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Part of what I love most about showing people around Greater Victoria is that the neighbourhood surprises never stop, even after seven years of calling this place home. Last weekend I found one hiding inside a grocery store, and I have been thinking about it ever since.
Ay Mi México is a small, family-run Mexican restaurant operating out of Craigflower Foods at 811 Craigflower Road in Esquimalt, bordering Vic West. If you have driven past that plaza without stopping, I completely understand. It does not exactly announce itself. But step inside, follow the signage, and you will find a counter serving some of the most careful, authentic Mexican cooking I have come across on Vancouver Island.
We ordered the Tacos de Birria and the Tacos de Pastor, and both were exceptional in their own way. The corn tortillas were soft and slightly charred, exactly as they should be.
Tacos de Birria
The birria arrived on a wooden board alongside a small clay cup of rich, fragrant consommé for dipping. The meat was slow-braised and deeply seasoned, topped with pickled red onion and a bright orange salsa that added just enough heat to cut through the richness.
Tacos de Pastor
The tacos de pastor came on a traditional clay plate, three tacos piled with thinly sliced marinated pork, fresh pineapple, cilantro, and more of that gorgeous salsa. Sweet, savoury, and absolutely satisfying.
This is the kind of cooking where you can tell someone cared about every element on the plate.
Ay Mi México is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. You can order online at aymimexicobc.com or call them at 778-767-3982. I would recommend going in person at least the first time, because part of the charm is discovering it for yourself.
For my clients who are new to the area, or who are still in the process of building their sense of what makes Greater Victoria so special, this is exactly the kind of local gem I love pointing people toward. Victoria is full of places like this, small and unpretentious and genuinely delicious, tucked into corners you might not think to look.
Esquimalt in particular is a neighbourhood worth exploring, with a real community feel and a growing food scene that does not always make the listicles.
If you go, tell me what you ordered. And if you have a hidden gem of your own I should know about, I would love to hear it.
Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Helping you find home, and community, here in Victoria, BC.
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