#almaya

Almaya took over the space from the Cuban eatery inside Barranca Food Hall. Though it’s a humble stall, they have many Mexican and Mediterranean options, including some fusion items. Breakfast is served all day. Choose from breakfast dishes (e.g., shakshuka, breakfast burrito), plates (falafel, birria), small bites, salads, burritos, soups, drinks, and desserts. Prices are reasonable. The meat is halal and they make their own sausage and chorizo.

Chilaquiles ($14) – two eggs cooked how you’d like, choice of protein (I didn't want meat so I chose avocado), pinto beans, choice of sauce (red or green), chips, crema, cilantro, cojita, and red onions. The chips tasted homemade. They were thicker, puffy, and crispy on the edges. The sauce softened the chips but they never became very soggy. The sauces delivered on flavor and weren’t too salty. Love. The two sunny side up eggs had runny yolks. Pinto beans were tender and creamy. Everything was so good, fresh, and flavorful.

There’s a condiment bar with two types of salsa, pickled carrots, chiles, and lemon wedges. The green salsa is thin, bright, and tangy (think fresh cilantro). The red sauce is thicker, complex, smoky, and a bit sweet.

Service was kind. The food takes awhile, because they do cook it to order. The food hall is very clean. I found street parking in front, but you can also park in the St. Vincent De Paul parking lot for an hour.

Order at the counter, and they’ll bring the food to you.

I’m excited to try the shawarma, falafel, birria & shakshuka.

5 out of 5 stars