What better way to celebrate the end of the week than with a nice, hearty burrito? Or maybe you’re going through a phase where you find yourself constantly craving tacos. Perhaps you’re looking to bulk up on clean protein and fiber before or after the gym? We can tell you firsthand, since all of the above applies to our hungry team at bazaar that Chili Pepper by Slice is a great option to satisfy any of your needs.
From the same geniuses who brought us Slice and Just C (no wonder this place is so good) this little Mexican eatery makes all dreams come true. Chili Pepper isn’t heavy – their bespoke service of being able to “make your own” meal means that you can pick and choose anything that goes into your tortilla or bowl, ensuring that you have full control over how you will feel afterward. If you’re opting for a taco, you have the option to choose between soft or crispy shells to sandwich your choice of protein or veggie base, and all the fun add-ons from salsas to veggies, to beans, rice and cheese. Glorious. The same make-your-own function applies to all the dishes offered on the menu, which is simple and delightfully Tex-Mex traditional: burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and quesadillas. All you have to do is choose what you want, and pile it on – simple as that.

My dining counterpart is a more responsible person than I am, and opted for a burrito bowl. She made it nice and carb free, by omitting rice and beans, piling up on veggies and some of that succulent barbacoa protein. Her other protein options were the same that apply to that of other items on the menu: chicken, steak, Chili con carne and shrimp. She was extremely pleased with her creation, saying it was a “pleasant experience.”

Yours truly, the resident taco enthusiast, obviously ordered two tacos – under the assumption that I was to keep it “light.” The tacos I created were light and tasted extremely fresh: My barbacoa taco contained the slow cooked style of shredded beef, succulent and seasoned to perfection, topped with a tangy red salsa and mixed veggies. My shrimp taco, however, was the true showstopper here. You see, seafood tacos are a huge pleasure of mine. Ever since I read about fish tacos in a teen magazine when I was 11 and marveled at the possibility of them, I was hooked. For my shrimp taco, I chose their Pico de Gallo, which tasted homemade, lime, and a green salsa so spicy, you know that abuela is giving it a nod of approval after having made it in her kitchen. These flavors only enhanced the already-delicious-on-their-own, beautifully grilled pieces of shrimp and the cheeky layer of Mexican rice at the bottom of the tortilla.
Though the tacos were light and I was doing so well with controlling myself, everything went down the drain after being faced with the nachos. If you love tortilla chips like I do, then you’re going to adore the thoughtful way Chili Pepper delivers this loveable appetizer. But be warned, as you might eat yourself into a stupor. (They’re just so good! That crunch!) The chips come separately, in a bag, and all the condiments accompany them in separate compartments. With these condiments, Chili Pepper thinks of everything! Cheese, sour cream, green and red salsas, Pico de Gallo and of course, their wonderfully creamy guacamole. This is ideal for sharing, and can also be used as add-ons to make your meal a little more fun. Think your taco needs a little more salsa? No problem! Dip and enjoy! So if you’re a Mexican food enthusiast like me, Chili Pepper is a win. It will satisfy your cravings and you’ll be going back for more. They travel well, so there shouldn’t be any qualms about being able to enjoy them from your own home.

If you’re not that into Mexican food, give Chili Pepper a try – you don’t have to fully love the cuisine, but you’ll definitely be more open to it when you taste the flavors of Mexico the Chili Pepper way. Chili Pepper is located in Qibla on Ali Al Salem Street in Kuwait City and 360 Mall. Follow them on Instagram @chilipepper_kw or call 2243 6865 or 2208 3421 ext. 312 for more details.