Some restaurants appear quietly and rely on the occasional visitor to gradually bring them into the spotlight; others take the city by storm weeks before their doors are officially open.
We wouldn’t expect a hot Mexican restaurant to slip into town unnoticed, but Pancho’s beat our expectations many times over.
The restaurant’s food tasting and soft opening parties had people from all over Shenzhen forming an excited line outside Pancho’s main entrance. Even though the celebrations have now stopped, the throngs of happy customers haven’t.
Named after the famous revolutionary Pancho Villa, the Mexican fire comes through in every single detail: from the bright colors of the decor to the dishes on the menu. All the well-known and best-loved nachos, fajitas and tacos are present – of course – but there are also several more unusual house specialties that date back to the 16th century. Seasoned to perfection with imported spices and wrapped in legends, they are a cultural experience as much as a culinary one.
Dig into the pozole (RMB85), a traditional Mexican stew with ritual significance, lengua en salsa verde (beef tongue cooked in spicy green sauce, RMB95) and pollo en mole (marinated chicken leg served in mole sauce, RMB88) – and that’s just for starters.
Cochinita pitbil (RMB95), a baked pork shoulder in sauce with red rice, refried beans and onions, arrives at the table in a banana leaf. Tamales (RMB85) with your choice of pork or chicken come accompanied by red and green sauces. Topping off the meal is a true Mexican dessert: churros (RMB40), filled with chocolate or sweetened milk sauce.
Preserving authentic flavor is no easy thing – that’s why Pancho’s kitchen gets all the key ingredients from Mexico.
The drinks menu is no less special. Margaritas come in many flavors, from zesty lime to exotic coconut, and are served in glasses trimmed with sprinkles of chili pepper. If tequila is your spirited companion of choice when it comes to having a good time, you’re in luck. With 35 different kinds of tequila, Pancho’s prides itself on being the most well-stocked Mexican bar in town. For true connoisseurs, there is the magnificent Herradura Reposado (RMB3,500 a bottle) or Herrardura Cristalino (RMB2,500 a bottle).
With all the great food and a versatile drink selection, you can’t sit in one place for long. Spirited Latin music throughout the week and live performances – including a mariachi band – on the weekends will get you up and dancing even after a heavy dinner.
With just the right combo of friendly buzz and hot sizzle, Pancho’s may well be the hottest new spot in town.
Price: RMB150
Who’s going: Mexican food lovers, closet dancers, tequila connoisseurs
Good for: Fiestas, blue agave binges
> For address, see listing.
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