Chingón Tacos

New Mexican joint Chingón has been on our to-do list for weeks and as hoped, as soon as QPF walked into Chamberlayne Road’s newest dining spot, we felt like we’d been transported to an authentic Mexican taqueria, surrounded by vibrant decor and a bustling atmosphere. We were greeted by our host Anna, radiating warmth, friendliness, and instantly sharing her infectious passion for Mexican cuisine and tequila.

The menu at Chingón is a true celebration of Mexican gastronomy, with head chef Dani Vargas bringing expertise drawn from his experience of growing up in his brother’s taqueria in Mexico City. From classic street food dishes with a twist, to exciting new creations, there’s a taste for everyone, no matter your pallet. Anna explained “all Mexican food doesn’t have to mean spicy, the heat can be achieved by a variety of chillies used in their dishes to add depth and balance to the flavours!”

So let’s talk about the food. The tuna tostadas are a fantastic starter, with the sushi grade tuna and sliced avocado taking it to another level. The chicken tinga tostadas are also a hit, with the shredded chicken and chipotle cream complementing each other perfectly. Our personal favourite was the Baja fish tacos with the crispy fried sea bass and habanero crema taking us straight to Sea of Cortez. And the pulled pork shoulder and habanero crema packed a flavourful punch. Last but not least, the Birria tacos – slow-cooked beef stew and salsa roja wrapped up in a delicious tortilla – what’s not to love?

Chingón also has the perfect drinks menu with a great selection of high-quality mezcals and tequilas. If you’re looking for something refreshing, their traditional Mexican aguas frescas made with fresh fruit juice, water, and a hint of cane sugar are perfect for cooling off (for when the sun comes out…). And happy hour margaritas are priced at just £7 every day until 7pm. But the real winner for us was the Mezcalita. This cocktail puts a twist on the classic margarita with a smoky, seductive flavour that comes from the award-winning Ojo De Dios mezcal.

Chingón is the perfect spot to enjoy a lively welcoming atmosphere, delicious Mexican food, and fantastic drinks with a neighbourhood joint feel. ‘Qué chingón’ literally translates to ‘How cool’ or ‘How awesome’. They couldn’t have picked a better name.