I'll be honest - my experience with Mexican food has only ever really spanned the extent of run-of-the-mill fast food joints for a quick burrito fix. I've never gone out of my way to seek out a proper Mexican meal before, and I feel like that's all about to change after having my first taste of the recently opened Mamasita's Cantina the other week. Mexican-native Executive Chef Edgar Navarro has designed a spectacular menu of reinvented Mexican street eats, paired with a selection of Mexican-inspired cocktails by Bar Manager Audrey. The chef's warm hospitality was absolutely unreal, and he tended to every aspect of our dining experience. At that moment, surrounded by traditional talavera tiles and Moorish decor, it really felt like we weren't in Hong Kong. Check out all the highlights & must-eat dishes from our dinner!
Mamasita's Margarita (HK$128) - we loved the chili-sea salt mixture on the rim of the glass. The perfect way to kick off any night. Created with Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Alipus Mezcal, Cointreau, lime, agave and blended avocado.
Tuna Tostada (HK$88/pc) - Little bites of heaven, featuring raw tuna, shallots, avocado, citrus jus, chipotle mayo & sesame seeds on crispy corn tortilla
We were absolutely amazed at the hot, flaky deliciousness of the empanada pastry. These are the Empanadas Cubanas (HK$108/3pc), baked Cuban-style and stuffed with fresh corn, prawns, chorizo, and topped with an intriguing black garlic aioli & cactus salad.
Corn Esquites (HK$78) - Delightfully savoury Mexican street-style Roasted Corn with Chili, Lime Juice, Japanese Kewpie Mayo, Cotija Cheese and Fresh Coriander. Best thing about this is that they are VERY generous on the cheese! And here come the tacos... my god, the tacos.
Fish Taco (HK$88/pc) - Sol Beer Battered Fish, Creamy Avocado, Red Onion, Cabbage, Chipotle Mayo on a Flour Tortilla. One of the best things I have put in my mouth, ever. Also, please note: Chef Edgar gave us tasting portions, so these mini tacos do NOT reflect the true size.
Beef Cheek Taco (HK$78/pc) - Wagyu Beef Cheek, russet potato, Chili de Arbol sauce, guacamole and cactus salad. Again, so good and would come back just for this.
Guacamole Dip (HK$88) with Avocado, Tomato, Onion, Jalapeno Chili, Queso Cotija, and the amazing aroma of White Truffle Oil, served with Fresh Corn Tortilla Chips (which were thick-cut, still warm and delicious)
Roasted Chicken Cubano (HK$368) - Half Free-Range Spiced tender Chicken, Crispy Plantains, and Mojo Cubano
Beef Carne Asada (HK$288) - Impossibly tender Grilled Marinated Hanger Steak, Smoky Pineapple, Roasted Cactus and traditional Table Cloth Stain Sauce
Mamasita's Cantina Information
Restaurant – 5/F
18:00– 22:30 (Dinner) – Sunday to Thursday
18:00 – 23:00 (Dinner) – Friday and Saturday
Bar – 6/F
18:00– 22:30 – Sunday to Thursday
18:00 – 02:00 – Friday and Saturday
Address: 5 – 6/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
Tel / Email: 2896-6118 and dine@mamasitascantina.hk
Website: www.mamasitas.hk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasitashk
Instagram: @mamasitashk