Wahaca Menu Guide to Fresh Mexican Dining in the UK
Mexican food has grown in popularity across the UK, and one restaurant chain that stands out is Wahaca. Founded in 2007 by Thomasina Miers, a MasterChef winner, Wahaca quickly became known for its fresh, sustainable, and vibrant take on Mexican street food. If you love colorful Mexican street food, then exploring the Wahaca menu is like taking a culinary trip to Oaxaca without leaving the UK. The brand is proud of being carbon neutral since 2016, and it has maintained a reputation for serving responsibly sourced ingredients. If you have enjoyed reading about Subway Menu UK: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Next Meal, then exploring the flavors of Wahaca will give you another exciting dining experience.
Wahaca is a modern Mexican restaurant that blends traditional recipes with a British twist. It has expanded across several UK cities and is especially popular in London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Cardiff. People love its colorful décor, buzzing atmosphere, and the variety of dishes. Unlike fast-food chains, Wahaca offers healthier meals that include plenty of plant-based options.
Restaurant Background and Founders
Chef Thomasina Miers co-founded Wahaca with Mark Selby to create a place where bold Mexican flavors met British seasonal produce. Their shared goal was to offer fast but fresh street food while also supporting the environment. Since 2016, the restaurant chain has been officially carbon neutral, using locally sourced, ethically produced ingredients.
Their philosophy impacts everything—from sourcing food to eco-friendly packaging. They’re not just serving tacos; they’re serving sustainability with style. Each location is designed with upcycled furniture, colorful murals, and a festive atmosphere.
Wahaca Locations in the UK
The Wahaca menu is available in more than a dozen vibrant restaurants across the UK. London has the highest number of branches, including sites in Covent Garden, Southbank, Canary Wharf, and White City. Beyond London, Wahaca has expanded to Manchester, Brighton, Liverpool, and Cardiff. Each restaurant keeps the same core menu but often includes specials inspired by seasonal ingredients.
| City | Wahaca Locations |
|---|---|
| London | Covent Garden, Southbank, Canary Wharf, White City, Wimbledon |
| Manchester | Corn Exchange |
| Liverpool | Liverpool One |
| Brighton | North Street |
| Cardiff | St David’s Centre |
The restaurants are often located in busy shopping districts or near cultural hubs, making them accessible for locals and tourists alike.
Wahaca Reviews from Customers
The reviews for Wahaca on Google are generally very positive. Many diners highlight the flavorful tacos, the freshness of the ingredients, and the fun dining atmosphere. Families love the kids’ menu, and young professionals enjoy the creative cocktail list. Most reviews praise the quick service and reasonable prices compared to other sit-down restaurants in the city. Some people mention that the restaurants can get crowded during peak hours, which shows just how popular they are.
Full Wahaca Menu
The Wahaca menu has a wide variety of dishes that reflect authentic Mexican flavors while keeping things fun and approachable for UK diners. From tacos and nachos to fresh bowls and churros, there is something for everyone. Below are tables that cover the main categories on the menu.
