Round 2: Casa Latina

After a glorious dining experience at Casa Latina in April’s CW Gourmet Month, I’ve been aching for a return to Beijing’s most authentic Mexican restaurant, Casa Latina.

The first time around, I was blown away by the Crema Poblana (RMB 48) and their Sopesitos (RMB 48).  The Sopesitos were definitely the highlight of my meal and the Crema Poblana soup was the perfect creamy texture and I loved the rich, spicy flavor.

And to think that I got an amazing 4-course set menu for only RMB 99, it was such a steal. I was very happy to find that they still offer a special summer 4-course set menu for RMB 99 (includes: Starter – Mexican Salad; Soup – Fideo Soup; Main Course – Burritos Nortenos; Dessert – Arroz con Leche).

Normally I would have been up for this set meal, but there have been a few items off the menu that I’ve been dying to try. To start, I ordered the Aztec Soup (RMB 68) – a rich combination of tomato and pepper chunks of cheese and avocado and topped with tortilla strips. While the Aztec Soup was smoky with a nice spicy kick to it, I prefer the creamy texture of the Crema Poblana.

I ordered the Enchiladas Verdes (RMB 85) which were a bit dry and could have used more sauce, but still a million times better than enchiladas anywhere else, which are normally just drenched in oil and fat. And it was so satisfying to devour something that really is as authentic as you get in Beijing.

I also sampled my friend’s Flautas de Papa, which reminded me of bigger Sopesitos, but stuffed with mashed potatoes.  It was definitely filling and satisfying, but as with the Enchiladas Verdes, should also be served with more sauce and their homemade guacamole would be a nice touch too…But maybe then I’m just asking for too much.  And while they were delicious, they did not look like the photo shown in the menu at all (which looked like enchiladas drenched in a green sauce). Here is a more accurate photo.

Casa Latina: Located across from Invito on Solana Bar Street (down the road from All-Star), 6 Chaoyang Park Road, 朝阳公园路6号, Solana蓝色港湾商业区8号楼3单元; Tel: 5905-6201; Daily Hours: 6PM-2AM

For LumDimSum’s First Review of Casa Latina, click here.