Any 'real' Mexican Restaraunts ?

[barryofthailand]

Has anyone tried to grow Jalapenos in Thailand?

Barry

[Hobgoblin]

While both Tequila Reef and Mike's have great food, the atmosphere is quite different between the two. If you want lively, loud (but full of Beach Road riff-raff), go to Tequila Reef. For more laid back and a quiet dining experience, try Mike's. Prices are comparable. Mike's has better Margaritas.

I live in Jomthien, so perhaps I'm biased - since it takes 5 minutes to get to Mike's and 30 minutes to get to Tequila Reef.

[ilyushin]

The Moonshine in Jomtien has good Tex-Mex when Ned is overseeing things. It is on Soi 7 (I think), behind the first 7-11 on Beach Road in Jomtien.

The Blue Parrott fills a void if you haven't had any for some time but it is not that authentic.

Tequila Reef is not very good.

There is a steak house behind Kiss Restaurant on Second Road and Soi Diana Inn (I can't think of the name and I am not there to look it up). It is in the same building with Kiss and is about 50 meters inside on the left. Really good tacos the 3 times I have been.

You should be able to get Old El Paso bottled jalapenas at Best or Foodland. I never had any trouble finding them.

Agree that Moonshine has about the best Tex-Mex in town. Worth a try. They also have some cold brews.

[mjochim]

I was born and raised in Texas -- Garland, Dallas, Midland -- and lived for 13 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Thailand last April. So, I'm always on the lookout for "authentic" Mexican food.

The first time I tried Mexican in Thailand was at the Chiang Mai Saloon in Chiang Mai (the newer one, not the original). It was passible -- good fajitas, decent enchiladas, but really nasty refried beans. Atmosphere remains me of some of the Tex-Mex joints in Old Town Albuquerque or Kansas City -- lots of distressed wood planking, sawdust and peanut shells on the floor, even a couple of cigar store Indians out front. And I love the logo -- a Thai cowboy riding saddle on a bucking elephant.

But it pales in comparison to the best Mexican restaurant I've found outside the States (so far): Los Amigo's Cantina near Nai Harn Lake in Phuket. I've never had a bad meal here (and I've gone at least once every two weeks for the past three or four months). Perfect tacos, great quesadillas, excellent nachos, and the best salsa I've tasted this side of the Rio Grande make it a must-visit. The owner and her all-female staff are very attentive and (most) are very knowledgable about the food they serve (a rarity for any restaurant in Thailand!). My only real complaint is that the only Mexican beer they sell is Corona (they do serve it with the lime, so it's not all bad although a bit on the expensive side, but I'd rather have Dos Equis or Modelo).

I've only been to Pattaya once (had an awesome ham sandwich on homemade bread with Branson pickles at The Pig & Whistle) but I think I'll have to check out Mike's next time I'm there.

[chuckd]

mjochim:

If you ever get back out to West Texas, there used to be a Mexican owned place in Big Spring, right across the railroad tracks from the city, that had the best green enchiladas and salsa I have ever tasted.

Quite a few years ago now so probably not open. Just reminiscing a bit.

Off topic slightly. Sorry about that.

[JRinger]

Tequila Reef = tasteless slop

Atmosphere = loudmouths convinced the details of their lives are fascinating to everybody else in the room.

My sediments exactly. overprised "Slop" & Green frejoles ! and the service was slow & unfriendly.

[Ulysses G.]

Tequila Reef = tasteless slop

Atmosphere = loudmouths convinced the details of their lives are fascinating to everybody else in the room.

My sediments exactly. overprised "Slop" & Green frejoles ! and the service was slow & unfriendly.

A buddy of mine is a minor partner, but it still SUCKS!

[britmaveric]

Tequila Reef = tasteless slop

Atmosphere = loudmouths convinced the details of their lives are fascinating to everybody else in the room.

My sediments exactly. overprised "Slop" & Green frejoles ! and the service was slow & unfriendly.

A buddy of mine is a minor partner, but it still SUCKS!

