I am such a foodie. Like a HUGE foodie and Mexican food is one of my absolute favourites. Zapatista, Newcastle's first burrito bar is one of my favourite places to eat. With one restaurant situated just off Northumberland street, the main shopping street in the city centre, and the other near Central Station, you are never too far away from a Zapatista when you are in the centre of Newcastle.
There aren't many Mexican inspired restaurants in Newcastle. There is Chiquitos in the Metrocentre in Gateshead but I don't always want to travel all the way there and Las Iguanas which I openly admit that I have never eaten at so Zapatista is the Mexican for me. A quirky and colourful environment with Mexican-inspired music playing in the background, Zapatista is such a warm, comforting and welcoming place.
From fajitas to tacos, burritos to nachos, quesadillas to chilli and a salad bowl, it has every Mexican staple you could ask for. In a Subway-esque way of serving, you first choose what type of food you would like from the above list before choosing either white or red rice. I am sure the red rice is a new addition as I have visited many times before and for the first time got asked if I would like red or white rice yesterday evening, an investigation into this red rice is needed!
You then either choose mild or spicy beans. My boyfriend says the spicy beans are ridiculously hot so I have never tried them and always opt for the mild beans. Next is the choice of filling. If you're a meat lover, there is a choice of chicken, beef, shredded pork and chilli con carne. For you vegans and vegetarians, there is a sweet potato chilli option and a few of these options are gluten free. They also sometimes offer a special filling which includes chorizo for example.
You then have a choice of 5 salsas ranging from mild to hot to very hot and a choice of either cheese or sour cream. Next is where you can totally personalise it. If you're really hungry, you can have extra filling for a small fee. Ranging from 30p to 70p you can choose from a range of extras to truly personalise your food to your taste including guacamole, jalapenos, onions and peppers,
To truly complete this Mexican dinner, there are a choice of Mexican-inspired drinks including Corona, Desperados, margaritas, tequila, Mexican sangria and jarritos or there is a choice of soft drinks, fruit juice, hot drinks and water.
I have been many times over the last couple of years trying a range of combinations but my absolute favouirte is a burrito with white rice, mild beans, beef filling, pico de gallo salsa, sour cream and lettuce. It is an absolute dream and with it being a moderately healthy fast food option, you can't go wrong!
What will be your combination? Let me know in the comments below!
Best of wishes.
