La Cocina - Tacos & Ceviche Bar has gone the healthy route and introduced clean and sustainable Mexican fare. The health-conscious restaurant has rolled out new additions to its menu, along with a handful of dishes that are making a comeback from Barrio Bonito's menu. Customers can still expect chef Mariana Villalobos Torres' healthy approach to food; every dish is made using natural ingredients (no refined flour or sugar) and fresh organic produce sourced from the north of Thailand.
Some of the new dishes I tried and thought quite unique were the Nopal taco (B165/piece) that featured a house-made corn and sweet potato tortilla topped with grilled cactus, pungent "chorizo" made out of mushroom, watercress and sliced avocado. Another dish was the Taquitos dorados (B300/three pieces), which means golden tacos in Spanish. Fried tortilla rolls are stuffed with shredded free-range chicken and topped with mild salsa, sour cream, chopped onions and fresh cheese.
Slightly less unique but tasty were four burritos from Barrio Bonito's menu. These come with four different filling options. For those who are after something hearty, try the Burrito del mar (B260), a grilled flour tortilla wrapped inside shrimp tempura, sauerkraut, avocado and a zesty jalapeño tahini sauce. The Burrito green (B230), which comes with grilled eggplant, kale, guacamole, beans and pico de gallo salsa, was flavourful and is vegan.
Nopal Taco.
Coco-A.
La Cocina
No matter what you choose for mains, start with Barrio's Bonito's signature Sweet potato nachos (house-made sweet potato chips topped with refried beans, melted cheese, sour cream and pico de gallo, B200) and finishing off the meal with a guilt-free and plant-based chocolate mousse, Coco-A (B150). The mousse is made with 72% dark chocolate, coconut milk, avocado and a touch of ancho chile powder. It boasts a wonderful airy consistency, with a rich chocolate flavour that isn't too sweet.
As for drinks, they are equally well chosen. Diners can expect natural selections of five different organic wines, prices of which start at B280 per glass. All cocktails are also made without refined sugar. Try a strong glass of Zandunga (B420), a delightful blend of mezcal alipus, agave syrup, aromatic bitters and star anise.
If you enjoy fun drinks minus the alcohol, try La Cocina's house-made flavoured waters, such as Pina-cilantro (fresh pineapple and coriander), Tamarindo (tamarind) or Jamaica (hibiscus-infused water). All are priced at B120 per glass.
La Cocina - Tacos & Ceviche Bar, TheCommons Thonglor, Thong Lor 17 / Call 092-580-0040, visit fb.com/LaCocinaBKK.
