Little Mexico is a cosy new spot out in Saadiyat Beach Residences. Strings of lights, colourful tables and chairs and friendly staff greet all who visit. But is its food as vivid?
Mexican cuisine boasts some delicious egg dishes, with the hearty huevos rancheros leading the brigade. Little Mexico’s is a little different. The eggs are scrambled and served with a salsa, a handful of home-made (delicious) tortilla chips, guacamole and what can be described as a fresh black bean salad. The eggs are fluffy and well done with bits of spring onion cooked through. The salsa, guac and beans are all fresh and taste good, but there is something missing.
The menu also includes all-stars like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. The beef empanadas, another street eat, are packed generously with a mince filling that could, again, use a bit of a kick. Thankfully, though, the accompanying salsa verde delivers that. Its tingling zing lifts the staple, making it easy to polish off the plate.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, the turkey mole is very tasty. The quality piece of meat, coated in a thick, dark mole sauce, is served with refried black beans, salsa, flour tortillas and a mound of Mexican rice – which could very well be a main dish on its own. Its salty bite makes it hard to put down.
On the dessert front, the churros check three crucial boxes: they are crunchy, not oily or overly-sweet. They are, however, a bit doughy which makes going through four of them a little difficult. The chocolate sauce served on the side is thick and does its job rather well.
Little Mexico could be a leading Mexican joint in the city, as it’s got all the necessary tools. It just needs to go bigger and bolder with its flavours.
The Bill (for two)
1x empanadas Dhs34
1x egg rancheros Dhs22
1x turkey mole Dhs33
1x churros Dhs22
1x large local water Dhs12
Total (including taxes) Dhs123
The bottom line
The food, the staff and prices are good, but it lacks a bit of oomph.
