La Bamba,
17-1 Jalan PJU 5/4,
Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-6150 2685
Business hours: Tues-Sun,
11.00am-10.00pm. Closed on Mondays
Pork free.
MENTION “La Bamba” and the likely image that pops into your head is the colourful Mexican culture with its sombreros, music, flavourful foods, and, for those who can remember, a Mexican folk song made famous by Ritchie Valens.
Here in Malaysia, La Bamba is the name picked by husband and wife pair Marco de Booij and Zuhaila Akmar for their recently opened restaurant located in Dataran Sunway, Petaling Jaya.
With its tagline “casual Mexican cantina”, La Bamba serves as an extension of a Mexican food stall at Hartamas Square run by the couple a year ago, but with an expanded menu.
“La Bamba is special because it caters to everyone — families, friends and the working crowd, and allows them the opportunity to enjoy delicious Mexican food at an affordable price,” said Zuhaila.
“We offer a homely place, and Mexican food is ideal for sharing among groups of family or friends.”
De Booij notes that Mexican cuisine is similar to Malaysian cuisine, as their flavours are almost similar even though many may not be familiar with Mexican food.
“Mexican cuisine incorporates spices and herbs like paprika, chilli powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, sweet cinnamon, fresh lime and garlic, which we complement with cocoa powder to balance out the flavours,” he said.
Mexicancuisine: Husband and wife pair Marco de Booij (left) and Zuhaila Akmar created a homely place where families and friends can come to enjoy Mexicanfood.One of La Bamba’s signature dishes is Chili Con Carne with Rice, a spicy stew using beef or chicken concocted by de Booij which was so well received by family and friends that it sparked the couple’s interest in starting their food venture.
For starters, there are dishes like Nachos with Homemade Salsa that make for a nice ice-breaker into one’s Mexican meal, and Mexican Tortilla Pizza that uses a piece of tortilla as the pizza base.
The Stuffed Pepper featuring Bell Pepper with Beef or Chicken, Cheese, Rice and Mushroom Stuffing is a tasty appetiser.
Other options include Corn Soup with a hint of spiciness, Mexican Salad and Fried Chicken Wings.
Diners can take their pick of main courses like Two Tacos with Side Dish, Burrito with Side Dish, Quesadilla with Side Dish, and Chimichanga with Side Dish, with the side dish options in the form of Chili Fries, Potato Wedges, Chili Corn, Mexican Rice or Grilled Vegetables.
Other specialities are the La Bamba Mexican-style hamburger and Fajitas, which come with a choice of Beef, Chicken or Combination Platter (both meats) with Flour Tortillas, Rice, Homemade Salsa, Guacamole and Sour Cream.
Tasty appetiser: Stuffed Pepper eaturing Bell Pepper with Beef or Chicken, Cheese, Rice and Mushroom Stuffing.La Bamba’s menu includes visual guides for those unfamiliar with Mexican cuisine to get an idea of what they might like to try.
The restaurant’s signature dessert is the Poffertjes, a dish that pays homage to de Booij’s Dutch roots.
Otherwise known as “dollar pancakes”, the Poffertjes looks like coin-sized pancakes and is served with butter and sugar.
Diners can also opt to have the Poffertjes with Ice Cream or Fresh Fruits.
Also available for desserts are Tortilla Apple Pie and La Bamba Custard Pudding.
La Bamba’s specialty drinks are the uniquely refreshing Virgin Pina Colada and Aqua de Tamarindo.
In addition, look out for its monthly specials, and Valentine’s Day set dinner for two featuring a special Valentine’s fajitas, drinks and dessert.
It is priced RM88++ and is available on Feb 14 only.
The restaurant also has a children’s corner and children’s menu, and is able to cater for children’s birthday parties with a pinata included.
La Bamba’s warm and cheery ambiance is enhanced by its colourful and Mexican-inspired decor personally handpicked by Zuhaila and de Booij.
This is the writer’s observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
