Imagine this: you’re craving something different for dinner, but the usual suspects—fish and chips, Indian, Chinese—just aren’t cutting it. What if I told you a Mexican takeaway could steal the show? It might not be your go-to choice, but Bandidos in Folkestone has skyrocketed to the top of Tripadvisor’s food delivery rankings, and let me tell you, it’s worth every bite. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a takeaway truly deliver an authentic Mexican experience? Let’s dive in.
The doorbell rings two minutes early, and I’m greeted with a bag so hot it’s practically sizzling. There’s nothing worse than a lukewarm takeaway, so this is already a win. As I spread everything out on the kitchen table, I’m stunned by the sheer volume of food. The menu was a temptation fest, and we went all in: a large ‘beer chilli’ nachos, fire-roasted chilli wings, a chicken and chorizo burrito, chicken enchiladas, and three extra dips at £1.50 each. Talk about a feast!
First up, the burrito (£12.95). The guacamole is creamy perfection, blending seamlessly with the chicken and rice, but it’s the salty chorizo that steals the show—a flavor explosion that had me hooked. Next, the nachos (£14.45) left us scratching our heads at the optional £1.50 cheese add-on. Seriously, who orders nachos without cheese? Despite the price, the portion was massive: crumbly beef chilli, guacamole, and sour cream piled high on a mountain of soft nachos. Worth every penny.
The chilli wings (£6.45 for four) were a surprise hit. Despite their fiery name, they weren’t overly spicy, but their crispy exterior and tender meat, smothered in a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce, made them irresistible. And the enchiladas (£14.45)? A molten cheese masterpiece atop shredded chicken that melted in my mouth. The side of chunky, steak-cut chips was tempting, but after everything else, it felt like overkill.
Here’s the part most people miss: Bandidos isn’t your average Mexican joint. Having visited Mexico years ago, I can vouch for its authenticity. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Old El Paso flavor—it’s the real deal. But is it too bold for the average palate? That’s up for debate.
Of course, no takeaway review would be complete without mentioning the parent’s dilemma: order too early, and the kids are still awake; too late, and you’re too full to sleep. We fell into the first trap, juggling The Tiger Who Came to Tea between burrito bites. Yet, it only left me craving more—tacos, fajitas, mojitos, you name it. I’ll definitely be visiting their Bouverie Road West restaurant soon.
Ratings out of five:
- Food: The burrito was hands down the best I’ve ever had, and the portions were generous. ****
- Drink: We skipped drinks, but the cocktail menu looks tempting. N/A
- Decor: Our kitchen’s ambiance? A solid three. ***
- Staff: Online ordering was seamless, and delivery was early. A proper visit is needed for a full review. ***
- Price: £54.30 for everything, but you can easily eat well for less. ****
Now, I want to hear from you: Do you think Mexican takeaway can truly rival traditional favorites? And is authenticity worth the extra cost? Let’s debate in the comments!