Taking up residence in Arcade from 16 September, Mexa will be 'rooted in the pride and heritage' of Mexican cuisine and feature a menu of quesadillas, tacos and mariscos (seafood).
“In Mexico a restaurant wouldn’t really serve seafood and tacos together, so Mexa has a core division: between a taqueria and a seafood place,” explains Sam Napier, who founded Sonora with Michelle Salazar de la Rocha in 2020.
The seafood element of the menu will be made up of two dishes - ceviche de lobina (of seabass), which sees tostadas topped with a mayonnaise, cold lime-cured sea bass ceviche, avocado and salsa negra; and agua chile (cured prawn) plated with cucumber, red onion slices, salsa negra, cracked chillies, and served with corn tortilla chips.
Mexa will also serve a range of corn tortilla tacos including carnitas with confit pork, pickled onion and salsa verde; birria quesadillas of spicy stewed lamb served with a pot of consomé; and gobernador, a taco famously created for a Sinaloan governor made with sautéed prawns, melted cheese and salsa roja.
Napier and Salazar de la Rocha originally established Sonora Taqueria as a stall at Netil Market in London's Hackney. However, back in July the pair announced they would be ceasing operations there this month in order to 'search of bigger and better things'.
“We're excited to bring Mexa to Arcade,” they say.
“It's been a unique opportunity for us to explore the other side of Mexican food and to also introduce our version of Sinaloan Mariscos, which are close to our hearts.”
Mexa will operate out of the unit in Arcade where Indonesian street food concept Bebek! Bebek! currently resides. However, a spokesperson confirmed that Bebek! Bebek! would still remain at Arcade, operating out of a different kitchen.
Arcade Food Hall was revamped and relaunched by restaurant group JKS earlier this year and, with Mexa, houses a total of 11 food concepts.
Others include Hero Indian Fast Food, serving North Indian street food classics; shawarma from Shatta & Toum; sushi and omakase from Sushi Kamon; and Nepalese food from Tipan Tapan.
Last month it was revealed that JKS will launch a second Arcade location at Battersea Power Station next year.
