A no-frills taqueria inside the labyrinth of stalls within Peckham’s Rye Lane Market, this colourful all-day stall makes hand-pressed, 100% corn tortillas that must be among the best in London. Run by a husband-and-wife team, Gabriella and Manolo de la Torre, also known as “Taco Manny”, fast food is in de la Torre’s blood. His grandfather began selling burritos to industrial workers in Veracruz, on the east coast of Mexico. A family enterprise was then born, moving down the generations and now with Manny, who also balances a career as a DJ!
Though the Market is a bit of a maze, Guacamoles is easy to spot – look out for the huge orange dahlias painted on the white beams, Mexican flags all around and a sombrero on top of the A5 blackboard menu. Though there’s the option to grab and go, these tacos deserve to be eaten on site for an authentically messy experience.
In keeping with Tacos Tuesday, you can nab any 3 tacos for £9 on this day – what fast food prices should be but which is now unheard of in London where £10 per taco is standard fare. Labelled as the best vegan tacos in London, I think I can confirm this is true. Going for the vegan option, these had a mix of bell peppers and mushrooms, a saucy finish and meaty texture. Generously loaded and topped with the tamarind chilli sauce and limey guacamole, they deliver a perfect balance of spice, sweetness and freshness. Very satisfying.
As well as the famous tacos (also available as non-meat options), there’s freshly made Guacamole and Chips (£5 / £10), Chilaquiles and Quesedillas. To drink, the horchata and tamarind juice will be sampled on my next visit for sure. A fuss-free, authentic taste of Mexico in a market stall in Peckham. Ideal for a quick weeknight bite.
Guacamole’s, Rye Lane Indoor Market, 48 Rye Ln, London SE15 5BY
Website: https://www.instagram.com/guacamolespeckham/?hl=en
Rating: ****
Yumtini 