Always fast/efficient and staff are lovely!!! Great Margs and far food is not slop.

UG - know J. and B. ????

[Pattaya_Fox]

Tequila Reef = tasteless slop

Atmosphere = loudmouths convinced the details of their lives are fascinating to everybody else in the room.

My sediments exactly. overprised "Slop" & Green frejoles ! and the service was slow & unfriendly.

A buddy of mine is a minor partner, but it still SUCKS!

Always fast/efficient and staff are lovely!!! Great Margs and far food is not slop.

UG - know J. and B. ????

Agree again with brit certainly not `Slop` it is always tasty and there is plenty of it and the service is always friendly and polite whether you sit at the bar or at a table either inside or out.

The only drawback for some could be the steep stairs leading to the cloak rooms....coming down can be hazardous after three or four margaritas.

[britmaveric]

Oh Yes - the steep stairs are a hazard! After a few pitchers quite easy to take a tumble.

[Ulysses G.]

UG - know J. and B. ????

Ray manages a big casino in Hong Kong and he used to manage a casino boat that operated all over South East Asia, but he is only a minor partner in Tequila Reef. He tried to get the main guys to open a Tequila Reef in Chiang Mai, but Miquel's California Cafe here has much better Mexican food so I think that they thought better of it!

[Pattaya_Fox]

UG - know J. and B. ????

Ray manages a big casino in Hong Kong and he used to manage a casino boat that operated all over South East Asia, but he is only a minor partner in Tequila Reef. He tried to get the main guys to open a Tequila Reef in Chiang Mai, but Miquel's California Cafe here has much better Mexican food so I think that they thought better of it!

One of the founding partners sold his share of the operation earlier this year but this has not affected the good service and the enjoyment of dining there

[LukDod]

As someone who is native to So.California and has traveled extensively throughout Mexico,

I must say, that there is NO real Mexican food in Pattaya!!

Tequila Reef...uh, no...but I like their ribs. Blue Parrot..aghh...the _worst_ attempt at Mexican food

I've tasted in Pattaya (IMHO). Bob's Texas BBQ claims to offer Mexican food...tacos, etc, but it too is a joke. Mike's Sunset Cantina (off walking St) is the closest I've encountered to Mexican food....and it ain't very close! But, Sunset Cantina is the only one that did have frijoles (refried beans), they were close to the real thing...but no cigar. And what is a Mexican restaurant without salsa picante...well it ain't a Mexican restaurant! An none of them have salsa picante..merely a meek salsa substitute for the tourists and those that have never had real Mex food.

I, too, have not found jalapeno peppers...BUT...I was in a store that had habanero peppers...

and darn, I can't remember where the store is...!!

Edited December 24, 2006 by LukDod

[Jingthing]

LukDod,

I 100 percent agree that a good salsa picante is a necessity for the true experience, and have never seen in Thailand. I also agree that the Blue Parrot should be sued by the Mexican government for claiming to serve Mexican food.

There are three other places you didn't mention that offer "Mexican food" in Pattaya, curious to know your opinion if you try them:

Mikes Mexican on Thappraya on the road to Jomtien

A Burrito Stand accross from Big C (forget the name, Fat Als maybe?)

Great American Rib Company has some Mexi items like quesadillas and fajitas

Of these, I have only tried the burrito stand, once was enough, better than Blue Parrot which isn't saying much at all.

[willyz]

is there any place that has close to authentic mexican food in pattaya? ive been to tequila reef,but, but, but it just isnt what im looking for, i use to live in texas , so ive been spoiled with lots of great mexican food...any other places?

any good enchiladas that melt in your mouth, with proper chili sauce laddled over the top?

man im hungry

The Great American Rib, on Tepprasit Road, on the way going from Tepprarya Road heading to Sukumvit, on the right side, they have a fantastic Tex-Mex type BBQ ...

[Ulysses G.]

I also agree that the Blue Parrot should be sued by the Mexican government for claiming to serve Mexican food.

