Mexican: Achiote Taqueria

The fennel bulbs decided to do Mexican food one Friday evening. Mexican food wasn't just particularly existent in our vocabulary, and we ought to give Achiote Taqueria in Rockwell Center's Power Plant Mall a try.

When one thinks of Mexican food, the ubiquitous nachos, tacos, salsas, and refried beans come to mind. Fast food versions are quite popular, and sadly they do not impart a very good impression of Mexican cuisine. Achiote Taqueria serves good Mexican food and cervezas and cocktails too, including the famous "Margarita".

At first, the tortilla soup (Php160) was ordered. Free-range chicken broth was used together with avocado, crispy tortilla strips, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro and lime. The serving was good enough to be shared by two. The marriage of textures was delightful. The richness of the avocado and the broth were complimented by the use of cilantro, which markedly adds another dimension.

Next, Mushroom Quesadillas (Php360) was had. Chihuahua cheese was once again used together with wild mushrooms, and black beans. Fresh greens were served on the side. Salsa Verde (Green Salsa) was used as the sauce. The tortillas were cooked very nicely and evenly, more like a wheaten pancake. It tasted heartily, and also one need not worry about getting too fat as no meat was used.

Lastly, an Enchilada (Php380) was ordered. One can customise their own fajitas, burritos, or enchiladas. An enchilada does not really differ greatly from a fajita or a quesadilla since a tortilla is used to wrap the meat inside, but the meat is smothered in chili sauce or a  kind of salsa. The fennel bulbs chose steak and salsa rosso for the stuffing, and wheat tortillas. Black beans and white cilantro rice were served on the side, and all were just scrumptious. One has to mention that even though this is an enchilada, the quality of the meat was fairly good.

Good quality ingredients, good cooking, and overall good food were all part of our Achiote Taquiera experience. The staff were friendly and outgoing too, and despite being busy and full on a Friday evening, we did not feel the least neglected.