The Holy Trinity of Mexican Food in Berlin

One of the greatest tragedies in German cooking is the absence of Mexican food.We practically live on taco trucks, hole-in-the-wall taquerís, and homemade tex-mex in Seattle. We were aghast to find poor man's Spanish food standing in for our beloved Mexican in Berlin when we arrived in 2007. Toto - we're not in Kansas anymore.

While it may seem strange for a couple of Seattleites to be talking up Mexican food, Ian has a mysterious past. He is actually from Eastern Washington. GASPPPPPPP!!! Oh - you have no idea why that's a big deal? Let me explain a little something about Washington state....

Most people only know about glorious Seattle, but Washington is quite large (18th largest in fact). Do you see that brown thing in the center? That's a big ass mountain range, the Cascades, and it separates the state.

West side - more liberal and city-like

East side - more conservative and rural

Fiesta Foods

A drive over the mountains can reveal a disturbing increase in anti-abortion propaganda, bail bonds offices, and light racism. Luckily, it also hosts an agricultural community that brought with it farm workers- namely Mexicans. And oh man! those Mexicans can cook. Ian is legitimately proud of Yakima's little Mexico and I have an ever deepening love for the cuisine every time we visit.

 Anyhoo - back to Berlin. I've talked about the lack of Mexican food all over the world and American's yearning for it in posts like "American Snacks Gone Global" and it is a a common answer to "What do you miss most? in our Expat interviews.

Seeing the need, many have tried to right this wrong in otherwise amazing city. There has been rapid expansion of the Mexican restaurant scene in Berlin. Most have missed - whether it be tortillas that immediately fall apart, pickles in the salsa, or food assembled so hopelessly it is impossible to eat. But there are a few places making a difference.

Three restaurants (that I believe are owned by the same people) are elevating the fine art of Mexican food. There are still stumbles, but our favorite hits closer to the food of our dreams than we have dared to hope before. The restaurants....

Maria Bonita

Danziger Str. 33, Prenzlauer Berg, 10435 Berlin 

+49 17670179461 

This spot is like a permanent taco truck. The place is tiny and offers take-out options, making it close to the atmosphere of places we loved back home. The portions are ok with lower prices than its sister restaurants.

The problem is that the quality is also much lower and with additional charges for condiments like the habanero salsa. This makes the price settle close to that of the sit-down restaurants (still under 10 euro). The biggest sin is that my Huevos rancheros was served with the tortillas beneath everything else - only to be discovered with fork and knife - a soggy mess.

Verdict - I wouldn't bother with this one again unless I was in the area and wanted something to go. At least the artwork and attitude are right.

Maria Peligro (*closed)

Skalitzer Str. 81, Kreuzberg, 10997 Berlin, Germany
#0176 70127179

Maria Peligro in Berlin

The opposite end of the spectrum, Maria Peligro is the largest space with a slightly more upscale, although still Berlin ramshackle, vibe. We came here for Cinco de Mayo and there was a host of specials on the menu for drinking & dining and plenty of intimate seats to choose from in the Dia de los Muertos decor.

That changed quickly as the place filled up and the Coronas and 4 euro margaritas flowed (happy hour price). The carne asada burrito was a delight, but at 9 euros for the burrito and a smear of gaucomole it's price was a little absurd. The plate screamed "Some beans! Rice please!" My dish of chilaquiles was surprisingly less well crafted and more expensive than the preferred third restaurant.

Verdict - A good place to meet a group and have a meal, especially during happy hour. But for the best food of the three, party on to the next place.

chilaquiles

Maria Peligro

Cinco de Mayo in Berlin

* 2013 Update: We just this one is closed which is too bad,but as it was the Goldilocks and the three Bears in the middle it is no terrible loss. Onto my favorite Mexican restaurant...

Santa Maria 

Oranienstr. 170, Kruezberg, 10999 Berlin
#030 92210027

Santa Maria Berlin

We've found our Mexican food home. We stumbled in on a cold evening and found a few tables packed into a tiny space on trendy Oranienstrasse. We worried about finding a place, but were able to take a seat at the bar and order 1 euro tacos for taco Tuesdays with a 4 euro margarita. Things were looking good. Additional orders of a salad for 3.50, a burrito for 5, and my first run at chilaquiles were surprisingly delightful. Service is also an unexpected highpoint with the hurried, but helpful, staff getting food out and people sat in a timely order.

Verdict - We're in love. Like a puppy dog crush, that may fade with regular visits...but for now we are charmed.  Note that it is often overrun, but if you can wait it's worth it.

Burrito

Santa Maria menu

margarita Santa Maria

chilaquiles

Tip: If you like things hot! hot! hot! like us - ask for the habenero salsa. It's no additional charge at Maria Peligro & Santa Maria and packs a delightful punch to the tongue.

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If you are still dreaming of Mexican food without relief, here is a little inspiration. While hardly traditional, these fusion meals keep us going til our next taco truck.

We substitute Indian chili powder for Mexican, use feta as a substitute for queso fresco, koriander (or coriander in English) is an ok stand-in for cumin  and Turkish stores sell similar goods to tortillas. We also found cornmeal at Spanish & African shops and are experimenting making corn tortillas and seriously enjoying cornbread again. 

Nachos

Quaedilla, Mexican rice, black bean salad

Simple corn, cilantro, and feta quesdilla with cherry tomatoes

Tortilla pie

Have a recipe you like or recommendation? Do tell....AND if you're gonna get really crazy, please start a taco truck in Berlin! Here is a how to: http://www.tacosberlin.com/how-to

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UPDATE: 

We went on a hunt for Mexican Ingredients in Berlin and this is what we found...