Review: Taqiza is an excellent addition to Bondi’s strong Mexican dining scene (Sydney)

It may be in the heart of Bondi Beach, but Taqiza is a journey to a small energetic restaurant hidden down a bustling street in Méjico. The restaurant size may be cosy, but the menu and taste isn’t slim in excitement. The word Taqiza, which literally translates to ‘taco party’ in Spanish, is the embodiment of what this authentic Mexican restaurant has to offer.

Start of with a healthy dose of guac served with thin and crispy corn chips, fresco cheese and pomegranate before diving in to the tacos. Though there’s way too many taco fillings to choose; grab one of each to be safe. The chicken tacos are drizzled in tinga sauce and topped with guacamole, citrus cream and fresco cheese, while the BBQ salmon (our favourite) comes with zarandeado sauce, crispy skin and chili shreds.

Options for vegans and vego’s are no disappointment either, with the choice of tempeh tacos drizzled with negra modelo sauce and guacamole or cauliflower tacos with pickled cabbage, pineapple salsa and pomegranate mojo. We tried the tempeh tacos, and it had a similar texture to the chicken, but was smothered with another different sauce that was intense, rich, and addictive. Other options available for the avid carnivore include the pulled pork, goat, beef and barramundi.

A plate of three sauces with spice levels ranging from mild, spicy to HOT HOT HOT, are served with the tacos, a nice touch to complement the flavours.

If taco shells aren’t your thing, you can create your own taco bowl with any of the taco fillings, topped with greens on a bed of couscous. The taco bowl with salmon was well cooked and a nice addition to the other dishes, but a bit more variety of greens – and ones with a bit of crunch – would have made it slightly more interesting for the taste buds.

It’s not all tacos at Taqiza, as the restaurant’s tagline says, they’re all about Mexican gastronomy. A variety of cuisines from across the thirty-two states of Mexico are united under the one roof.

Order the Oaxaca Cheese Fondue for a hot pan of oozy goodness served with free-range chorizo and tortillas. And if you have a big appetite or wanting to share (no judgment if it’s for one) grab the plate of the smoky beef short ribs, a sweet and spicy delight topped with fresh herbs and drizzled in citrus.

The tuna ceviche bowl is another one to try, served with zesty tuna, nori, super-greens and chipotle mayo. It is a very light, yet generously filling portion, and if you want to add some crunch, dip some corn chips in.

Of course expect a drinks menu serving mescal, tequila and margaritas. A cocktail to try is the frozen watermelon margarita made with arette blanco, tequila, Cointreau, syrup, fresh lime juice and watermelon – a sweet refreshing delight that is perfect to cool down with.

Taquiza

Address: Shop 3, 177/179 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Contact: (02) 9130 8616
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-11pm; Friday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm,  Sun 12pm-10pm

Images supplied.

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