Sabor Latino Bakery

Sabor Latino Bakery
1211 Nanaimo Street
Vancouver, BC

Whenever I look for “new” places to try, I usually check other people’s blog. Once in a while, I listen to readers. A couple of months ago, when I wrote about Panaderia Latina Bakery, fmed mentioned about another Latin American bakery in Nanaimo Street. It was only a matter of time for me to visit it, which I did last week.

Yes, that is the sign. In fact, when I was driving in the area, I passed by at least two times before stopping and then look by the exact address. It is quite unlikely you will end up in this place accident, as it is not really noticeable at all, not to mention the area is mostly a residential area. Not that it would discourage me, instead, I was hoping it will be one of those small hidden gems.

Yes, it seems it is a trend that all Latin American restaurants/bakeries have a small “grocery” area…

I must admit that, when I walked in, I had some odd mixed feeling. In a way, it felt that their current location was mostly to provide a store front, not that much for sale to walk-in customers. Not that it is bad; instead, it was the question of what would be then provided to walk-ins… However, as in most of my “adventures”, I was determined to go and taste what they had to offer.

At that moment, the lonely person working in the bakery walked out and checked on me. Aside from that shelf with Latin American type groceries and a counter with pastries, they had a small “menu”. As a result, choosing what to order wasn’t that difficult. In fact, as soon as I looked at it, I knew what I wanted…

Tamal de Pollo, or chicken tamale. They also had a variety called tamal de chipilin. I think I should have ordered one of those as well but I have absolutely no regret getting the chicken version. As for the tamal itself, it was not completely wrapped in banana leaves; instead, there was one piece of leaf and then wrapped in foil. Not authentic in any way but, when the “best” material is not available, I guess you have to work with you can think of. Since it was extremely hot (as in temperature, not spice), the texture of the cornmeal was quite “soft”, and hasn’t “settled” yet. How soft? Almost silky I would say. The chicken, well, this might be something not everybody would like: it could either be white meat or dark meat (with bone in!). It wasn’t as seasoned as it could be but good in its own ways.

To drink, I had a bottle of Mexican soda/pop. As you can see from the lable, it is tamarind. It was a complete flop, though: Aside from some sugar-y taste, it felt completely flat. Should have pass and get some water instead. Oh, well.

I also got an enchilada, which, yes, looks a lot like a samosa. However, unlike a samosa which is mostly vegetarian, an enchilada is mostly meat. What? Not a tortilla with some fillings wrapped and then some cheese/sauces added on top? Well, that is a Mexican enchilada; this is enchilada known in other parts of Latin America. No wonder I am always confused in Mexican restaurants! As for the enchilada itself, the meat could have been slightly more “juicy” but, otherwise, it had a good, meat-y/umami taste.

Overall, this is a place I would come back to satisfy some Latin American food cravings. I won’t even try to make comparisons with other Latin American restaurants or whether which tamal is better. After all, you only have that many options… And, to fmed, thanks for letting me about this place!

Tagged under: Bakery • Chicken • Latin America • Pastry • Vancouver