Sai Ying Pun is a place to wind down and enjoy the slow life. With friendly small shops at every steps, a rare gem sits at the corner of Water Street stairs where you will be greeted by a rustic white canvas of a building filled native fauna of Mexico and a forested terrace. This is “Verde MAR” and helmed by Chef Eligio Escobedo, a Mexican native in Hong Kong who specialises in authentic Mexican cuisine.

Contrary to the stereotypical impression many have of Mexican cuisine, authentic Mexican food is not always heavily sauced or flavored. Most dishes actually make use of a variety of healthy ingredients thanks to its unique geography and climate. Superfood like avocado which is abundant and common in Mexico can be found in many dishes and are featured frequently in Verde MAR’s menu.

Chef Eligio grew up in his Family Restaurants in Mexico, which taught him to respect food and advocate for nature from a young age. As such he insists on making everything from scratch, including salsa, sauces, and even his own cheese to ensure his food is free of allergens or additives like MSG.

When you come here, be sure to try the ever popular avocado ice cream! The homemade ice cream is made from natural avocado puree and milk. Rich in Avocado goodness but in cool creamy texture perfect for summer.

Surprisingly even the Avocado “Seed” is edible and is formed by Mango sorbet for a refreshing flavour that complements perfectly with the avocado ice cream.

Ever popular among the ladies is the signature Avocado Tostada. Please to the eyes, a perfectly formed avocado rose sits above crispy corn tostado and create a contrasting texture of soft and crisp.

Cactus is an un common ingredients in Hong Kong restaurants, let alone fresh variety picked on the spot. Cactus is a Mexican stable which its flesh and juice are readily consumed and adopted in many dishes. With a natural and raw flavor, Cactus balanced well with apple juice for a delicate savory flavor.

Also try the creamy avocado smoothie, made with fresh avocado and milk - another customer’s favorite!

Mexican cuisine has many meat soups. Chef Eligio adopted slow-cooked beef cheek to create a clear but flavorful broth exemplary of Mexican Caldo. This beef soup is rich in collagen but low in fat.

With an emphasis of the natural flavors of tasty beef cheeks, it's delicious without overdose of seasonings and herbs. Comes with tortillas for the beef, many enjoyed mixing in fresh Red Salsa for an extra spicy kick with chilli and sweet tomatoes.

Quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish which the tortilla is folded in half and filled with melted cheese and various ingredients like specialty meats, though equally savory as a Vegetarian options. Gluten-free tortilla is also available upon request.

This place is truly an avocado lover's paradise, many dishes made with an entire avocado like this salad! Every bite is filled with delicious avocado flesh.

One thing worth mentioning is the homemade ranch cheese. Because of the chef's insistence on quality, the cheese is freshly made without any preservatives, giving it a rich, pure and slightly salty flavor without any gamey taste.

Ceviche is a type of dish which commonly used lime juice to cured and marinate a wide variety of sashimi-like seafood. The same technique is adopted with Avocado for an vegetarian experience to provide similar texture and tangy flavor for a whole new level of enjoyment.

Made with bits of avocado, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, the trio of core ingredients in Mexican coastal cuisine. Perfect for any hot summer days. Also comes in original variety with white fish.

Mexico was a part of the Spanish Empire for over 300 years and its cuisine is a testament of Old world Spanish influence, including paella. The Mexican version however differs by using Seafood broth as its main ingredient. Its rice grain are chewy with a distinctive fullness and texture that doesn't stick to your mouth.

Paella are topped with shrimps, mussels, scallops, and other seafood. A finishing touch before serving by adding a squeeze of lime juice and signature Salsa.

When it comes to Spanish cuisine, churros are a familiar treat. Thanks to chef's dedication to homemade goodness, the churros dough is made in-house using natural flour and fried to order to guarantee a crispy exterior and moist inside.

Although it's a fried dish, all ingredients and seasonings are healthy with no added preservatives. So dipping it in chocolate sauce won't make you feel too guilty.

The atmosphere of "Verde MAR" is full of foreign exotic vibes, making it a perfect place to have a drink and escape from the hustle and bustle. The classic "Margarita" cocktail comes in three flavors to choose from: lime, orange, and spicy.

URL: https://s.openrice.com/QrKS0rBCA00~dL273bDcH

Add.: G/F, 41 Water Street, Sai Ying Pun, Western District

Tel.: 28100888