You are COLD, dude!

[texpatriate]

Has anyone tried to grow Jalapenos in Thailand?

Barry

Many moons ago back when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.

Peppers do very well in SEA.The strains grown in Vietnam tend to be hotter than the ones grown in the US.

Since there isn't any serious cold weather your pepper plants will not die in the winter but will keep growing.

Avoid planting and replanting where you have previously grown nightshades (if possible).Add some flowers to

attract bees.I usually won't harvest my Jalapenos until they turn a lovely shade of Whore of Babylon Red.

My pepper plants did much better in LOS than here in the Texas Republic.

-texpat

Edited January 8, 2007 by texpatriate

[JR Texas]

I was born and raised in Texas -- Garland, Dallas, Midland -- and lived for 13 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Thailand last April. So, I'm always on the lookout for "authentic" Mexican food.

The first time I tried Mexican in Thailand was at the Chiang Mai Saloon in Chiang Mai (the newer one, not the original). It was passible -- good fajitas, decent enchiladas, but really nasty refried beans. Atmosphere remains me of some of the Tex-Mex joints in Old Town Albuquerque or Kansas City -- lots of distressed wood planking, sawdust and peanut shells on the floor, even a couple of cigar store Indians out front. And I love the logo -- a Thai cowboy riding saddle on a bucking elephant.

But it pales in comparison to the best Mexican restaurant I've found outside the States (so far): Los Amigo's Cantina near Nai Harn Lake in Phuket. I've never had a bad meal here (and I've gone at least once every two weeks for the past three or four months). Perfect tacos, great quesadillas, excellent nachos, and the best salsa I've tasted this side of the Rio Grande make it a must-visit. The owner and her all-female staff are very attentive and (most) are very knowledgable about the food they serve (a rarity for any restaurant in Thailand!). My only real complaint is that the only Mexican beer they sell is Corona (they do serve it with the lime, so it's not all bad although a bit on the expensive side, but I'd rather have Dos Equis or Modelo).

I've only been to Pattaya once (had an awesome ham sandwich on homemade bread with Branson pickles at The Pig & Whistle) but I think I'll have to check out Mike's next time I'm there.

JR Texas to Mjochim: Hi.....I am from Texas and grew up eating at El Fenix, the best Mexican food on the planet. I have lived in Thailand for too many years to count. Any person who thinks Tequila Reef, Mike's and the Blue Parrot (all in Pattaya) have "great Mexican food" is a bit off.

Tequila Reef has the worst salsa I have ever tasted and the refried beans and rice are horrible. Also, they serve bad chips that are always cold and old. The staff is normally unfriendly. There really is no Mexican food there, but the L.A. Burrito with pork is not too bad.

Mike's food is a bit better than TR, but not by much. The Blue Parrot is truly a place to avoid (I have been sick way too many times from eating their food....too bad as their beef tacos are not too bad and the refried beans are actually passable).

I think the problem is that they don't know what real Mexican food tastes like and/or they can't get the proper ingredients to make real Mexican food. And, yes, I am familiar with Tex-Mex. But I have eaten Mexican food all over, including Mexico. For the most part, what is called Mexican food in Thailand is not anything like what I am familiar with.

[Jingthing]

Thai restaurants are very rare in Mexico. Decent Mexican food is practically impossible to find in Thailand.

Hmmmm. Sounds like a great chance for cultural exchange. A boatload of Thai chefs for a boatload of Mexican chefs. Its a win win for everybody!

Edited January 8, 2007 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

I also agree that the Blue Parrot should be sued by the Mexican government for claiming to serve Mexican food.

You are COLD, dude!

Only my beer, amigo, only my beer ...

[moo9]

Tequila Reef isn't bad - have I eaten way better yes! However I think you will be hard pressed finding much better in Patters.

100% agree to that...I like to go there sometimes. It's a fun place and the food isn't that bad at all.

[JR Texas]

Tequila Reef isn't bad - have I eaten way better yes! However I think you will be hard pressed finding much better in Patters.

