These fun-filled fiestas are perfect for indulging in tacos, tamales, tres leches and tequila this weekend.
The annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day, also called Grito de Dolores, commemorates the day that Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1810. The holiday has evolved over the years into a celebration of Mexican heritage filled with colourful parades, mariachi concerts, and plenty of food. Here is where you can join the festivities in Dubai.
DESEO
Boasting views of the Dubai Downtown cityscape and Burj Khalifa, DESEO at the vibrant ME Dubai welcomes guests to explore the flavours of Mexico and a fun tropical vibe. On Mexican Independence Day, Friday, September 16, the “¡Viva México, güey!” festival will come alive with a Mariachi musician and a menu of tacos, nachos, guacamole, cheese empanadas, and refreshing cocktails. Friday 16 September, from 7pm to 11 pm. AED 125 per person.
GO: Call 04 525 2500 for reservations and more information.
Maiz Tacos
Maiz Tacos have answered your taco prayers with a new opening in Dubai Hills Estates, Acacia B. Offering the same tasty Mexican food that we afore from the JLT branch, diners can celebrate Mexican Independence Day with orders of burritos, flautas, quesadillas and tacos. Ensure you save room for the golden churros, which might just be the best in Dubai.
GO: Visit www.maiztacos.com for more information.
Mama Zonia
This fusion restaurant in Dubai Marina is inspired by the Amazon jungle and invites guests to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a Mexican-themed food and drinks package. Expect two hours of free-flowing Margaritas and selected hops, in addition to sharing plates of tacos and guacamole. Available on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September, from 7pm to midnight. AED 199 per person.
GO: Call 04 240 4747 for reservations and more information.
Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar
Shimmy your way into the afternoon with a taste of Mexico at Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar. The FACT Award-winning restaurant at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa will celebrate with a weekend brunch filled with exciting flavours. From traditional guacamole to authentic tacos, there’s something for everyone to indulge in at this buzzing weekend brunch. Saturday 17 September, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 450 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.maya-dubai.com or call 04 316 5550 for reservations and more information.
Muchachas
The authentic Latin American cantina will celebrate the occasion by gifting all Mexican nationals a complimentary snack and a Margarita. However, the celebrations don’t end there because all visitors to the restaurant on Mexican Independence Day will be treated to an all-day-long happy hour to really kick-start the festivities. Friday 16 September, from 12pm to midnight.
GO: Visit www.muchachasdubai.com or call 04 327 5878 for reservations and more information.
Señor Pico
In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, this Californian Mexican concept on Palm West Beach will serve a Mexican feast. Expect crab tostadas, salmon and mango ceviche, hot tamales, tres leches cake, Margaritas and more. Known for its Instagrammable décor, picturesque beachside setting and views of Ain Dubai and Dubai Harbour, the FACT Award-winning Señor Pico will go all-out with its festivities. Friday 16 September, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 199 (two hours free-flow of Mexican street bites and mocktails), AED 299 (two hours free-flow of Mexican street bites and cocktails) and AED 379 (two hours free-flow of Mexican street bites, cocktails and house beverages).
GO: Visit www.senorpico.com or call 045 68 2502 for reservations and more information.
Tacos Los Hermanos
FACT’s food expert Liam Collens raves about this authentic Mexican spot inside Motor City’s Neighbourhood Food Hall. Fast gaining a reputation for churning out Dubai’s best tacos, diners can indulge in supple corn tortillas layered with shredded chicken (AED 54), slow-roasted birria (AED 57) or marinated carne asada (AED57). With three tacos per serving and a side of fresh corn chips and salsa, this casual spot to celebrate Mexican Independence Day is all about the food.
Follow @tacosloshermanos.dxb on Instagram for more information.
Tortuga
Overlooking the waterways of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Tortuga invites guests to join an extravagant two-day fiesta in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The feast of unlimited food includes a selection of Mexican street food paired with music from a live Latin duo. Expect Mexican street corn, chilli braised lamb tacos, mushroom and corn quesadilla, Mexican fish stew, chorizo and potato crispy rolled tacos, and churros served with Mexican chocolate. Those looking to take it up a notch can quench their thirst with Mexican drinks from the a la carte drinks menu. Thursday 15 and Friday 16 September, from 6pm to 10:30pm. AED 199 per person (food only)
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com or call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.