Shanghaiist: Maya: A new hope for Shanghai's Mexican food lovers

T

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:23:11 +0800

$26 for Mexican food is pretty pricey - especially seeing how its rice beans and meat. You know, peasant food. (I mean, Maya isn't serving up moles, are they? ARE THEY? If they are, then HUGE thumbs up). I do plan to check them out soon - since I'd gladly kick someone in the nards for decent mexican food. I think the pricey/cheap argument makes sense here - when it didn't for the 9rmb baguettes at Paul.

James Beard

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:02:42 +0800

I had the tacos at Maya and felt like the chicken and beef tacos were over-seasoned. The fish taco was good though. In response to some of the comments above, you've got some problems if it takes over 200rmb to have enough to eat every night. How about you have one less dessert and feed a family of 10 Chinese people? "Anyone who finds it expensive should simply work harder and quit bitching" Wow. F--- you poor people.

Eric Hu

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:33:27 +0800

After reading these comments, for a second there I thought I had given a negative review! I'm happy Maya is here and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The simple reality is that there are a few of us who can't afford to spend 200 RMB a night to eat there everyday, which is what I wrote that I'd love to do. Call me cheap (as so often people do on this site) or poor or whatever, I don't care. Paying the equivalent of $9 USD for three tacos or $9 USD for a nachos order that consists of about a dozen chips makes this a premium experience. And there's nothing wrong with that, that's thewaythingsare. And no one here ever said Cal Kitchen was cheap, either. I plan on visiting Maya again because the food IS good and we finally DO have quality Mexican food here, but obviously people operate on different budgets here, and it's worth pointing that out. Berate away if you wish.

thewaythingsare

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:48:29 +0800

I wont waste time berating the already inadequate review given above(if you want a burrito go to Cal Kitchen, but then again, it may be too expensive for you as well!) Since i moved here 3 years ago i have pined for a mexican restaurant with some at least attempted authenticity, and I can finally say we have it. The food is as fresh as you will get here, no 3 day old fish and wilted vegetables here. the scallop ceviche goes well with a margarita. I highly recommend the tilapia taco and for those with a sweet tooth, the churros are muy bien! it may be a representation of mexican food, but its as close as we are gonna get here in China, and really does it matter? the food ROCKS! And like the above comment says, the food isnt expensive,i got stuffed on 200rmb, which is better than most places in this town can do! The place is still in its soft opening phase, but I expect good things and some longevity out of Maya, finally!

Fuzi

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:15:03 +0800

It sounds like this is more Tex-Mex (the American/Texas cuisine made popular in the USA and often referred to as "Mexican"). Tex-Mex, while delicious in its own right, is far and away different from actual Mexican cuisine (which can vary extensively depending on the region). Chimichangas were invented by the owner of a diner in Arizona, for instance. The typical huge burrito that has become popular is a California derivative.

bundboy

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:34:18 +0800

I agree with the article about the food being great. I really cannot say that the food is expensive though in relation to value. I've been there 3 times already. I've gone in groups and their main courses are HUGE! and good for sharing. Each time i spent around 200RMB for food and drinks and left the place totally stuffed. The food is awesome and great value. Anyone who finds it expensive should simply work harder and quit bitching when finally we have some authentic mexican food in Shanghai. it was about time! Sombreros off to Brad and his crew.