Mo-Chica is my first encounter for Peruvian cuisine. It’s located in an unfamiliar part of LA, tucked inside one of the most random food courts. Amidst totally inconsequential Asian and Latino food stands, it stands out with the most crowds, like the only fire pit in the wild. At Mo-Chica, you get to dress casual and still be served with upscale presentation.
Though the menu is not gigantic, with the specials, we were running out of space on our table with all the plates. At Mo-Chica, the chicas on the floor are friendly and efficient. Two $2 authentic Peruvian drinks (below), CHICHA MORADA (purple corn ice tea) & CEBADA (barley ice tea, ginger & herbs), were served before i took off my jacket.
For starters, we had ordered almost everything although the calories in yellow did pause our hearts for a few seconds. PAPA A LA HUANCAINA was more spicy than it looks yet it paired with the eggs and salad well.
CEVICHE of the day was the sea bass - 7. The ingredients were all fresh and made sense. The crunchy toasted corn and the acidic bass and the tender sweet potato work beautifully in a bite.
Lamb Belly Special - 13. The lamb was ridiculously tender and its slightly burn edges added that smoked depth - an instant favorite.
Below, ARROZ CON POLLO (chicken, sauteed rice, cilantro) - 13. It’s consistently cooked to perfection out the three times we had it. The chicken is juicy and the rice is seasoned unforgettably. It’s a must order dish at Mochica and a staple on my list, regardless of its top ranking calorie count of 650.
Chef owner Ricardo Zarate not only is a master of putting savory ingredients together and makes it tasty. His passion fruit creme brulee has got the right touch of acidity and sweet creamy goodness that will make you ask for it every time.
Mochica is a hidden gem and hopefully it will be relocated to downtown as rumored in the near future. I know I will be going back no matter where they go.
Mo-Chica www.mo-chica.com | 3655 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA 90007 | (213) 747-2141
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