Dubai is hardly short of Mexican restaurants where you can get a good fajita plate or fish taco, But what makes Tortuga at Mina Al Salam stand out is the menu devised by Head Chef Carlos Hannon. Filled with unique and alternative dishes using fiercely-protected family recipes, Hannon advises you to take your margarita’s ‘straight’ and will slap you around the head if he catches you ‘necking’ a shot of tequila (the local delicacy is meant to be sipped). Here are three reasons why we think Tortuga is currently the best Mexican restaurant in the city.
1. Head to the My Grandma’s Corner section of the menu and opt for the Molcajete (Dhs70). Inspired by a recipe from Hannon’s Grandma (the clue’s in the name), this appetiser involves bubbling hot cheese brought to your table in a volcanic stone which your waiter will then mix with morita chilli sauce and spoon into a homemade tortilla straight onto your plate.
2. The five different ceviches (Dhs75 each) are organised by region and loyal to that region’s best seafood. So opt for Sinaloense for a sea bass marinated in cucumber, tomato, onion and Serrano chilli; or Acapulco if shrimps with avocado in a Mexican cocktail sauce is more your thing.
3. You can custom-make your margaritas. First choose one of the five different types of tequila and three sweeteners (Patron Cirtonge, Contreau or Grand Marnier). Choose a citrus flavouring, lime, blood orange or pink grapefruit, and then finally choose from four different salts to rim your glass.
Mina A’Salam, +971 4 366 6730, Jumeirah.com