A Taste of Mexico in the Heart of Madrid
A couple of weeks ago, I finally tried a restaurant that I have been walking past since 2024. Some of you might know that I lived in Mexico for a year during my studies, mainly in Puebla and partially in Poza Rica. And if there is one thing those two places have in common, it is that they have some of the best Mexican food in the country.
So it is fair to say that I have been very spoiled when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Because of that, it has also been quite difficult to find Mexican food in Europe that truly lives up to the real thing.
However, one place in Madrid had already caught my attention a long time ago: BAKAN.
Even before entering, the restaurant stands out. The exterior and interior design are beautiful, filled with tequila plants, blue corn details, and vibrant colours that immediately give the space a very authentic atmosphere.
When my mom visited a couple of weeks ago, we finally decided to try it on her last evening in Madrid.
The Start: Simple but Perfect
We went on a Sunday evening, the three of us: my mom, my sister, and me. And I can already spoil the final verdict — the food was incredible.
We started with blue corn tostadas and two different salsas. One made with serrano chiles that had a nice spicy kick, and a red salsa that was milder but just as delicious.
For starters, we shared totopos with guacamole and a ceviche. Guacamole might sound simple, but getting the flavour exactly right, like the versions you find in Mexico, is harder than you think. This one was perfect.
The ceviche was just as impressive. The fish was incredibly fresh, the lime gave it the perfect citrus bite, and it paired beautifully with the guacamole and salsas.
It was already an incredible start to the evening.
The Main Dishes
For the main course, we all ordered something different so we could really test how authentic the menu was.
My sister chose the grilled octopus, served with grilled corn, beans, guacamole, and roasted green onion. It was absolutely delicious.
My mom went for a classic: enchiladas suizas. This dish can sometimes be tricky. The chicken can easily become dry or the tortillas too soft because of the salsa verde and melted cheese. But this version was perfectly balanced in both flavour and texture.
As for me, there was only one dish I knew I had to try: mole.
Mole is a traditional Oaxacan dish made with chocolate and spices, usually served with chicken and rice. A proper mole takes days, sometimes even longer, to prepare because the sauce needs time to develop its deep flavour.
Although Oaxaca is most famous for mole, Puebla — where I lived — is also known for this dish. And I have to say, this version tasted exactly how I remembered it. The chicken was so tender it practically fell apart, and the sauce had that complex, rich flavour that makes mole such a special dish.
A Little Video of the Main Dishes.
Prices and Atmosphere
Normally, I would also order dessert just to complete the experience, but we were completely full by the end of the meal.
The restaurant is on the slightly more expensive side for Madrid, similar to places like Aarde, Mesón Txistu, or Allegra. However, the portion sizes are generous and the quality of the ingredients is excellent.
Another important detail is that many of the ingredients are imported directly from Mexico to maintain authenticity.
You can expect to spend around €50 per person for a drink, starter, and main course, which feels fair considering the quality, portion size, service, and the beautiful setting.
Practical Information
The restaurant is located at:
Plaza de la Independencia 5, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid
You can sit inside or on the terrace, both of which are great options. I would recommend reserving a table online for dinner, although for lunch you might be able to get a table without a reservation.
