Las Americas - Lambeth

I was thrilled to come across this restaurant. The Colombian empanadas and chili sauce were amazing, and I was blown away by their delicious lechona, a traditional pork dish. I had no idea that such authentic Latin American food existed in London. The atmosphere may not be the most visually appealing, but the high quality of the food, affordable prices, and friendly staff more than make up for it. I am eagerly looking forward to visiting again on my next trip to London.

A friend and I decided to check out this restaurant and ended up staying to eat because the owner was so charming! He took the time to explain all of the menu options to us and even gave us a free empanada to try. We ordered the delicious caffes arepas with condensed milk and cheese, as well as the papas rellenas (which are similar to fried balls of mashed potatoes). It was a typical South American cuisine, but the house aji sauce added a delicious kick to everything.

I have visited many restaurants in South and Central America, but this one is the real deal. It has only a few seats at the bar and some basic tables in the back. They serve empanadas and tamales just like their grandmother would make, with a delicious aji sauce (the best I've had in London). The fried pork belly is cooked perfectly, with a bit of meat left on it so it's not just tough crackling. While I love dining in London, I have missed good street food, and this place fills that void. I come here regularly, as it has an authentic Latin American charm with welcoming and helpful staff who speak both English and Spanish. Thankfully, the hipster street food crowds haven't discovered this gem yet.