Nobody packs their bags for California expecting that a part-time dishwashing job will change the course of their life. Devansh certainly didn’t. But the startling Numero Uno serving Mexican delights in Andheri currently, tells a different story.
How A California Kitchen Sparked An Unexpected Dream
Devansh was an engineering student who had moved to California, USA, like countless young Indians chasing education and opportunity. To support himself, he picked up a part-time job washing dishes at a restaurant. It was meant to pay the bills, nothing more. But kitchens have a funny way of teaching lessons that classrooms never can.
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Working alongside a Mexican chef every single day, Devansh found himself watching far more than stacks of dirty plates. He watched tortillas puff up on the grill, chillies being toasted until fragrant, salsas coming alive with fresh herbs, and recipes that had travelled through generations before finding their way onto a plate. Somewhere in the middle of all that, a thought took root.
Why did all of this feel so… familiar?
The answer wasn’t in the ingredients, but was in the instinct. Indian food and Mexican food speak very similar spice-laden languages. We build meals around bread. They have tortillas; we have chapatis and rotis. We celebrate spice instead of fearing it. Their anchovies hold the same earthy warmth that reminded him of the Kashmiri chillies back home. Both cuisines believe that food should be vibrant and yes, bold like crazy. The more he learnt, the more convinced he became that Indians weren’t strangers to Mexican flavours at all. They simply hadn’t been introduced to them the right way.
What’s On The Menu At Numero Uno?
That realisation stayed with him long after California. Instead of treating Mexican food like a passing fascination, Devansh decided to bring it home. He wanted Mumbai to experience the kind of food that had first made him stop and stare from the other side of a restaurant kitchen. That dream eventually became Numero Uno in Andheri.
The menu tells the story of that journey better than words ever could. There are Birria Tacos, filled with slow-cooked meat and served the traditional way. Chicken Tinga Tacos bring smoky, gently spiced shredded chicken wrapped inside soft tortillas. The Carnitas Tacos stay true to their Mexican roots, while the Chicken Burritos and Birria Burritos are generously served with rice, beans, meat and fresh toppings. If you’re sharing, there are cheesy Quesadillas, loaded Nachos, flavourful Rice Bowls, creamy Guacamole, freshly made salsas and oh-so-refreshing drinks that complete the experience.
Sometimes people travel abroad looking for something very new. Devansh travelled halfway across the world and came back having discovered something that felt too much like home.
Also Read: 18 Best Mexican Restaurants In Mumbai That Take You On A Food Fiesta To Mexico
Where: Numero Uno Cafe, Shop 5, MHADA Shopping Centre, JP Road, Four Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai
When: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 for two
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
FAQs
What is Numero Uno?
Numero Uno is a Mexican restaurant in Andheri West, Mumbai, serving authentic dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.
Who started Numero Uno?
The restaurant was founded by Devansh, who was inspired by his experience working in a Mexican restaurant while studying in California.
What makes Numero Uno special?
It focuses on authentic Mexican flavours while highlighting the similarities between Indian and Mexican cuisines.
What are the must-try dishes at Numero Uno?
Popular picks include Birria Tacos, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Birria Burritos, Quesadillas, Nachos and Guacamole.
