Hot! Like a Mexican

Please tell me you’ve already met Andres Pimentel. His larger-than-life persona (and hat) make him incredibly easy to spot at the Harbourside Market each Sunday. While his main restaurant is in Lower Hutt, he and his team make the trek up to the market every week. I always get the quesadilla, banking on its easy portability, but the burritos and tacos always look just as impressive. With vege meals in each category, the ability to add in guac or sour cream for a nominal fee, and spices ranging from mild to hot, your options are pretty varied. DISCLAIMER: But seriously, don’t be cavalier about asking for your meal ‘hot’ unless you have no working taste buds to speak of and a gallon of milk handy. Andres will tell you that people can’t handle their spices in New Zealand. You might feel like proving him wrong. Then you’ll find yourself crying by the side of the skatepark begging for sips from strangers’ drinks.

This delicious, authentic Mexican restaurant often offers live music to complete your dining experience. Try their delicious burritos (there’s always a queue) at the Sunday market on the waterfront!