Wow another brunch post – you'd think I was made of gold or something. Thankfully we visited Pachamama in Marylebone when they had a 50% off mains offer (did you really think I would go otherwise?! l o l) to test the waters of this new and upcoming Peruvian-British-fusion-everything-these-days hideout in the chicest area in town.
Anyway, before I start, I just want to say something about their bizarre booking system: I had booked a table through OpenTable and thought everything was a-ok, right? Nope. I got an email saying the restaurant tried calling me and that I didn't pick up (no such call) so they canceled my booking. Huff and puff moments later, I called up the restaurant myself to find out that they didn't know anything about it and the lady on the phone sounded fed-up with this issue (?) but could help me rebook it. Granted, they were probably busy with dealing with all these reservations because of the offer but it was a bit of a strange situation!
Nonetheless, let's actually talk about the goods...
We went for a 3pm slot as it was the only one available so I had to wait a long chunk of time in the morning and be careful not to overeat breakfast! Off we went... Pachamama is tucked right at the beginning of Marylebone high street, with a flair of mystery as I only glimpsed its elusive sign with staircase leading downwards into the restaurant.
Let me just say, I am diggin' the vibe and interior. The mismatched furniture, the oddity of certain objects (spot the horse?!), the aged wooden panelling and 70s lampshade were right down my alley. Y'all know I luv me some strangeness. It reminds you of your great aunt who would covet antiques and if she were to have a gallery space, Pachamama would be the jeunesse atelier it was held at...
For mains, we chose Pollo a la brasa - a half chicken goodness marinated in something we swore was fairy dust magic aka major yum yums. 10/10 on this, perfectly seasoned and the meat wasn't dry! (something a lot of places seem to fall at) Trust me on this, even Matt the picky eater loved it. Basically, if you like Nando's/chicken/delicious things duh and think it's heaven, you'll lahve this.
The other was the Suckling lamb leg which is marinated in something called aji panca and haucatay (exotic flavas peeps) and served with creme fraiche (defs not my thing) BUT it was very tender which I did enjoy and finish. The star of the show remained the chicken, of course.
Finally, we put our last orders in to the kitchen for the famous/must-try (apparently?) brunch waffles! From either quinoa or sweet potato (hey ho gluten free), you get to choose a sweet or savoury dish too. I went for the sweet after our two mains, and jumped shipped on the Peruvian chocolate, topped with toasted quinoa ice cream and petals... and cacao crumbs - adventurous much?
I can see all you blaggahs clamoring over this dish already. In fact, a few youtoobahs have already been and apparently love it. WELL I WAS HERE TOO OKAY.
Now, if you're a fan of the traditional butter and sugar batter waffles, this is nothing like it at all. Be prepared to have a very different palate experience. Being the token white person he is, Matt obviously didn't like it and deferred the entire dish to me. What a burden to carry, that was....
I have to say the quinoa ice cream was more like a mousse-jelly texture but very interesting. The waffle itself was another experience: crispy and slightly sweet, which I thought was actually very nice! It would've been nicer if I shared it with someone as I really couldn't finish it all myself. Go with someone food-adventurous ;-)
They do have other 'safer' options like English berries and peanut butter or bacon and fried chicken for the savoury waffles... take your pick my friends.
Like I said, the interior is far from minimalist Scandi and veers towards homely and rustic - the tassled lampshades at the bar is straight out from The Grand Budapest Hotel or something (one of my fave films, ever FYI) and the Iznik-inspired tiles are reminiscent of bygone times that you relive if only but for your brief but delicious meal.
Bonus observation: some girl next to us had demanded requested to flat lay (YOU HEARD ME RIGHT) her entire meal on a long wooden table in the large area of the restaurant and spent half an hour arranging the plates... wow. She was probably one of those digital influencer types. True commitment that I could never have you guys.
Well if you're ever about London town, venture down and check it out for yourself – I'd say ring up directly for your reservations since the online booking is a bit weird, enjoy the atmosphere and fill your tummies away! I'd go back for the chicken in the heartbeat and split a waffle with a friend the next time I head there :-)
18 Thayer Street
W1U 3JY
+44 (0)20 7935 9393
Chat below of your interesting dining experience and let's have a good laugh about it wahoo! Happy Friday, friends!
