But the main reason Maya is on The Week’s page today is not for its already famous drinks, but its different delights introduced with the dawn of the millennium. We’re talking about their Mexican menu. For most Nepalis who, by tradition, love hot and spicy food, Mexican cuisine is something that would be heartily welcome in their territory.
It’s rare that people who go to Maya sip water or cold drinks. So we too had our drinks in hand – Strawberry Delight, true to its name, was delightful, Mohito was minty and soothing, and the ever favorite Pina Colada – deliciously creamy and refreshing.
Well, back to food, then. How can you miss out on the plain old Nachos when it comes to Mexican foods? Tortilla chips topped with a zesty mixture and melted cheese – crisp, hot and tangy: simply wonderful even without sour cream and salsa. Start with Nachos, and it’s automatically on to the next dish, until every bit of the crunchy peppery morsel has been savored to the last bit.
Next stop, the Quesadillas – more of cheese and more of tortillas. Let’s add to it the goodness of tender chicken meat and a variety of veggie filling the snacks, and the combo becomes a wholesome meal for one. Shallow fried to perfection, their Quesadillas is a bite of wonder.
Another snack to try is their Mexican meat balls, or the vegetarian balls – your choice. Both not just looking appealing, the deep fried snacks, served hot, also please your palate.
If you ever have one of those melted cheese cravings, their Enchiladas are hands on. This main course comes sizzling hot, and the first thing you see is the melted cheese covering the heavenly looking dish, giving off its amazing aroma. A mouthful of it easily becomes a bite of cheese fantasy – pleasantly chewy with the soft tacos, chicken and salsa, with numerous spices seeping in to bring out the fragrant and tangy flavors.
The fantastic foods are unmistakably a labor of a specialist. With years of training and work experience at Rodeo Delhi, famous for its authentic Mexican cuisine, Rabindra Maharjan, Head Chef at Maya, specialized in Mexican foods for a reason. Coming from a Newar family, he says that it was his love for Chatpate flavors, varied ingredients and spices that drew him to Mexican foods.
With so many eateries, pubs and bars in Thamel, Maya may also appear as just another dimly lit cozy bar. But the classic black and white picture frames of numerous Hollywood stars downstairs to colorful frames of diverse drinks on the upper floor is their take on standing out on the décor front.
Moreover, the new Maya Cocktail Bar remains true to its old fundamentals of everything delicious – from drinks to foods. So if you’re headed out for your favorite drinks and appetizing dishes and a good fiesta time, it’s time you revisited or rediscovered Maya.
And remember: M for Maya isn’t only for Mojitos and other drinks, it’s also M for their yummy Mexican tidbits.
Maya is open 3-11 pm everyday. Happy hours: 4-7 pm. For reservations, contact: 4700371.
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