Maya Cebu - Best Mexican Resto?

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During my recent visit to Cebu, I made it a point to visit Maya, purportedly the best Mexican restaurant in the Philippines.

After entering the big wooden doors, you won't miss the giant golden mask hanging on the wall besides the stairs leading to the 2nd floor. Masks are a recurring theme around the restaurant from the outside to the bar.The place is tastefully decorated with some specially made lights on the side accented by dragonflies.

The waiters were very attentive and knew the menu very well since we asked their advise in ordering. Since we wanted to veer away from the usual tacos and burritos, he suggested a few of their specialties.

We settled on Maya Nachos (P335) to start, masa chips with salsa roja, sour cream, pickled peppers and chili con carne. This is by far the best nachos I've ever tasted. One bite of the chips and you can immediately tell its home made, they are much thinner than ordinary chips and have a nice flavor to them. They served this dish hot, putting it in the oven for a little while to melt the cheese as well as toast the chips some more.

For my main course I picked Costillas En Salsa Chiptole (P425), baby back ribs with smoky chipotle BBQ sauce. The ribs were much closer to ordinary ribs than to baby back ribs I expected. This slight inconsistency does not detract from the oh so wonderfully grilled ribs with a slight spiciness because of the chipotle(smoke dried jalapeno's).

Irene saw Enchiladas de Queso Y Pollo (P385) on the menu and although she glanced at other items, I knew she would still order chicken enchilada. The dish might look like nothing special when it arrives on the table, one bite and you'll see it packs quite a taste. Irene immediately commented that the tortilla is so chewy unlike the enchiladas she's had. I had a taste and I have to say I agree.

Irene had a complimentary Margarita with her dinner, which we got courtesy of my Enjoy Card coupon. She commented that it was a weird way to served the drink and not in the usual margarita glass. I don't drink so I did not taste this, Irene said it was ok.

All the two of us could say after the filling meal was wow, all the things we heard were true. This is the best Mexican restaurant we've ever had the pleasure of visiting. I wanted to have another meal but could not find the opportunity. They announced on their menu that they are going to be conquering Manila in 2011, I for one can't wait to have the chance to eat at Maya again

Maya Taqueria and Tequila Lounge
Crossroads,  Banilad, Cebu City
238.9552
Website

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