London's Mexican Wave

"our understanding of Mexican food was dominated by Tex-Mex dishes like fajitas and nachos, helped in no small part by Old El Paso meal kits on supermarket shelves. Over the past decade and a half, tourism to Mexico has been growing. The UK is the largest source of tourists to Mexico in Europe, with Mexico News Daily reporting a 16.8% rise in UK tourists from 2015 - 2018, and that travel has certainly had an impact on the quality of Mexican food available here."

"We've got Santo Remedio and El Pastor operating multiple sites; a Michelin-star restaurant in Kol from Santiago Lastra, plus Cavita in Marylebone and Zapote in Shoreditch both doing higher-end takes on Mexican food; and Corrochio's, Tacos Padre, Sonora Taqueria, Homies on Donkeys, La Chingada, Bad Manners, and Guacamoles doing some of the best tacos and burritos in town. Mezcal and agave spirits have also been spotlighted at cocktail bars like Hacha, Doña and Viajante 87."

"This year, London experienced another Mexican wave, bringing an even greater focus on regionality and specificity to the city. Jillian and Bryn started Thrift Taco in March, going from a market stall selling tacos and curating vintage t-shirts on Hoxton Street, to residences at Doña and Howl at the Moon, doing dishes like brisket suadero, octopus recado and pork verde tacos."

Mexican food in London evolved from Tex‑Mex dominance in the 1980s and early 2000s to a broader representation of regional Mexican cuisines. UK tourism to Mexico rose 16.8% from 2015–2018, contributing to improved quality and authenticity of Mexican offerings. Breddos Tacos initiated a taco trend after opening as a street stall in 2011 and a restaurant in 2016, followed by openings such as Santo Remedio, El Pastor, Kol, Cavita, Zapote and multiple taquerias. Mezcal and agave spirits gained prominence in cocktail bars. A new wave emphasizes regionality and specific dishes, with ventures like Thrift Taco and chef Yahir Gonzalez expanding taco flavour combinations.

Read at London On The Inside