Entradas (Starters)
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Guacamole | Fresh avocado with lime and coriander served with tortilla chips |
| Sonoran Hummus | Chickpeas and roasted vegetables blended with guajillo chili |
| Pico de Gallo | Tomato, lime, and herbs served with tortilla chips |
| House Nachos | Corn chips topped with chorizo, black beans, crema, guacamole, and cheese |
| Black Bean Nachos | Vegetarian version with beans, guacamole, and jalapeños |
Tacos (2 per order)
| Taco | Description |
|---|---|
| Beef Gringa | Grass-fed beef with melted cheese and salsa fresca |
| Pork Pibil | Slow-cooked citrus pork with achiote spice |
| Griddled Cactus & Courgette | Plant-based taco with sweetcorn and crispy strips |
| Buttermilk Chicken | Crispy chicken served with fresh toppings |
| Baja Fish | Fried fish taco with slaw and creamy sauce |
| Halloumi Al Pastor | Halloumi cheese grilled with pineapple salsa |
| Plantain Taco | Fried plantain with Mexican spices |
Small Plates (Platitos)
| Small Plate | Description |
|---|---|
| Prawn Aguachile | Fresh prawns in a tangy lime marinade |
| Sweet Potato & Feta Taquito | Rolled tortilla with roasted sweet potato and cheese |
| Crispy Cauliflower Bites | Spiced cauliflower served with a dipping sauce |
Feasting Menus, Bowls, and Bigger Meals
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Caramelised Pork Belly | Slow-cooked pork with smoky flavors |
| Achiote Seabass | Grilled seabass with pineapple salsa |
| Chicken Sunshine Bowl | Balanced bowl with chicken, grains, and salad |
| Halloumi Sunshine Bowl | Vegetarian bowl with grilled cheese and vegetables |
| Sweet Potato Bowl | Plant-based option with grains and fresh toppings |
Desserts at Wahaca
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Tres Leches Tiramisu | Creamy cake soaked in milk with coffee flavors |
| Chocolate Pecan Brownie | Rich chocolate dessert with nuts |
| Churros | Fried dough sticks served with chocolate or caramel |
| Ice Cream Sundae | Ice cream topped with sauces and nuts |
Drinks
| Drink Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Margaritas | Classic, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Picante |
| Mezcal Cocktails | Marmalade Mezcalita, Mezcal Negroni, Mexpresso Martini |
| Non-Alcoholic | Virgin Mojito, Berry Sour, Mock Colada, Aguas Frescas |
| Beers | Corona, Modelo, Sir Veza |
| Wines | Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling |
| Tequila & Mezcal | Blanco, Reposado, Añejo |
Kids Menu
| Kids Meal | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheesy Quesadilla | Simple tortilla filled with melted cheese |
| Build Your Own Tacos | Mini taco kit for children |
| Rainbow Bowl | Healthy mix of grains and vegetables |
| Ice Cream Scoops | Dessert option for kids |
Opening and Closing Times
Wahaca restaurants typically follow similar timings, although some variation exists depending on location.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 12:00 PM | 10:30 PM |
| Friday | 12:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
These times make Wahaca a good choice for both lunch and dinner. Weekend brunch is also popular in many locations.
Delivery Timings
Wahaca also offers delivery through partners such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. Delivery timings usually match restaurant hours, but in some cities, they extend a little longer into the night.
| Service | Delivery Hours |
|---|---|
| Deliveroo | 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM |
| Uber Eats | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Just Eat | 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
Delivery allows customers to enjoy the Wahaca menu at home, making it easier for families and groups to share a Mexican feast.
Event Menus and Group Dining
Wahaca offers specially curated group menus for office parties, birthday celebrations, and even corporate catering. These include multi-course meals with tacos, churros, and cocktails, starting from £20 per person. Customizations are available to accommodate allergies, vegetarian diets, or halal options.
For example:
- The Wahaca Banquet: Includes chips & guac, 2 tacos pp, 1 quesadilla pp, sweet potato taquitos, and dessert
- Street Food Fiesta: Ideal for sharing, with platters of tacos and margaritas for up to 6 people
Booking for groups can be done via their website or platforms like OpenTable.
Why People Love Wahaca
Customers choose Wahaca menu because of its combination of freshness, sustainability, and affordability. The menu has options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans. Dishes are designed to be shared, making it ideal for social dining. The cocktails are well-known for their creativity, and the non-alcoholic section is equally strong.
In addition, the brand has received awards for its healthy children’s meals. It also stays committed to reducing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging. This makes Wahaca a restaurant that appeals not only to taste buds but also to values. For people who enjoy reading about other dining experiences like The Devonshire Menu: London Grill & Pittsburgh Sandwich Guide, Wahaca offers a different but equally exciting adventure.
Final Thoughts
The Wahaca menu reflects the heart of Mexican street food adapted for the UK audience. From tacos filled with pork pibil to fresh sunshine bowls, the variety keeps customers coming back. Whether you dine in at one of their buzzing restaurants or order delivery to enjoy at home, Wahaca guarantees freshness and bold flavors.
With restaurants across the UK, a strong focus on sustainability, and a commitment to innovation, Wahaca has become more than just a place to eat. It is an experience that celebrates culture, taste, and community. If you are looking for authentic yet modern Mexican food, the Wahaca menu is your ultimate guide to a memorable dining journey.
