It’s one of life’s great mysteries — where is all the great Mexican food in the UK? It’s not that we can’t find amazing tacos and fantastic quesabirria when we put our minds to it, but it should be much, much easier to track down the best spots than it is. That’s what the family team behind Mexicali thought before they decided to open their own Mexican eatery in the bustling Salford suburb of Monton. After two years of construction, menu development, planning and soft launch events the business fully opened with a fanfare early 2024 and has continued to make noise ever since.
Praised for its atmosphere, not just the unique menu which uses plenty of secret recipes, Mexicali deserves to be on the list of any salsa picante fan. In true authentic style, the menu goes well beyond the average burrito joint, including Elotes (tajin coated large grilled corn, topped with soured cream, grated cheese and guacamole), Mexicali Wings (marinated and tossed in the restaurant’s own dressings), Padron Peppers, and Nachos. Moving on, Sharers and Sides take the form of Loaded Nachos or Fries, Mexicali Seasoned Fries, Wings Wings Wings (as it sounds — plenty of wings), and a Padron-Elotes combo.
The Comidas menu means plating up three birria style tacos and a secret dipping consommé, then adding a main event. That could be Barbacoa Slow Cooked Beef, Oaxaca King Prawn, Yucateco Asado Pollo, and Crispty Baja Cod. Although the list can go on, with vegetarian fillings such as Panko Avocado or Black Bean. A selection of imported Mexican drinks is also on offer, include iconic Jarrito Cola, Guava, Lime, Strawberry, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Pineapple and Mango. “We really feel we have brought something to Monton,” the team proudly tell us. One bite in and there’s definitely no arguing from us.