmosphere, attentive and helpful staff, and wonderful sharing food, I would certainly recommend taking a date here. J may disagree, but my date loved it!

 

All in all, definitely worth a visit if you can find it!

 

A