Of course ordering a frozen margarita at 12:03 on a Friday is perfectly acceptable when eating at a Mexican cocina (‘kitchen’). The menu read $4.50 and the small print said you got to keep the glass. Done deal. Those who aren’t into alcohol at that hour can opt for the squeaky clean horchato – a cinnamon rice milk concoction that is a family recipe from Jalisco in Mexico ($2.25). The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 23:00 and delivers, so you can order that taco for an early breakfast.
It took about half the margarita to wade through the massive menu. Starters, salads, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, burrito, soups. Decisions, decisions. For those who want to eat north of the border there is the American dog ($4.50) or the Southwest burger ($6.50).
Overwhelmed by choice, I eventually settled on the ‘build your own burrito’ ($7.75) and the waitress appeared with a form and a pencil to tick boxes. All the extras – black beans, refried beans, lettuce, green peppers onions, potatoes and corn, cilantro and jalapenos – were ticked. Spice level? Ultra hot, of course; is there any other? John’s super-hot from the condiments stand almost meets my standard of inferno.
A basket of chips made from fresh corn – the base of Mexican cuisine – appeared. Nice for dipping and munching while waiting for the main event. The burrito arrived and it truly was massive, a hold-it-with-both-hands challenge. The lettuce on the side salad was a touch wilted, but the tomatoes were fresh.
Since Sunrise Taco is in BKK1 I expected the clientele to be expats and Western types. Wrong. It’s knife-and-fork-wielding Khmers rather than eating-with-the-hands purists. According to Ratana, who speaks impeccable English: “Mexican food seemed a bit strange at first, but it tastes good and now the local people like it.” Her recommendations? The classic chicken quesadilla ($6.75), the USA cowboy ($8.25) and the baja-style fish tacos (three for $8.50 or one for $3). According to the menu, the signature dish is home-made chips with Stephanie’s personal spin on guacamole ($4.75).
The decor is a mixture of peasant Mexican, Western touches and a Buddhist shrine. Done in pinkish-purple and yellow, it’s a touch disconcerting. I can’t figure out why. It just is. Ambience aside, Sunrise Tacos is into promos. Kids under seven eat free on Mondays. Chomp through all-you-can-eat specials ($8.75) from 14:00 to 19:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Birthdays, complete with ID for proof, are worth a free main and a dessert. The sweets come in at $2.75 for a slice of pie or $18.75 for the whole thing.
Meal over and bill paid, I sauntered out the door. Just as I was about to put the bright green plastic glass into the basket on my bike I was apprehended by the waitress. Apparently it’s only if you order the super-duper size that you get to keep the glass. *Huff*
Sunrise Tacos, #171 Street 63 (corner of Street 278); 077 854545.