🇬🇧 Elephant & Castle’s Hidden Gem: Rincon Costeño
This unassuming spot under the railway arches ("Rincon Costeño" = "Coastal Corner") has become a cult favorite in London’s Chinese community—so much so that the owners were probably baffled by the sudden influx of Asian diners! After two visits (one solo, one with friends), I’m hooked on its no-frills, authentic Ecuadorian flavors. 📍 Tucked away in Elephant & Castle’s Latin American enclave, this is the anti-fancy alternative to central London’s polished Latino joints. Think: bright, clean, and buzzing—like a Latin American "hole-in-the-wall" with zero pretension. 🍽️ What We Tried: 👍 Hits: Papa Mixta (Offal & Potatoes) – Funky (in a "this is legit" way), but the organ meats could use more prep. Exotic Fruit Milkshakes – Guanabana (soursop) = tropical, tangy bliss. Tree Tomato = floral and weirdly addictive. (Pro tip: They sell out fast!) Encocado de Pescado (Coconut Seafood Stew) – Creamy, fragrant, with crispy sweet plantains that steal the show. Caldo de Pata (Beef Trotter Soup) – Fall-off-the-bone tender, minimalist but satisfying. Yaguarlocro (Lamb Offal Soup) – Humble, potato-heavy, with subtle gaminess. 🤷 Meh: Seco de Chivo (Goat Stew) – Curry-adjacent, but the avocado/rice sides save it. Chauflan Mixto (Fried Rice) – Dry but nostalgic (tastes like Chinese "soy sauce fried rice"). Mixed Ceviche – "I could make this better at home" energy. 👎 Skip: Fritada (Pulled Pork) – Sad, dry, and forgettable. 💷 £20pp for a feast—worth it for the adventure! Final Verdict: 3.9/5 – Flawed but full of soul. Go for the milkshakes, coconut stew, and people-watching! Would you try Ecuadorian offal soup? Brave souls, tag below! 👇 #LondonEats #RinconCosteno #EcuadorianFood #LatinFoodLondon #HiddenGemsLondon #ElephantAndCastle #GlobalFlavors
