Experiencing authentic Mexican street food is something that everyone must do in their lifetime. Forget hard taco shells and cooked-up beef mince with packet seasoning—the combination of fresh ingredients and flavours is truly like no other. But, if you can’t make it to the streets of Mexico City anytime soon, then don’t despair because a new eatery has arrived on our local food scene.
Tucked away on Hawker Street in the outer city suburb of Bowden is Juan’s Torta Cantina—a new foodie hot spot that’s introducing a new taste of Mexico to South Australians.
Owned and operated by Jon, an experienced chef and Mexico enthusiast, this new hole-in-the-wall cantina promises to deliver the flavour and culture that Mexico is known and loved for to all those who walk through the door.
‘We’re serving up Mexican street food but from a different angle,’ says Jon. ‘People are familiar with tacos—they’re a Mexican institution—but I want to introduce South Australians to tortas, which are a traditional Mexican style sandwich.’
After travelling throughout Mexico in 2018, Jon’s love for Mexican food and culture only grew, and it was something he wanted to bring back to Australia. ‘For every taco stand you saw on the street, there was a torta store too,’ says Jon. ‘Tortas are sandwiches that are really simple but full of flavour—made with heavily marinated meats, fresh salads and a really good homemade sauce—and since Aussies love a good sandwich, I thought, why not give them a taste of a Mexico-style sandwich?’
There’s the Torta de Carne Asada—scotch fillet marinated with lime, garlic, and cumin grilled and served with tomato, lettuce and jalapeno with Jon’s signature avocado tomatillo sauce—and the spicy Torta de Tinga de Pollo—chicken marinated in rich chipotle sauce, pickled onion, and refried beans with garlic aioli and feta cheese.
‘We also have the Torta de Jamon with grilled cheese featuring local ham from Nino’s in Campbelltown and the Torta de Champignon that’s vegan-friendly and comes with marinated mushrooms, pickled onion and chipotle mayo. And for those who prefer gluten-free options, all of our tortas can be transformed into a delicious Mexican rice bowl instead of the traditional white bread roll,’ says Jon.
There are sides of corn ribs and quesadillas to be enjoyed, plus all of the tortas at the cantina are served up with a side of corn chips along with refried beans and a fresh homemade avocado sauce. ‘We also make homemade iced teas and traditional agua frescas that are super refreshing and a much-loved staple in Mexico,’ says Jon.
And whilst the cantina is currently open for dine-in and takeaway from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm, Jon has big plans once the liquor license gets the go-ahead.
‘My plan is to extend the cantina’s hours to include evenings from Thursday to Saturday, with a rotating menu of small plates to share and alcoholic beverages that (of course) include tequila and margaritas, but also micheladas—a traditional Mexican drink made with beer, tomato juice, lime and assorted spices and sauces to give it that extra kick!’
With both indoor and outdoor seating that’s been transformed since taking over from Hawker Street Cafe, the space delivers those chilled Latin cantina vibes on a plate. ‘There’s so much Mexican around, but I wanted to offer a different take on Mexican food to the people of SA,’ says Jon. ‘I want to stay true to Mexican flavours and keep everything simple and traditional—it’s what I love about Mexico.’
So, if you’re in the mood for a good feed and want to experience a taste of Mexican street food with a difference, make your way to Juan’s Torta Cantina—you won’t be disappointed!
Where: Juan’s Torta Cantina, 22 Hawker St, Bowden, SA 5007.
When: Monday to Friday, 10 am-3 pm.
More info: Click here.
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