A selection of La Mexicana's tacos including beef birria, chicken tinga and lamb barbacoa

La Mexicana is the cosy eatery bringing unmissable fresh corn tacos to Grey Lynn

If we thought we knew what ‘authentic’ Mexican food tasted like, a cosy new taco joint in Grey Lynn is showing us a whole different side to our favourite bite-sized morsels. La Mexicana was founded by Marco Muñiz and opened three weeks ago in the Grey Lynn shops, where so far it’s been greeted with rapturous enthusiasm for its speciality: fresh corn tortillas made from scratch on site.

Meat-free options include plant-based mince and vegan ceviche

There’s nothing like them, says Muñiz. “I wanted to show New Zealanders how a real corn tortilla tastes, how different the flavour is. That’s a real taco.” Taking the brave step of leaving his 9-5 during this year’s pandemic to open La Mexicana, Muñiz says it was a moment of clarity between lockdowns that prompted him to give his undiscovered passion a go. 


denizen_weekly
Feel like you're missing out? Be the first to know about what's new & noteworthy.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

His tacos are fantastic, and he’s right — the corn tortillas are unbeatable. The fresh corn (New Zealand grown) is soaked and cooked using a process called nixtamalization, which makes it easy to digest and even more nutritious when turned into dough. Taco fillings include birria, comprising tender, slow-cooked beef cheek; carnitas, a popular confit of pork; pulled chicken in a mild chipotle sauce, and both vegetarian and vegan options for those so-inclined. Having tried most of the menu, we can confirm these tacos are delicious, and their petite size means you can try a variety of flavours without feeling overstuffed, however you’ll still leave satisfied.

The pork carnitas taco

There is also a cheese quesadilla on offer, along with traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, a sweet, milky drink with vanilla and cinnamon, and Karma drinks. One of the other key benefits of these corn tacos is the fact that they’re naturally gluten free, meaning everything on the menu at La Mexicana is also suitable for people with gluten intolerances or sensitivities.

With its petite size making for a cosy eat-in experience, and takeaway capabilities available too, La Mexicana’s low-key vibe makes it a great little spot to pop into for a chill weeknight dinner, or easy weekend takeaways.

All the corn tortillas are made fresh on-site

Through hardship and not, for thousands of years in Mexico they have used corn tortillas for the basis of their diet, says Muñiz, which is something he’s excited to share with New Zealanders. “It’s great. I think the corn tortilla should be a universal dish.”

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
Sunday: 5pm – 9pm
Monday: Closed

La Mexicana
572 Great North Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland

www.lamexicana.co.nz

Gastronomy

Wondering where to eat, drink and be merry this month? Our December Dining Guide has everything worth enjoying
Dine out and do good this festive season at these eateries that are raising funds and giving back
Rediscover K’ Road’s diverse dining scene with Bar Magda and Candela’s ‘Sip & Snack’ street crawls