It is a well-known fact that usually, “Mexican” cuisine outside of Mexico is taken less seriously and typically more on the Tex-Mex side not allowing people to have an open perception of the many flavours and tastes it has to offer to the human palate.
La Mexicana however, is a fairly new restaurant that has just recently opened in Kuala Lumpur and very fairly recently opened a branch in Bangsar (Jalan Telawi 5). La Mexicana dives in the huge array of completely different flavours in terms of the amazing food culture Malaysia has to provide.
Apart from the contrast in bright colours, La Mexicana portrays a small slice of what the Mexican culture is, the owners Carmela and Stephen use authentic Mexican decoration and have developed a Latin vibe to showcase what this culture is all about.
Putting aside the decor and ambient that pulls through in terms of relevance with the restaurant name, the food & beverage is what sets this quirky restaurant apart from other ones who claim to be truly Latin in Kuala Lumpur.
Having established themselves over the past couple of years, the new branch in Bangsar has started up a new Ladies Night happening every Wednesday where every lady is entitled to a free Margarita.
The colourful yet small bar indeed looks quite Mexican as ladies gather to drink, eat, have fun – and perhaps end the night with some drunk-dancing which we all know is a staple in the Mexican nightlife tradition. Having talked to Stephen, we learn a few things about Carmela & his restaurant.
What do you think makes your restaurant authentically Mexican and sets it apart from the rest of the restaurants who claim to be Mexican in Kuala Lumpur?
Obviously, the main thing that makes La Mexicana Kuala Lumpur’s only authentic Mexican restaurant is the fact that Chef Carmela insists on only authentic Mexican dishes being served, and as an internationally recognized Chef she is uniquely qualified to ensure that this is the case.
It is a result of her passion and knowledge that leads La Mexicana to expend great effort in importing ingredient’s from Mexico and also of course making all of the sauces, tortillas and even our cheese on the premises to make sure the taste is exactly right.
Chef Carmela accepts no excuse for having a dish that could not be proudly served in any restaurant in Mexico. Unlike other restaurants that comprise and serve a Tex-Mex version of Mexican cuisine La Mexicana is 100% authentically Mexican.
What are the signature dishes in La Mexicana, and why?
We have an extensive menu that is continually evolving as Chef Carmela brings new dishes from the many regions of Mexico for our clients to try; and we always have a range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes to ensure every taste is catered for. However, we are rightly famous for our:
“CHAMORRO DAVID”
Succulent “Adobado” pork shank bathed in Chefs Carmela´s recipe of dried chilies and spices, slow cooked, served with white rice, “Frijoles Charros” and 4 corn tortillas.
and our
“MOLCAJETE CHAPULTEPEC”
Served in a traditional handmade volcanic lava rock mortar, this delicious combination of Mexican flavors should not be missed. A meat lovers feast consisting of tender grilled fillet steak, baby pork ribs, grilled chicken, spicy “Chorizo”, grilled cheese, caramelized onions, grilled cactus leaves and hot “ Chile Serrano or Toreado” in “Salsa Verde” and of course served with homemade corn tortillas.
“ENCHILADAS VERDES”
3 handmade corn tortillas stuffed with succulent chicken, bathed in “Salsa Verde” and topped with cheese.
“NOPAL” ASADO CON QUESO”
Succulent cactus leaves (imported from Mexico) grilled, topped with homemade “Panela” cheese, served with “Salsa Verde”.(veg)
There are of course, so many options and many of our clients rather than feast on any of these dishes simply like to select a range of our tacos and enchiladas and share with friends. Really anything goes with Mexican food and of course we also have the best Margaritas in town. Which helps!
What dishes would you recommend to someone who per say, has never had Mexican food in his or her life before?
The best place to start would probably be our enchiladas, although Mexican food has such a variety of flavors that it is probably a good idea to ask what would the guest feel like on that day. Some great fish tacos, real Mexican mole, spicy beef tacos, a delicious soup and don’t forget the famous ‘Tres Leches’ cake – a sweet nutty delicious way to end a meal!
The great thing about real Mexican food is that there is something for everyone and everything tastes fresh and different – not all covered in some cheesy sauce! And not everything is drowned in some spicy chili concoction, real flavors using fresh ingredients and of course prepared with care and passion! And if you want HOT then ask for our homemade chili sauces … from Mild to OMG!
So there you have it, what you need to need to know as a foodie with the concept of proper authentic Mexican cuisine in Kuala Lumpur from the creative directors of La Mexicana itself.
Having a passion for food is one thing, being able to share that passion in a way that it’s very similar to the origin of its country is on a whole other level.
Do make sure you head down to Jalan Hock Choon for La Mexicana in the Ampang area or Jalan Telawi 5 for La Mexicana in the Bangsar area!
