I have always been curious about Mexico. The art is bold, the embroidery is colorful, and the culture is rich in mythology; Mexico is larger than life and grander than reality. The country that has been the birthplace of many talented artists and novelists is also home to a storytelling cuisine that is unlike any other. 

Just like the next person, I like tacos, burritos and would fight anyone for a hot churro, I also naively thought I knew what Mexican cuisine was. I was aware that most of the variations served in the Middle East leaned strongly towards Tex-Mex than the real thing, but I was in for a treat when I found myself lunching in Azteca with restaurateur Sylvia Aguilar.

Originally from Oaxaca in the south of Mexico, Sylvia came to Kuwait over twenty years ago and made it her second home. After a couple of years of wishing and explaining that her homeland had more to offer than fast-food tacos, she decided to open Azteca. The restaurant is located in The Village in Abu Al Hassaniya and has an indoor and outdoor seating area, perfect for the cooler months. The décor is simple, and the accessories used showcase Mexican art and symbols like the powerful stone Aztec calendar that hangs on a sapphire blue wall. A strong reminder that the meal you are about to have has roots that go back thousands of years into the past.

We started our meal with some cooling Horchata, a traditional drink that is rice-based with some milk, ground almond and a touch of cinnamon added to give it a distinctive and unique taste.

Moments later, two types of guacamole arrived, each plated in a small round dishes. Sylvia explained that the bowls were made from seeds that can grow to much larger sizes and have been dried and used as food containers in Mexico for centuries. The iconic ‘classic’ avocado-based dip was chunky and thick with the perfect balance of lime and spices. The other version included mango slices which elevated it to something magical.

Our next appetizer was the Fish Ceviche. This is raw fish that has been marinated in citrus juice and loaded with avocados, onions, chilies, cilantro and tomatoes to create a fresh flavor profile with a hint of snapper and had amazing texture. Every bite was an explosion of flavor.

Memelitas followed and very quickly became one of my new favorite foods. Thicker than a tortilla but made with masa, a corn-based flour, and filled with bean paste that was delicious. These deceptively small round shaped bites are a wonderful healthy comfort food alternative. 

If feel-good is what you are after, then Pozole is your new BFF. The chicken-based dish arrives at your table ready to be constructed. As the waiter poured the bubbling hot soup, we could smell the spices and herbs. Exactly what we want on a cold winter evening after a long hard day at work, hearty and good for the soul.

Just when we thought the experience couldn’t get any better the Enchiladas Verdes made an appearance at the table. The in-house made fresh tortillas were the perfect wrapper for the creamy chicken core covered in a creamy green sauce and served with a side of beans. The same tortillas are also fantastic with Ranchero Tacos filled with diced beef. I think I can only ever have an authentic Mexican taco after this experience; I have been spoiled for life.

But the absolute star of the meal was the Chile Relleno with Banana. A large roasted chili stuffed with spicy shredded chicken and served with a side of fried banana slices. Savory and sweet.

For dessert we indulged in the impossible Chocoflan, two layers of dense rich vanilla and chocolate cake. The cake defies logic because the two layers do not mix while cooking. Despite its richness it was not overpoweringly sweet and was the perfect finale to an already fantastic first foray into true Mexican cuisine.

We sipped coffee  with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of raw sugar cane paste for sweetness, from beautiful hand painted ceramic clay cups, as Sylvia explained that many of the dishes served at Azteca come from different parts of Mexico. She insists on offering her guests a truly authentic experience, and we are glad that she did because we are going back for more.

Azteca is located at The Village, Abu Hassaniah. For more information visit restaurant-azteca.com or call 2390 7546 or 5169 0112 for reservations and catering. Follow Azteca on Instagram @restaurantazteca. Order delivery via Carriage, Deliveroo and Talabat. The second branch in Pearl Al Marzook – Salmiyah is opening in 2020.