La Loca Maria’s Taqueria Pop-Up Brings Bold Spanish Flavours and Feel-Good Vibes

Hola, Mumbai! If you're craving a flavour-packed escape without stepping on a plane, let us point you toward a quiet corner of Pali Hill Bandra La Loca Maria. There’s something about this space that feels like homecoming. This modern Spanish restaurant by Chef Manuel Olveira and Mickee Tuljapurkar has always delivered on style, soul, and substance.

They’re turning up the heat with a new Taqueria Experience—a summer pop-up that reimagines Spanish-Mexican street food with rich flavors, flair, and finesse.

A Spanish Reverie in the Heart of Mumbai- The Space
La Loca Maria began as a modest venture, but today, it delivers a full-blown experience. Step inside, and the modern Spanish vibe immediately pulls you in—softly arched ceilings and Iberian-inspired murals set the tone. Nearly every table overlooks the buzzing open kitchen, the heart of the restaurant, creating a natural connection between chefs and diners.

Handcrafted stone arches and an art deco chandelier add thoughtful touches without feeling forced. Rather than replicating Spain, the design interprets its essence—warm, lived-in, and deeply welcoming. The result is a space that’s as soulful and stylish as the food it serves.

Love at First Bite: The Story Behind the Taqueria Menu
The story behind this menu is as heartfelt as the dishes themselves. After a memorable taco in Amsterdam, Mickee encouraged Chef Manuel to recreate that joy back home. What followed was a 2019 limited-run menu that’s now returned louder, prouder, and with all the joyful chaos of a Spanish-Mexican summer street party.

This new taqueria menu doesn’t just play on nostalgia. It leans into soulful cooking, with deep technical finesse and crave-worthy flavours that linger on your palate and in your memory.

Hola to Happiness: A True Fiesta on the Plate
We had the chance to experience this summer pop-up firsthand—and it delivered everything you’d hope for on a plate, and then some.

• We started with the Tuna Tostones, crispy plantain chips stacked with sashimi-grade tuna, creamy guacamole, miso, sesame, pickled cucumber, and lime crema. Every bite was a masterclass in texture and balance.
• Up next were the Wild Mushroom Tetelas. Think of them as warm masa pockets oozing with melted jack cheese, smoky salsa negra, and jalapeño-laced mushrooms, topped with a grilled oyster mushroom for a dramatic, earthy finish. They’re gooey, comforting, and made with real heart.

Then came the tacos; they were the true star of the show.

• Crispy Tempura Avocado & Sweet Potato Taco was a vegetarian stunner that packs crunch and cream in a perfect ratio. The tempura vegetables were wrapped in soft tortillas with tomatillo sauce, black bean and corn salsa, sour cream, and goat cheese crumble. Smoky, tangy, indulgent—everything you want from a taco.
• Prawn Al Pastor Taco brought with it the juicy, flame-grilled prawns paired beautifully with pineapple, pickled cabbage, and a whisper of sour cream and coriander. Sweet, savoury, and ever so satisfying!

Each taco sits on a base of red corn flour or flour tortillas, handcrafted and layered with intention. From flame-grilling to slow-braising, the techniques behind each element shine through, making every bite feel personal and thoughtfully created.

We closed the savoury course with the Aguachile, a visually stunning bowl of scallops, hamachi, calamari, and octopus marinated in zesty lime, chilli, and cilantro mix. For someone who’s always played it safe with seafood, this was a bold leap—and every bite made it worth it. Daring, coastal, and full of life, it was the perfect finale to a flavour-packed lineup.

Ending on a Sweet, Sweet Note
And then came dessert- three golden churros, stuffed with pistachio cream, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served with a decadent chocolate dip. Crispy on the outside, warm and sweet on the inside, this was the ending that made you slow down and savour the moment.

Raise a Glass to Good Times
What’s a taqueria without something refreshing to sip on?

We tried the Picante tequila infused with jalapeño and bell pepper lime salt; spicy, tangy, and delightfully mischievous. The Mezcal Paloma brought smoky depth with grapefruit juice and cranberry rosemary nectar, while the Mandarin Margarita gave us sunshine in a sip with fresh orange and citrus notes.

For a booze-free option, the Paraíso, a blend of coconut, ginger gomme, yuzu, mint, and citrus, was refreshing, layered, and just what you need on a warm day.

Final Verdict: Culture, Comfort, and a Whole Lot of Heart
The Taqueria Experience at La Loca Maria isn’t just a seasonal menu- it's a celebration of love, memories, and the delicious harmony between Spanish technique and Mexican soul. The entire evening feels like a warm hug with a side of fire.

Chef Manuel and Mickee have brought together their worlds generously, joyfully, and full of spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard taco enthusiast, a seafood adventurer, or just someone who appreciates a good cocktail with good vibes, this menu gives you reason to show up and stay a while.

La Loca Maria has always been special. But this Taqueria twist? It’s unforgettable.

So grab your friends, come hungry, and leave with your heart and belly full. And remember when there’s a fiesta calling, there’s no time for a siesta. Adios for now!