Sunday, May 5, 2024

Cinco de Mayo: Nachos, Sopa de Tortilla, and Sope Especial from Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana

After cheering on my husband's effort in the BMO Vancouver Marathon, we embarked on a leisurely walk back home. The festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo was palpable, and our stomachs began to rumble with anticipation of a celebratory lunch.

Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana, nestled on Burrard Street and 4th Avenue, beckoned with its vibrant atmosphere and promise of delicious Mexican fare.

My go-to at any restaurant spot is nachos. A mountain of freshly fried corn tortilla chips forms the base, generously layered with melted cheese, savoury chorizo, a vibrant pico de gallo, sautéed jalapenos for a touch of heat, cooling sour cream, and a dollop of creamy guacamole. It's a symphony of textures and flavours, perfect for sharing (or not!). Needless to say, we couldn't finish the entire portion, and the leftovers promised a delightful treat at home.


Nachos from Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana
Corn tortilla chips covered with cheese, chorizo, pico de gallo, sauté jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole

Hubby opted for the sope especial, a limited-quantity dish featuring a handmade sope base filled with suadero (beef). For the uninitiated, a sope is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a thick, fried masa dough base that resembles a small, deep-fried corn tortilla. The soft and pillowy base was a delight, and the beef was the best we've had in Vancouver compared to other Mexican restaurants. Its rich flavour and satisfying texture were perfectly complemented by the accompanying pinto fried beans.


Sope Especial from Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana
Corn tortilla with pinched sides, topped with pinto fried beans, onion, lettuce, queso feta, and sour cream

Having recently enjoyed Sopa de Tortilla at Patrón Tacos & Cantina, I couldn't resist ordering it again. While Mi Casa's version offered the familiar elements – a flavorful broth with vegetables, corn tortilla strips, mozzarella cheese, avocado, and sour cream – it felt a touch bland. Thankfully, a few drops of their flavorful taquera (which translates to "taco sauce"), a vibrant red sauce, added a much-needed kick, transforming the dish into a satisfying and delectable experience.


Sopa de Tortilla from Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana
Broth made with a mix of veggies, dried chiles, corn strip chips, mozza cheese, avocado, and sour cream

Cinco de Mayo always provides the perfect excuse to indulge in delicious Mexican food, and this year was no different. Mi Casa Cocina Mexicana offered a delightful feast, and the vibrant atmosphere added to the celebratory spirit.

P.S. For those curious about our past Cinco de Mayo culinary adventures, check out the list below!

Most viewed post in the last week