Chilitos Authentic Mexican Kitchen is situated in the Redlands area at the Port of Larne.  A strange area that combines a large recycling area with an Adsa, a kids indoor play area, Dominos and a commercial port. Suffice to say the exteriors are nothing to shout about. Inside Chilitos, however,  you are greeted with loud colourful walls, traditional Mexican paintings and wrestling ‘Lucha Libre’ posters that transport you to a Mexican Cantina.  The food setup is now familiar to most people in NI, brought to us by Chipotle in the States via our very own Boojum, this is Subway for Mexican Street food. Check out the menu here.

After a brief discussion with the friendly and helpful staff I opt for the mixed burrito with pulled pork and shredded beef, I agree to pay for the guacamole too which (not) surprisingly costs ‘a little bit extra’ ;). The burrito is large, well wrapped and holds together throughout, a must for a decent burrito.  The ingredients mesh together but the different tastes of the beef and the pork are evident and you can taste the spices that come through well, but don’t over power everything else.  The rice and beans are a nice accompaniment to the meat without being over cooked or dried out.  I have the medium hot sauce which is homemade and adds a spice that I wasn’t quite ready for, but once I get used to it has a slight tang that is really nice and along with the guacamole sits nicely with the drier ingredients.

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I struggle to finish this monster of a burrito, but pride over takes and I stumble to the end, chasing it down with the amazing Jarritos Mexican Cola which tastes like the world’s best melted cola ice pop.  Chilitos offers great value for money and with service and quality that I would put right up there with Boojum, it’s a real credit to Larne and I would say is worth the visit for any Mexican food fans out there.

Chris Caldwell

Author: Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell at your service! My favourite things are eating and Theatre, I have 2 small sons called Alex and Max who are more mustard than Hellmann's. I spend my days trying to wrangle them and exploring my favourite city - BELFAST! My favourite films are horror, my fav music is metal and my favourite Beatle is Ringo, mainly his work on Thomas the Tank.