Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café KL
Words: Fatiha Faidzan
Photos: Rich Callahan
Craving authentic Mexican flavours? Look no further than the Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café in Plaza Damas. Here, the chef’s passion for staying true to his Mexican roots shines through in every dish.
Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café KL
Fans of his social media page would already be familiar with Chef Ivan Chavarria Hernandez who hails from Puebla, Mexico. With over 16 years of experience as a professional chef, he is usually based in Bali but is here for this special pop-up. Although he professionally trained in Mediterranean cuisine during his time in Spain, it was his abuelitas and tias that started him on his flavourful journey. Through his menu, Chef Ivan introduces diners to the bold and bright flavours of heritage foods that he grew up with, telling his story on a plate.
Street Food of Mexico Pop-up Tacos
If you’ve never had or if you miss real Mexican tacos, this is the place to get them. You’re spoilt for choice with five different tacos to choose from. The juicy 12-hour slow cooked lamb in the Birria Lamb Taco (RM 16) pairs perfectly well with the cured onion and guacamole. A touch on the hot side, the Taco de Pollo Al Pastor (RM 12) features marinated chicken with red chillies and achiote (a Mexican spice) and pineapple relish for a little bit of sweetness to complement the warmth. The Hongos Taco (RM 18) isa classic Mexican vegetarian taco where the sauteed mushrooms take centre stage on top of a black bean base with blanched spinach and vegetarian sour cream. Paying homage to Japanese-influenced Mexican cuisine is the Taco de Camaron (RM 14), which has tempura prawn with chipotle mayo and pineapple relish. Similarly, if you prefer fish, the Taco Baja (RM 13) has tempura-fried fresh catch-of-the-day paired with a scrumptious pico de gallo, coleslaw, and sour cream. If you need an extra kick of spice, they have their homemade salsa roja and salsa macha on the side; both which are also available for sale by the jar if you want to take some home.
For Sharing
The best way to bond over food is through a meal you can share. Choose from their options of locally made corn chips with traditional Mexican sauces such as the Coctel de Camaron (RM 26) – a smoky tomato-based sauce paired with a generous amount of plump prawns and avocado. There’s also the Ceviche (RM 24) which combines both Mexican and Peruvian cuisine with lime cured fish cubes in a seafood broth with avocadoes, tomatoes, and onion. If you prefer more familiar flavours, you can opt for the Guacamole y Corn Chips (RM 16) or Nachos (RM 17).
Mains Menu
If you’re feeling extra hungry and want more than a taco, they have other mains available on the menu. The Hidalgo Lamb (RM 56) practically melts in your mouth with every bite and is perfect with their pickled onion for the right amount of acidity. Any lover of beef ribs will absolutely enjoy the Chipotle Beef Ribs (RM 65) with its rich flavour of tomato chilli sauce in the slow cooked meat that will have everyone wanting to grab a piece off your plate. For a full meal that’s not too filling, the Pollo y Mojo (RM 34), grilled chicken with garlic tomato sauce, is a perfect serving size. All dishes are completed with fried potato wedges and a salad on the side.
Desserts
What is a meal without some dessert? Their must-try Churros Con Cajeta (RM 17) are a firm favourite that you might even enjoy while eating your meal. I couldn’t tell which I liked better, the churros or the dipping sauce of Chef Ivan’s homemade Cajeta – a thick caramel sauce made from goat’s or cow’s milk.
Drinks
Choose from the tart and slightly bitter Agua de Toronja (grapefruit), the Aqua de Naranja (orange), which is sweet and tangy, or the Agua de Tamarindo (tamarind) with a unique sweet-sour flavour to go with your meal. Loved by the young and old alike, the Horchata (RM 10) is a popular Mexican drink made with rice milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and almonds. If a drink could be described as a hug, this would be it.
Reasons to visit the Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café KL: For a limited time only, catch it or you’ll miss out on a culinary trip to Mexico right here in Kuala Lumpur. Dine outside or enjoy the tienda ambience inside with a clear view into the kitchen and watch Chef Ivan at work. They’ll be here until April 2024. Follow their social media page for updates on Ramadan promotions.
Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café KL
Ground Floor, Hartamas Shopping Centre,
Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
@flavorsofmexico.asia
Street Food of Mexico Pop-up at Beszz Café KL Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 11.30 am – 8.30 pm (last order)
Find more Latin American restaurants in KL here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Malaysia here and here.