Straw lampshades dangle from the ceiling, rattan chairs and pink accents fill the room. The feature is the yellow-tiled bar counter, behind which the food is cooked. If you long for a summer vacation, you should stop by Mehringdamm to get your fix. Inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán and American photographer Slim Aarons, Maike and Marian, with the help of their architect Anja Ziehmann, opened Taqueria Mama Rosas in mid-May 2024. At Mama Rosas, the barrier between guest and host is almost non-existent — the taqueria was born out of Maike and Marian’s desire to make friend taco night accessible to others. Maike was born in Peru and grew up with Mexican cuisine; Marian has a background in gastronomy, having run Weilands on Potsdamer Platz with his two partners for 18 years. The concept at Mama Rosas is simple: Mexican street food, with tacos and quesadillas, classic cocktails, and soon bowls and sandwiches.
The menu remains small and refined, the offerings authentic and simple. My recommendation: you shouldn’t skip the tacos, because they are and will remain the core offering. Maike prepares all taco ingredients fresh every day: corn tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pulled pork or chicken — there’s also a vegan option with mushrooms and potatoes. Collaborations with friends are planned, and fish tacos are also likely to make it onto the menu soon! If you’re looking for a cocktail or two for your beach vacation, choose between Margaritas, Palomas and Mezcal Mules, each of which has a non-alcoholic version. Now, would I say that after your visit to Maike and Marian, you can do without a real vacation? No, because Mehringdamm is still Mehringdamm and Mexican beaches are still Mexican beaches. However, if you’re looking for a little taste of a beach bar, Taqueria Mama Rosas is the place to go.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Mama Rosas Taqueria, Mehringdamm 72, 10961 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
@taqueria.mama.rosas
