If you walk down Rundle Mall too quickly, you’ll miss it!

United Latino Cocina (ULC) is one of those places you know about because you specifically went looking for it. When I first went there, all I could see were a bunch of tables and chairs in an alleyway.  Run by the same chef as Lucky Lupitas, ULC provides a menu with Cuban and Latin American influences. The decor here is a mix of modern and funky. The exposed ceilings, the feature walls, the tiled bench, the indoor olive tree, the open kitchen and the Latin music playing in the background, really create a warm and fun atmosphere.

First up was the the ULC Dog; grilled chorizo sausage in a jalapeno bun with black bean mash, creamy jalapeno slaw, salsa, lettuce, crispy red onions and dry cheese. The meal was a decent size and was nicely presented. The sausage was grilled to a nice golden brown and the meat was quite juicy. It wasn’t overly fatty like something I had in Barcelona. Each bite had a spicy kick and I wasn’t sure whether it was coming from the chorizo, the bun, the slaw or the salsa. The crispy red onions added a beautiful crunchy texture to the dish. The bun was soft, non-greasy and firm enough to hold the fillings. All the ingredients really worked well together with all the different flavours and textures working in harmony.

Next up was the Beef Taco; guajillo braised beef with cabbage, calabaza, crema and salsa verde. The taco was a decent size and the beef was tender, succulent and full of flavour. As you picked up the taco, all the juices from the meat dripped out onto the plate. The soft shell taco was light and firm enough to hold without breaking. The vegetables were fresh and well balanced. Everything just worked so well together. It did get a bit messy while eating it, but it was well worth it.

Finally, I had the Ropa Vieja. The flank steak was well marinated and shredded in a tomato based sauce. The black beans were nice and firm, and the lettuce and tomato were fresh and crisp. The white rice was perfectly cooked with nice individual grains. This dish is a decent size, but so is the price.

The staff here are very friendly and the service is fast and efficient. Having had a meal prepared by the same chef the night before, I already knew I was going to have a good meal. At this point in time, ULC is only open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Saturday. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy good quality authentic Latin style food without travelling all the way to Bedford Park. It really is a win for us city dwellers.

WHERE: Francis St, Rundle Mall