Mexican cuisine isn’t one of the most popular foreign foods in Malaysia, but if you want Western style food with a dose of hotness, this is where you go. Las Carretas is probably one of the earlier establishments serving Mexican cuisine in the country, and with three branches in town, the brand is proved to be pretty popular among locals and expats as well.
Las Carretas at Ampang
This is the second post on Las Carretas on the blog, the first being a 2006 version when (I believe) they only had one branch at USJ. The chain has grown since and I thought it’ll be appropriate to pen another review since we went to the Ampang branch just a while back.
fresh oysters in different flavors
There are quite a selection of starters in the menu, but for oyster lovers, one must not miss their offerings. Have it fresh, with cheese and herbs, or salsa on top (RM 29.90 for half dozen). The shellfish were big, fresh, juicy, and absolutely mouth watering. Very decent value for what you get.
chips and salsa, squid rings, oxtail soup
Chips and salsa is always served while you wait for food to arrived. While they’re very tasty, try not to over indulge in them to avoid stuffing your stomach too early before your main arrives.
Calamares a la Romana is the Mexican way of saying deep fried squid rings (RM 21.90), and they are served with garlic mayo dip and tartar sauce. Tastes pretty good but not exactly something you can’t get from just about anywhere.
I tried Sopa De Rabo (boneless oxtail soup, RM 11.90) and well, if there’s anything better than oxtail soup, it is making it boneless. Easy to consume, delicious and with zero hassle. I love it.
rib-eye steak with foie gras, boneless chicken chop, NZ lamb loin
For my main dish I chose Bife Ancho, or rib-eye steak with an addition of seared foie gras (RM 92, or RM 68 without). The 45-day aged Australian grain fed beef were excellent, but the preparation of foie gras was lacking, I felt that they overcooked it a bit.
Other friends who had Pollo Loco (boneless chicken chop with black peppercorn sauce, RM 19.90) and Crusted N.Z. Lamb Rack (RM 64.90) were very happy with their choices. The lamb, served with freshly made rosemary sauce and cooked to perfection, was especially praised.
prawn spaghetti, grain fed t-bone steak, beef fajitas
Prawn Spaghetti (RM 38.90) was served with pretty good size prawns and drenched in garlic, chili, and fajita sauce. Positively Mexican and yet something that’s easy to adapt to if you’re not used to the taste.
If you have a big appetite, Chuleton De Bistek (T-bone steak, RM 65.90) and all it’s 450 gram glory can be yours, complete with salad, ranch dressing, and steak fries. One of our team members’ go-to meal here.
Interestingly, we only really ordered one “classic” Mexican dish among the 10 of us. The beef Fajitas (RM 33.90) was served in a sizzling hot plate with plenty of warm tortilla to go around. I love their Guacamole sauce that comes with this dish.
awesome lunch with the team
It seems to me that after some 6-7 years between the last visit and this one, Las Carretas hasn’t missed a beat. Food is still generally very good (except for the foie gras), prices are reasonable for what you get, and service isn’t anything to complain about either. I should go there again, this time maybe sooner.
Address:
Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant
22 Persian Ampang
55000 Kuala Lumpur
GPS: 3.159156, 101.746702
Tel:Â 03-4257 1668
Web:Â lascarretas.com
i is first
immature: cis
Is it located near the stretch with La Risata? Love Mexican food and this warrants a visit!
JD: I think so, though I’ve never been to La Risata
awesome food…but the traffic…. 🙁
sycookies: there’s weekends 😀
mexican food ar….i love La Mexicana 🙂 i should try Las Carretas some day
Latest: Tony Roma’s NEW Menu
Fish: do it. 😀
las carretas is a real survivor, ya. am betting that in 2020, customers will still be able to enjoy the fajitas at one of their outlets 😀
Sean: thriving even, not just merely surviving 😀
wah all look so yummy!!!
eiling: they were!
Nice! Haven’t had Mexican for a long long time now. Would love to give this place a try.
suituapui: wouldn’t be a bad choice 😀
always wanted to try this place… not sure why I never got to it.. maybe its the area… 🙂
the steaks looked fabulous… and the oysters… didnt know they serve such in Mexican restaurants… I certainly wouldnt mind having these…
Chasing Food Dreams: well, there are other branches too 😀
Glad to see more Mexican places popping up! I will love the steak…typically me the meat eater:P
missyblurkit: red meat is best!
Do you know what are the opening hours? Have never tried Mexican food – should really go one day!
skycookie: I think for both lunch and dinner.