I kicked off this weekend with my new favourite Mexican spot in Dubai, La Tablita. A little bit of a drive to get to if you live in the Marina but worth the trip nevertheless. It’s a one stop shop for everything wonderful about Mexican cuisine, with it’s own taco and ceviche bar, world-class guacamole, sizzling fajitas and a stand out tequila bar if that tickles your fancy.
Fact: Lemon and Salt is poor etiquette by true Mexican standards. With quality tequila you are meant to sip it slowly, followed by a taste of tomato juice each time. They drink tequila like the french drink wine, using it to enhance the flavours of the meal and cleanse the palate.
Mexican can be just as healthy as any other cuisine if you stick with the raw fish dishes which La Tablita have plenty of in their Ceviche bar. For me it’s definitely a group event where people can pick and choose from the dishes they like. We ordered an array of plates off the menu and it turned into quite the feast. If you’re visiting Dubai, I would highly recommend popping down to this place. You can do it bright and breezy and literally just go for the quick taco/ceviche bar or make it a more formal affair.
The evening starts with a selection of their homemade dips, each one a different degree of spicy!
The dips are delicious but it’s when the guacamole comes in that things really start heating up. Pomegranate and avocado has got to be the winning combination for me this year. I could’ve sat with a few bowls of the guacamole and been set for the evening. They also do a tuna and seaweed and crispy duck version so they might be on the agenda to try for next time.
A close second was their Ceviche dishes. A combination of Salmon, Tuna and Octopus – divine.
If you’re not a Coriander fan then stay clear of the (incredibly pretty I must add) salmon boat as the taste is prevalent. The Tuna with Habanero chili was my favourite.
Personally, I didn’t think the rosemary worked with the octopus like this. It’s too overpowering so would suggest doing a little breaking apart to get the full flavour of the octopus itself – which is worth the try.
We were told that a lot of people come in for what’s next and just keep ordering, usually accompanied by some vino. It’s AED 12 per taco (Roughly £2) and you have a street-style ordering sheet on the table on which you can rack up the numbers for whichever tacos take your fancy.
Informed that the battered shrimp is the most popular on the taco menu (far right), it was added to the list along with braised short rib and crispy fish.
Although I would never choose to include battered food in my diet, I have to say these were pretty exceptional tacos making them justified to have on the odd occasion!
You can pretty much guarantee the fullness is starting to set in at this point! However if you have space left and there’s enough of you on the table to pick a little of each, these final three dishes are not to be missed.
Especially this. Especially if you like garlic, which I do. A lot.
A simple shrimp and mushroom stir-fry-style plate but the flavours were punchy! If I could learn to incorporate garlic into my crustacean cooking as well as the chefs at La Tablita, I’d be a happy girl!
A unique take on Chicken tacos with deliciously moist shredded chicken on top of flat crispy taco shell and soured cream to finish.
Finally, for the men on the table who still had room for more – a classic Mexican Quesadillas dish with fruity salsa and smooth guacamole.
I’ll be stealing (with permission…) this recipe because I feel in love with the dessert.
Mango sorbet topped with “Chamoy Chili Jamhili” AKA a spicy, sweet chili jam. Perfection!
It’s a really wonderful spot for buzzing group dinners or for taking family to who want to experience a different side of Dubai Dining. Let me know if you have any questions and hope your mouths are watering just as much as mine!
LLG x
Tel: +971 4 317 2221
