Let me be clear: you can build walls, you can bluster, you can shout into microphonesâbut you cannot stop Mexican flavour from crossing borders. I found it here, alive and thriving, in the heart of Cairns, Queensland, at Hecho En Mexico.
The margaritas? Boom. Bright, bold, rebelliousâjust like the spirit of Mexico itself. Each sip is a reminder that joy, like tacos, does not need a visa.
Now, letâs talk chicken enchiladas. Tender, seasoned with care, and bathed in a sauce so rich, it could pay for that wall a hundred times over. (But donât worry, weâre still not paying for it.)
The portions? Generous enough to make you question your appetiteâand then defeat it with a smile. This isnât minimalist, tweezers-on-a-plate cuisine. This is Mexican abundance, the way itâs meant to be.
And the staffâay, the staff. Warm, welcoming, full of corazĂłn. The kind of service that reminds you why we say mi casa es tu casa. Itâs diplomacy, Mexican-style: friendly, flavourful, and full of soul.
To the team at Hecho En Mexico: youâve done what no wall can stop. Youâve shared culture. Youâve shared tradition. And youâve reminded us that foodâreal foodâcrosses every border.
ÂĄNo al muro! ÂĄSĂ a los enchiladas!
ps. Still not paying for the wall, but happy to pay for another round...
   Read moreWe spent a few days in Cairns and stayed at a hotel right on the Esplanade. Hecho en Mexico was within walking distance, so we made an online reservation for dinner. The area was crowded, and even with a reservation, we had a short wait and were seated outside. There are no outdoor heaters, and while Cairns is warmer than most of Australia in winter, it was still coolâso bring a layer.
The restaurant was busy and lively, and although the service was friendly, they were clearly stretched. One item we ordered didnât arrive, and we chose not to follow up as we were almost finished with our meal.
We appreciated the dedicated vegan menu, which made vegetarian ordering easier. We had a salad and a vegetarian bowlâboth were decent, and the guacamole and chips was good. We also tried the margaritas, which theyâre known for, and really enjoyed them.
Itâs a casual, high-traffic spot with a good location and options for plant-based eaters. If youâre staying nearby and want a relaxed Mexican meal, this is a convenient choiceâjust make sure...
   Read moreI recently dined at the Restaurant and had the pleasure of being served by lis one of the most attentive and accommodating waitresses Iâve ever encountered. From the moment we were seated, she made us feel completely at ease, going above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was perfect.
Her attentiveness was remarkableâour glasses were never empty, and she anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. When we had specific requests regarding our meals, she handled them with professionalism and a cheerful attitude, making us feel that nothing was too much trouble.
Beyond her impeccable service, she had a warm and genuine demeanor that truly elevated the experience. Her recommendations were spot-on, and it was evident that she took pride in her role.
The Restaurant is already known for its great food, but this waitress made the visit unforgettable. Sheâs a true asset to the team, and I canât wait to return and hopefully be served...
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