100% agree to that...I like to go there sometimes. It's a fun place and the food isn't that bad at all.

JR Texas to Moo9/britmaveric: I can't help it............."the food isn't that bad at all."

OK...some people simply do not know what good Mexican food is like. That is too bad as it really is wonderful food.

To be fair, it is not easy to get the proper ingredients to make good Mexican food in Thailand. But it is not so difficult to make good salsa/hot sauce.

There is a real market for good corn chips in Thailand. Yes, a couple of companies are trying, but they are not anything close to "good."

Now, what I am waiting for is a place that serves great tamales and chili rellenos.....or just any place that knows how to make a decent enchilada (beef or cheese).

[Jingthing]

Yes, we are waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

As long as there are lots of people who really think a place like Tequila Reef serves decent Mexican food, it will never happen.

And, yes, I think it is the ingredients issue that is a big part of the problem. I still find it weird because I think that Mexican food is one the biggest thing that many North Americans miss when living in Thailand, so there is a built in base of demand.

Also, you would think given the potential spiciness of Mexican food, there is potential that Thai people could be converted; look at way they seem to go for spicy KFC fried chicken nuggets! I have met many Thai people who tell me they don't like Mexican food. How would they know what it is to not like it unless they have travelled to North America?

Edited January 9, 2007 by Jingthing

[chuckd]

I still say the Moonshine Place in Jomtien, behind the first 7-11 on Beach Road, has the best Tex-Mex in the area.

When Ned is there it is great. The chicken burrito is highly recommended.

No, I have no financial interest in the place whatsoever.

[Jingthing]

I still say the Moonshine Place in Jomtien, behind the first 7-11 on Beach Road, has the best Tex-Mex in the area.

When Ned is there it is great. The chicken burrito is highly recommended.

No, I have no financial interest in the place whatsoever.

Interesting.

Do you know when he might be in?

Because I have walked by that joint about three times, and it has been empty and populated by what appear to be bargirls who have seen better days. OK, I know thats rude, but it doesn't look like a very inviting place to eat.

Any other recent experiences to report from there?

[JR Texas]

I still say the Moonshine Place in Jomtien, behind the first 7-11 on Beach Road, has the best Tex-Mex in the area.

When Ned is there it is great. The chicken burrito is highly recommended.

No, I have no financial interest in the place whatsoever.

Interesting.

Do you know when he might be in?

Because I have walked by that joint about three times, and it has been empty and populated by what appear to be bargirls who have seen better days. OK, I know thats rude, but it doesn't look like a very inviting place to eat.

Any other recent experiences to report from there?

JR Texas: Why can't we make masa for tamales? Is it that difficult? Does anybody know how to make it?

[Ulysses G.]

I still say the Moonshine Place in Jomtien, behind the first 7-11 on Beach Road, has the best Tex-Mex in the area.

When Ned is there it is great. The chicken burrito is highly recommended.

No, I have no financial interest in the place whatsoever.

Interesting.

Do you know when he might be in?

Because I have walked by that joint about three times, and it has been empty and populated by what appear to be bargirls who have seen better days. OK, I know thats rude, but it doesn't look like a very inviting place to eat.

Any other recent experiences to report from there?

JR Texas: Why can't we make masa for tamales? Is it that difficult? Does anybody know how to make it?

Miquel's Mexican in Chiang Mai has good tamales.

[Tolley]

It defies any sense of reason that Tequila Reef could have any supporters other than those with a financial interest in the place.

It ranks with the worst food I have ever eaten anywhere.......you would have to be blind drunk to think otherwise...

It is the pits.

[Yknot]

The food may not look or taste the same, but you will think that the restaurants in Pattaya are "real" Mexican if you drink the water.

[Nam Plah]

JR Texas: Why can't we make masa for tamales? Is it that difficult? Does anybody know how to make it?

Please refer to:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1062654

For the full inner workings of Masa production.

Mexican Alchemy.