Barrio 66 Kitchen & Bar wins with its punchy Latin American cuisine formula in the heart of Taman Midah, Cheras

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Welcome to Taman Midah.

Here you will most likely come across different auto repair shops. Or maybe a Chinese kopitiam And nasi kandar place.

But if you look closely, you will find Barrio 66 Kitchen & Bar, located right opposite Taman Midah MRT station.

It attracts attention with a banner proclaiming that they serve Latin American food. Like its name, “barrio” or neighborhood in Spanish, it serves those who live here.

It is difficult to classify the food served here solely as Latin American, as Spain and Jamaica are also represented.

And there is also pizza and pasta, everyone’s favorites, especially young children.

It can be considered as a place that simply tastes different cuisine to attract guests.

However, what you’ll find is that this neighborhood restaurant has enormous drawing power, as every item we sampled was excellent, beating out the sleeker places with chic interiors downtown.

Your fun begins by mixing different cuisines. Mexican tacos with Spanish paella? Everything is possible here.

Taco lovers will applaud with joy at their selection.

The Chili Con Carne Tacos (RM28 for two tacos) came with a generous pile of comforting ground beef mixed with red beans and tomatoes that had a little spicy kick.

As you slowly eat the crispy taco shell covered in wheat tortilla, you’ll get the crunch of the lettuce with a kick from the salsa.

Unlike other places, they cover the taco shell with shredded lettuce and cheese first and put the filling on top. Other choices on the menu include mushrooms, chipotle chicken and tiger shrimp.

Not everyone is a fan of crunchy tacos, which is why there is their Craft Tacos selection which uses toasted wheat tortillas.

This version is loaded with ingredients, whether it’s pulled lamb shank, breaded perch, tequila-lime shrimp, jerk chicken breast, or skirt steak.

Entrana (RM36 for two tacos) had perfectly cooked skirt steak while a jalapeno aioli gave it a tangy taste, making it a taco I would happily order again.

Familiar Tex-Mex dishes like burritos, fajitas, and nachos can also be found here.

As the Paella Valenciana (RM70 for two people) takes around 30 minutes to cook, you can also order a variety of tapas.

If you want to stick with the Spanish theme, there are classic small bites like Patatas Bravas, Berenjenas and Salchichas, all served in clay dishes.

Try Spanish Clay Sizzlers. It’s basically olive oil flavored with chopped garlic and parsley, with a choice of ingredients from mushrooms, chicken breast or tiger prawns.

The amount of oil bubbling around might scare you, but once you start dipping the toast with the mushroom mixture (RM24) in it, you might end up mopping up more as the garlic makes it super addictive.

Albondigas (RM28) or lamb meatballs cooked with tomato sofrito is a comforting snack that requires another basket of bread.

The texture of the meatballs is on point with a softness that indicates everything is handmade. There is also a spicy or non-spicy version, depending on how brave you are in the heat.

It’s time for the centerpiece, the Paella Valenciana. It arrives in a hot pan, where every square inch is covered with an assortment of seafood. There are shrimp, mussels, clams, salmon, squid and peas.

With all that aside, underneath is the golden yellow treasure of saffron rice.

The rice is fluffy and full of rich seafood flavors, thanks to their homemade broth. While the socarrat (the layer of crispy rice at the bottom of a paella pan) is not that obvious on the entire bottom of the pan, there are burnt bits on the edges and a few grains on the bottom, which I was trying to scratch.

If you don’t have time to wait for paella, the menu also offers two Brazilian rice dishes.

For the Salmon Moqueca (RM48), it seems simple but the flavors of a creamy coconut stew pair well with the fluffy cilantro and lime rice.

There are also garlic and herb potato cubes with a soft interior and crispy exterior that we’ll fight for. Crispy plantain chips are also served on the side.

There is also a Bobo De Camarao, a variation of the first course based on shrimp and accompanied by roasted sweet potatoes.

Or opt for the range of meat dishes like various steaks, lamb shank or jerk chicken served in whole portions or half portions, if you’re sharing.

Don’t leave without ordering their awesome Pistachio Tres Leche (RM16). This is probably the best rendition of this milk cake in the Klang Valley.

The airy and light pistachio sponge cake is served swimming in three types of milk and crowned with fluffy whipped cream. Savor its lightness for a gentle ending here.

If you are not a fan of this dessert, there is the Dulce De Leche Tiramisu (RM18), Churros or Mango Panna Cotta.

The tiramisu is quite good with its layers of coffee and alcohol soaked biscuits, mascarpone and dulce de leche.

One downside is the lack of parking if you’re there for lunch. Dinner time seems easier since neighboring businesses are closed.

There is a multi-storey car park around the corner for the MRT, if you don’t mind taking a jaunt to lose some calories. Alternatively, take the MRT.

Barrio 66 Kitchen and Bar, 66, Jalan Midah 1, Taman Midah, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Open every day: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel: 011- 33347116. Instagram: @barrio66midah Facebook: @barrio66midah

* This is an independent magazine in which the author paid for the meal.

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