Mamacita - West Hampstead

When it comes to a Mexican breakfast we are somewhat spoilt for choice in London, I had plenty of options open to me for this one. Huevos Rancheros is the obvious dish to have and that is exactly what I when for.

Rather than head to one of the many Mexican chain restaurants we headed up to West Hampstead to try the fayre at Mamacita. Mamacita is slang in Mexico for 'a hot babe' and with a fun poster collage across one wall and colourful furniture scattered throughout the restaurant/bar it lived up to it’s name. They serve brunch all day at the weekends (which is in keeping of the traditions of Huevos Rancheros which would be served on farms throughout the day, although most commonly around mid-morning) before the tequila comes out and the party starts and continues til late.

As well as a coffee I gave the homemade lemonade a go, it was really refreshing on this hot summers day, not sweet nor fizzy but at £3.50 a go out it probably slipped down a little too easily. 

The Huevos Rancheros had all the traditional elements: scrambled egg served on slightly fried corn tortillas alongside a tomato-chili salsa, refried beans, rice and guacamole. The eggs looked a little over done and like they could be rubbery when they arrived but they were actually scrambled with cheese, giving a lovely texture and an extra element to the plate. The tortilla was crisp but without being too crunchy, exactly how you would hope it would be and both the refried beans and guacamole were excellent, the latter made with chunky pieces of avocado rather than purified or fashionably 'smashed'. The salsa had just the right freshness-to-spice ratio for me, although it was served chilled, I think it would have worked better warm.

The verdict
A spot in North London to breakfast and then party, quality and authentic food.

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