Specializing in Mexican cuisine from Guadalajara region of Mexico where Owner/Chef Fernando is from. The Gastown restaurant opened a few months ago; I visited recently to try several of their dishes.

The restaurant features a bright interior with colourful hangings representing the region of Mexico and their cuisine.

My friend Paul joined me as we started off with their home-made Horchata and the very unique and delicious Panela Asada that features grilled Panela cheese that is melted and topped with a choice of fillings. We had the rajas with corn tortillas. Next was the Ensalada de nopales (cactus salad) and the Esquites (creamy Mexican white corn) which rounded out the appetizers.

The Enchiladas stuffed with chicken with green sauce with rice on the side were very good; as was the Tacos topped with garlic mushrooms; we also had some tacos with the Mexican style chicken.

Pambazo with Mexican style chicken was very good, they bring in this special bread from Guadalajara and then bake it here with the filling and sauce; definitely worth trying. We also had the Tacos Gobernador that are made with shrimp and it is another specialty from back home. They also make a couple variations of Tamales, we had the ones with chicken.

For dessert, we tried 3 of them, and my favourite was the Cajeta flan and it’s one of the best renditions that I have had here in Vancouver. We also tried the Cinnamon roll tres leches as well as the Jericalla (this a specialty from Guadalajara) which is similar to a creme brulee just without the top brittle.

Watch this eatery for more Mexican specialities that originate in Guadalajara as well as some beverages they are about to launch. They are open for brunch as well as dinner daily and also have some fun evenings such as their Karaoke nights.

Sabina Mexican Food is located at 51 West Hastings Street in Vancouver and you can follow them on Instagram @sabinamexicanfood 

By: Richard Wolak