Pancho's Burritos is the proverbial small package that good things come in. They're located off Oxford Road, next to the Nando's that's next to Zouk. So, it's another easy lunchtime walk for me, from office. I had heard a lot of nice things about Pancho's and so took the opportunity to wander here for a (no prizes for guessing) burrito.
As I walked in, there was a queue of about five people in front of me. I noticed bachata music playing on the speakers and a very catchy mural on the left wall, of a little boy and what looked like a dragon. Ordering food here is as easy as 1-2-3 or as they say in Spanish Un Dos Tres (not On Those Trays like Basil Fawlty says though).
1. You choose a size L or a size XL wrap, from a choice of plain, tomato or spinach. The optional fillings include rice (normal and Mexican), beans, onions+peppers, cheese, guac, cactus, sour cream etc. I kept things simple and went for a plain XL one.
2. You choose a main filling from a choice of the usual meats or vegetables, if you're feeling particularly herbivrous. I had the picante lamb with cactus, I think.
3. You choose a salsa ranging from mild pico de gallo and salsa verde to the very adventurous muy picante habanero salsa. I went for the muy picante habanero.
So there you are, 1, 2 & 3 and it's all wrapped up and you pay for it and buy any drinks you may want.
I could see bottles of desperado beer and Jarritos soft drinks. Jarritos is a Mexican brand and is based out of Guadalajara, apparently.
The people serving us were very friendly and offered suggestions too, which was very nice. They also seem to have a loyalty card and 15% student discounts. They also have tables on a mezzanine level in case you prefer to eat in.
Amongst other things they also have enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and the all important nachos with chilli con carne and veggie chilli.
My meal cost me £6.10 and I felt it was good value for my money. Although I must admit, I do have a soft spot for spicy food and places where I as a customer, feel appreciated as opposed to tolerated.
For me, the desirability factor of any well cooked/prepared dish is usually down to how it looks on my plate and how it feels when I taste it. As far as looks go, it was a burrito; a few fillings rolled in a wrap and packed in tin foil. As far as the taste goes, it felt like a nice combination of individual items coming together in the right proportion that left me with a good overall taste in the mouth whilst also being able to feel the contribution of those individual items. This, for me is a clear winner.
If you're looking for another place to go for lunch, I'd definitely recommend it.
As with everywhere else, I sincerely hope they continue to maintain the level of performance that I was treated to. read more