Pachamama, the latest addition to London’s growing Peruvian restaurant scene, recently opened its doors on Thayer Street, Marylebone. Pachamama promises to produce imaginative and vibrant dishes reflective of the diverse influences in Peruvian cuisine, and to bring them to life using locally sourced, seasonal British produce. Intrigued, and after a quick glance at the menu (think lots of ceviche, corn and aji sauce), we headed down to Pachamama to check it out…
The menu at Pachamama is designed for sampling and sharing and consists of small plates, main dishes and more substantial plates for the table to share. We kicked things off with a Marna’s Pisco cocktail, a blend of Pisco (which features heavily on the cocktail menu) fresh raspberry, mint and orange juice; it was refreshing and fruity, and a lovely accompaniment to our starters, Parsnip, Sweet Plantain & Chilli Taco and Chicharrones (fried pork crackling) with Sweet Onion & Mint. Both were delicious, with the tacos in particular rousing sounds of ‘mmm’ and rubbing of stomachs around the table (plus an enquiry from my companion, ‘do you think it’s acceptable to order more to take home?’).
The bigger sharing dishes are divided into three sections; Mama’s Ceviche, Josper Oven and Robata Grill, as well as a selection of salads & sides. Anyone with a peanut allergy may spontaneously combust on entering Pachamama, with the nut making a cameo appearance in nearly all sections of the menu. Two of our favourite dishes were the Smoked Gloucester Old Spot Ribs with English Malt & Peanut Glaze, and the Purple Potatoes with Fresh Peanuts, Mint and Crispy Onions. Another highlight was the Chilled Prawn Ceviche; no peanuts this time, but a fresh and zingy combination of prawns, garden peas, mint and wasabi.
Carrying on the sharing theme, we went halfsies on two of the desserts; Chocolate Fondant with Salted Peanut (hello again) Ice Cream and Pumpkin Cake with Sunflower Seeds & Malt Ice cream. These were the perfect end to the meal; both indulgent without being sickly, with just the right amount on the plate to not end up waddling back home.
Pachamama is a cool, modern restaurant with a menu filled with interesting flavour combinations and fresh ingredients; great for a dinner with friends or to impress a date. You’d be pea-nuts not to try it out…
Pachamama
18 Thayer St
W1U 3JY
London
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm/5pm-midnight; Sat 12 noon-midnight; Sun 12 noon-10pm
www.pachamamalondon.com
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