FLYING FAJITAS SISTAS
Sydney, NSW

Standing out from the hotchpotch of Glebe Point Road is the delightfully named Flying Fajita Sistas, instantly recognisable by its whimsical artwork depicting pink-winged Mexican fairies. The place has a rambling cantina feel, with walls painted in glazed earth-and-pastel hues and sporting all the Mexican decor cliches – the oddly placed sombrero here, the Frida Kahlo self-portrait there. Still, the ambience is far more chic and quirky than brash and flamboyant, and the place buzzes with the enthusiasm of its young, funky, sangria sipping crowd. The staff, dressed in fetching embroidered smocks, are welcoming and friendly if not overly attentive when the place is in full swing.

The food is homely, authentic Mexican cooking with a focus on robust and filling market-style snacks. Tamales (steamed cornmeal parcels) are a traditional pre-Hispanic treat, wrapped in banana leaf and stuffed with either roast poblano chilli and cheese, or chicken with a rich mole sauce. Equally good are the namesake fajitas (order them with lightly charred, succulent king prawns), and whole fried barramundi with tomato salsa, black beans and rice. On the Tex Mex front, the nachos are decadently cheesy and lavished with moist shredded beef or smoky pulled pork. None of the dishes are particularly spicy. Instead, chilli-heads are invited to choose from a shelf-full of sauces, known as The Wall of Pain, which range from pleasantly mild and flavoursome to this-will-make-you-see-God. The Sistas also serve a fine selection of tequilas, including the superb Casa Noble Resposado, $12 for a tipple served with tangy home-made tomato sangrita.