Mexican cuisine is historically not the most friendly towards our vegan friends. Until now that is, with the opening of Pirie Street’s newest vegan Mexican joint.
Cocina Comida is the brainchild of chef-owner Reuben Williamson. An Adelaide native, Reuben is back home after living in Airlie Beach, London, Mexico, and Guatemala.
There’s a lot to pick from at this funky new eatery, whether you’re vegan or not.
Reuben was conscious of putting things on the menu such as burritos and nachos to suit the Aussie eater, but also has some super traditional dishes to surprise visitors.
“The most traditional flavour style I have is the Al Pastor Pork,” he says.
“Al Pastor is everywhere in Mexico; Esquites is like traditional dirty street food, I would say a lot of people wouldn’t know that.”
Of course, the Al Pastor Pork is not actually pork but jackfruit, eaten on tacos, and the esquites is an all-vegan corn salad.
Reuben was the executive chef at a series of Mexican restaurants in London so he would travel back and forth between the two countries.
After spending three months in Mexico, the idea of Cocina Comida was born.
“I was vegetarian when I moved to Mexico, I wasn’t vegan, but I couldn’t really eat anything,” he says.
“Mexican food is super meat heavy, so I wanted to give options for people who don’t eat meat to still have good Mexican food. I’m vegan now though and have been for the last year and a bit.”
Cocina Comida started its life as a food truck at Airlie beach.
“My business Cocina Comida started up there, and then when coronavirus hit I decided to drive it home, did a couple of private events here, and then waited to find a site to set up in, and here I am.” Reuben says.
Concina Comida is open for lunches Tuesday to Saturday and dinners on Friday and Saturday.
Cocina Comida is located at Shop 4, 205 Pirie Street, Adelaide 5000
Keep up to date with them on Facebook @cocinacomida83.
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