Excellent selection of Mexican dried and powdered chilies, spices, herbs, chocolate and vanilla. The widest range and best quality I've found in one location in London (other than online shops). Getting the right spices makes a huge difference when cooking Mexican food and I was able to stock my pantry with lots of the must haves. I've also been happy to pick up corn tortillas, fresh poblano chilies at this stall in the Jubilee Market section and I hear they also have fresh tomatillos when in season.
They also sell bean kits, pozule kits and masa harina, which are a bit pricey and not really worth it unless you're in a pinch - You can find much better values for these dried items from other Mexican grocery sources.
Bottled salsas are okay, I've had better and worse. Anyway, I think fresh salsa is so easy to make and much better tasting, I rarely buy the bottled stuff. A quick run to the grocery for onions, tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, cilantro, lime and you can make your own salsa fresh! Look up some recipes and get the spices and chilies you need from Cool Chile Co. and experiment for yourself - it's worth it.
Cool Chile Co also runs a restaurant on Westbourne Grove called Taqueria. I walked by it last weekend and it was quite busy. If I had not filled up from the many food stalls at Brick Lane market a little while earlier, I would have stopped for some grub. I'll definitely go and try it out soon as I continue my quest for good Mexican food in London. read more