Copala, DIFC’s hidden gem, is planning a culinary adventure for Dubai food lovers. The homegrown Mexican restaurant has taken inspiration from Netflix’s acclaimed Taco Chronicles – a docuseries that celebrates the humble taco and the people who both make and eat them!

Executive chef, Adan Naranjo will be showcasing dishes from the series and inviting guests to join him on a mouth-watering culinary adventure. The Mexican-born chef prides himself on his traditional cooking methods and use of authentic ingredients – tortillas are made fresh every morning, and key ingredients flown in every week directly from Mexico.

The limited-edition menu will feature eight of the most popular tacos, with two dishes being available every week. Highlight dishes include Duck Carnitas Taco (melt-in-your-mouth pulled duck – Copala’s twist on the traditional pork meat – cooked to perfection in its own juices with a signature blend of chillies & spices), Taco al Pastor (thinly sliced chicken, signature mix of spices & marinade, roasted pineapple, coriander & onion, cheese crusted tortilla) and Fish Taco (golden crunchy batter, tender fish, crisp coleslaw, creamy chipotle-chilli mayo, tangy pico-de-gallo, soft wheat tortilla).

Copala’s founders are Mexico City natives Mercedes Torres Lagarde and José Alberto Altamirano Peña. Following many years of working in legal corporate jobs, the pandemic was a catalyst for them to follow their dream of bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to Dubai and highlighting their real culinary heritage – which to them has yet to be accurately portrayed.

They partnered with talented Mexican executive chef and fellow Dubai resident, Adan M. Naranjo, to bring Copala to life in October 2021. The menu focuses on real everyday food but for refined palates, underpinned by an elevated quality of ingredients and flavors which deliver an exceptional Mexican experience. Key ingredients such as the avocados, green tomatoes, cotija cheese, jicamas, and chilies, are flown in every week directly from Mexico.