The Hungry Mexican offers authentic Mexican food in Temple Bar
One of my favourite restaurants in Dublin, The Hungry Mexican is also one of its hidden gems. So earlier this week my old college friend I decided to pay it a visit. I have been going to The Hungry Mexican when it used to be in Bodkins. This was before Bodkins morphed into the excellent BoCo which I reviewed last week. As its name suggests The Hungry Mexican, which is based in Temple Bar does Mexican cuisine, and it does it rather well.
Walking into the restaurant you will see cubicles formed by old bus seats, with more seats downstairs for when it gets busy. The surrounding décor includes pictures drawn by various customers. The seats are comfortable and the layout ensures that you are right next to other customers.
Looking at the menu you will find the usual Mexican staples like Burritos, Enchiladas, Fajitas and Tacos. These are all served with homemade salsas including Pico de Gallo, Smoky Chipotle and Habanero. One dish they do very well is the Chimichanga, and you may not be too familiar with it. The Chimichanga is a deep-fried Burrito but in The Hungry Mexican, it is cooked differently. It is baked in the oven which is healthier than been deep-fried. Their El Porko, which is Smokey Pork Ribs, smothered in a homemade glaze and served with slaw and fries. So tender that the meat falls off the bone with none of the usual sticky mess associated with ribs.
When I have visited The Hungry Mexican in the past, I always chose The El Pork or The Chimichanga. This time I chose something different, as I did not feel too hungry. I went with the Spicy Tequila Chicken Wings and a side of Chilli Cheese Fries.
The chicken wings had a little spicy kick to them as they know I like my food spicy. The Chilli Cheese Fries has just the right amount of cheese, fries, ground beef and spices. Ensuring the perfect blend of cheesy fries, ground beef and spices that won’t blow your head off. The spicy kick I got from the Spicy Tequila Chicken Wings did not need to be added to. The Spicy Tequila Chicken Wings were €6.95, and the Chilli Cheese Fries were €5.95.
My college friend had the Shredded Beef Tacos and a couple of glasses of their excellent house white wine. He finished off with an excellent latte. The Hungry Mexican also have their own beer which I have had in the past and I can highly recommend. Their Margaritas are also highly recommended and were recently mentioned in Lovin Dublin.
Oman and Sonali are the husband and wife team behind The Hungry Mexican and surprisingly they have no Mexican connection. They are both from Mauritius and met in London. Oman served us and mentioned that the menu was changing over the next few weeks with more dishes being added. A new half chicken dish will be one of the new additions and I look forward to trying it.
Located next to the Riot Bar which used to be the Gypsy Rose, it is not easy to spot. This is because it is right beside the popular number 39 bus stop but this will change when their new sign goes up. Whenever I have been to The Hungry Mexican, I have always been given the red carpet treatment. Oman, Sonali, and any of their waiting staff know how to make you feel welcome. I would highly recommend The Hungry Mexican especially if you are sick of the typical Dublin Burrito restaurants.
The Hungry Mexican, 5 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
See more reviews here.