Say ‘hola’ to the flavours of Mexico in PJ

PETALING JAYA: After a long week, few things feel better than unwinding somewhere cosy over good Mexican food. At “Comprendes, Mendes?”, that is exactly what awaits.

Located in Taman Rasa Sayang here, the restaurant has a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Mexican-inspired fabric stretches across the ceiling while hanging plants line the windows. A comfortable couch invites customers to linger, and a karaoke set lets them sing their hearts out to Latin tunes.

The intimate space was designed by founder and chef Mervin Chin. “I wanted it to look like a cantina – a no-frills local bar in Mexico where you can have a beer and a taco,” the 34-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.

Its name reflects Chin’s fascination with Mexican culture: the restaurant takes its name from a song by Mexican hip-hop group Control Machete that Chin often played while perfecting his recipes for the menu. The phrase, he explained, is Spanish slang for “Do you understand?”

Chin may be Malaysian Chinese, but his affection for Mexican culture – from its food to its music – runs deep. That passion led Chin, who is also behind Undisclosed Location, Mervy’s Hot Dogs and Dear, Patrick, to open “Comprendes, Mendes?” on Aug 1.

Before that, he spent months researching and refining his recipes, inviting Mexican friends to taste his creations and share their feedback.

“I didn’t want to open with what I thought Mexican cuisine should be. I needed Mexican people to tell me whether it was authentic.”

Today, the restaurant, located above “Undisclosed Location”, remains true to that commitment.

Open only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it places freshness and authenticity at the heart of its food: corn tortillas are handmade upon order, while ingredients such as corn flour, achiote (a spice) and hominy (processed maize kernels) are imported from Mexico.

The menu currently features just four pork-based dishes, but Chin hopes to expand it in the future.

“We want to teach people more about traditional Mexican food because I don’t want them to know only tacos. For most Malaysians, tacos are the first thing that comes to mind when they think about Mexican food. There are many other dishes, such as aguachile, that we hope to introduce as well,” said Chin.

So, how does the food fare? The carnitas comprises soft corn tortillas generously filled with pork slow-cooked for four hours until fork-tender, along with salsa, onions and cilantro. Slightly spicy and thoroughly satisfying, it is even better with a squeeze of lime.

The cochinita pibil, a specialty from Yucatán, Mexico, features pork marinated overnight with spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for four hours.

The result is tender, flavourful meat nestled in soft corn tortilla, brightened by fragrant pickled onions and the fiery kick of grilled habanero.

The al pastor, described by the restaurant as a famous Mexican street taco, brings together corn tortilla, smoky charcoal-grilled pork shoulder, salsa, onions, cilantro and pineapple. Each bite bursts with contrasting flavours – tangy and gently sweet, with a mild kick of spice lingering at the end.

Then there is the pozole, which quickly won this writer’s heart. The hearty stew brims with tender pork and chewy hominy in a rich tomato broth that is pleasantly spicy. Warming, savoury and deeply comforting, it is easy to understand why Chin calls it “a hangover cure”.

If you prefer something stronger with your meal, take your pick from the restaurant’s impressive collection of over 150 kinds of tequila. Chin believes tequila is the perfect companion to tacos – and indeed, with such an extensive selection, diners are certainly spoilt for choice.

Overall, with its flavourful food and cosy atmosphere, “Comprendes, Mendes?” is the perfect place to let the cares of the week melt away and feel transported to Mexico, if only for a little while. This writer will certainly be back. So, it’s not “adios”, but “hasta pronto”!

Find out more about ‘Comprendes, Mendes?’ on Instagram.

Comprendes, Mendes? [NON-HALAL]
1A, Jalan SS 4C/5,
Taman Rasa Sayang,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Business hours: 5pm-11pm (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)

Walk-ins are welcome, although reservations are recommended. To book, contact 012-902 6648.

For location, click here.

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