Fantastic Beans and Where to Find Them

It may not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re craving tacos or bottomless bowls of guacamole, but one shouldn’t discount the hospitality scene when it comes to finding an excellent Mexican restaurant in Glasgow. If you look hard enough down the city’s medieval streets, you may just catch the colourful twinkle of a sombrero beckoning you into a fun-filled (and strictly haggis-free) fiesta.

There’s many things to love about the lip-tingling flavours of Mexican fare. Queso, chipotle, salsa, charcoaled corn and crispy tortilla chips… But when it comes to the king of all Mexican ingredients, I think we can agree there’s one that dominates all others.

BEANS!

Before launching into our spiel about where to find a fiery feast in Glasgow, please join us in a few sentences of praise for those mighty Mexican beans (frilly bean sprouts, your time will come).

These are a few of my favourite beans…

There’s said to be anywhere between two and four hundred varieties of beans worldwide. First cultivated in the fields of Mexico as far back as 7000BC, these days black beans, pinto beans, red beans, refried beans and every one in between can be found in cans on all international supermarket shelves.

Considered one of the healthiest and most affordable food sources, Mexican beans are an ingredient for the people. They’ve saved many a vegetarian from another boring salad, become a store-bought staple for students on a budget and turned the heat back up on date night (uhh, given you don’t overdo it). Nutrient-rich, bursting with fibre and antioxidants, good for improving blood sugar and heart health… Frankly, the humble bean boasts plenty of magical properties our mate Newt Scamander wouldn’t dream of finding in his briefcase.

Fortunately, we’ve found plenty on the menu of Glasgow’s standout Mexican restaurants…

Mexican restaurants, food trucks and more in Glasgow!

1. Mezcal

Named after Mexico’s famous smoky spirit, there’s no denying Mezcal is the life and soul of the party when it comes to serving contemporary Mexican-inspired street food and cocktails. Combining fresh and local ingredients with authentic specialties imported from Mexico, chef Adriana Cavita has designed a superb menu that will send your taste buds on a wild international journey.

Come for the hot flavours found in every handmade taco, burrito and quesadilla; stay on for the live DJs, neon lights and frozen margaritas every Friday and Saturday night.

104 Hope St, Glasgow

2. Las Iguanas

Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Glasgow Central Station, there’s every reason for visitors and local commuters to make Las Iguanas their first point of business. The family of Latin American restaurants first opened in Bristol, before taking over the UK’s hospo scene. Although the Glasgow branch is just one of around 50 in the kingdom, it definitely stands out amongst its brothers and sisters.

The menu is stuffed with Latin American classics from Brazil, Argentina, Cuba and – of course – Mexico. Right now, we’re obviously all about the latter. With a colourful tropical setting as your backdrop, get your fix of Mexican tapas, chilli, enchiladas, burritos, nachos and more. Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian – this West Nile Street eatery has you sorted.

16-20 West Nile St, Glasgow

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3. MASA

A nomad of Glasgow’s Mexican food scene, MASA is a street food collective started by chef Derek Park. It all kicked off for this local foodie in October 2019 when he set up shop at Park Lane Market to provide Glasgow with a small but spectacular menu of handmade tacos. These days you can still find MASA pumping out tasty treats from a pop-up in Park Lane Market, but keep an eye out on their Facebook and Instagram for other events and collabs with local eateries.

4. Bibi’s Cantina

An independent hole-in-the-wall on Dumbarton Road, Bibi’s is a neighbourhood gem serving home-style Mexican fare with a very affordable price tag. Be greeted by a lit up ‘HOLA’ sign and colourful papel picado upon arrival, topped off by a super friendly welcome from the staff. Bibi’s doors are open wide every day from 12pm until late, with a range of healthy and hearty food for young and old. And kids are even hooked up with a free meal on Sundays.

Don’t miss the sizzling fajitas platters. They come with an endless supply of guacamole, salsa, sour cream and more – adding to the reasons we love Bibi’s oh so much.

599-601 Dumbarton Road, Patrick, Glasgow

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5. Yu Ca Taco

A converted horse box is a surprising place to find a great taco – but never say neigh. You can count on Yu Ca Taco to do the unexpected extraordinarily well.

Given you’ve got fully functioning taste buds, you’ll absolutely love what this team is providing from their food truck window: traditional gluten-free tacos from the Mexican state of Yucatán direct to Glasgow. Local and responsibly sourced ingredients are at the base of each taco. It’s this ethical philosophy that helps to create a street food dish that is simple, fresh and bursting with flavour. Better yet, Yu Ca Taco is still a great option for those looking for cheap Mexican. A plate of 3 tacos will set you back about £6 – £7.

There’s always a fun festival, market or pop-up on the Mexican food truck’s calendar, like the Big Feed Street Food Social, so make sure you keep up to date with their schedule on Facebook and Instagram.

6. Lupe Pintos

If you do decide to don the apron and create an authentic Mexican feast in your own kitchen, you’ll find everything you need from the chili and spice legends at Lupe Pintos. First opening in Edinburgh in 1991, it was 2001 that the specialty deli decided to open another store in Glasgow with hard-to-find Mexican ingredients, as well as American and Spanish goods too. Pop in to peruse the shelves and pick up some top cooking tips from the expert staff over a bowl of fresh guacamole and salsa.

313 Great Western Rd, Glasgow