Rosa Cienfuegos Tamaleria & Mexican Deli

Overview

The inner west suburb of Dulwich Hill is home to an exciting tamaleria and Mexican deli — the first permanent eatery from Rosa Cienfuegos. You may recognise the name from her twice monthly — and super popular — La Casa Latina pop-up at the Marrickville Market and her regular pop-ups at Young Henrys and The Grifter Brewing Co. The popularity of her food soared so far that she even opened up Itacate & Mexican Deli in Redfern a few years later.

Opening along Marrickville Road in late 2018, the original tamaleria offers a range of signature Mexico City and Oaxaca-style hot tamales — think chicken with mole sauce, pineapple pork in green sauce and the vegetarian rajas con queso (poblano chillies with cheese). Cienfuegos hails from Mexico City, so you can trust her when it comes to authenticity.

"Tamales are a pre-Hispanic dish that is well preserved in Mexico and is one of the most common breakfast items, served on many street corners in Mexico," says Cienfuegos. "Every state has its own style and can go from being wrapped in a corn husk or in a banana leaf, from huge to small and from spicy to sweet."

Street-style tacos are also offer at the deli counter — ranging from slow-cooked brisket and lamb barbacoa to marinated pulled pork and a vegan soy fish. Plus, rotating specials like chiles rellenos, empanadas, tuna croquettes and vegan ceviche will make the way onto the menu, along with sides like refried beans and verdolagas (Mexican greens).

Besides the prepared food options, Cienfuegos also sells branded small goods, including her homemade salsas, sauces, specialty Mexican ingredients and DIY kits for at-home cooking.

"There aren't many authentic Mexican options in Sydney, and even though you can buy the ingredients from different suppliers and shops, people are not sure how to use them or what they are for," says Cienfuegos. "I'll be at the shop to help and share recipes with the correct ingredients."

The fit-out aims to fit in with the surrounding Dulwich Hill vibe. The simple interior focuses on wooden decor, with some Mexican flare coming from the hanging sarapes (brightly coloured rugs).

Images: Trent van der Jagt.