The most authentic Mexican cuisine in a long time: Restaurant Puerto 99 Mexican Cuisine (20. March 2021)
I had passed the Puerto 99 a few times and I actually tried to walk in before. But the place was always busy. And I understand why. So, usually, I’m quite skeptical when it comes to Mexican cuisine abroad as it is most often so far from the truth that it hurts. However, this is different. So, I was able to get a table for lunch and sit outside with a nice view onto the sea. And I asked one of the Mexican waiters (from Cozumel) what he can recommend to get the most authentic Mexican experience.
Before that was possible though, you are served chips with different sauces. Now, the sauces are good, but what is really missing is that Mexican spiciness I like so much.
He recommended a couple of dishes, and so it was time get them. I went for the “‘Yucatan ‘Panuchos’ (home-made corn tortillas filled with black bean puree, avocado, pickled red onions and topped with marinated roasted chicken)” (AED 55) which were good for a variety of reasons. The corn tortillas really had that flavor of tortillas made in Mexico. Authentic and delicious. The ‘stuffing’ on top of the tortillas was good and plenty, and with a bit of lime on top, it really made for a good dish.
Now, if you want to get bone marrow tacos, prepare for a spectacle! You get the marrow straight from the bone and it is served in a little live show with fire …
… and once that’s done, you get the actual “roasted bone marrow tacos (roasted bone marrow served with Barbaco-style beef tacos and guajillo chili jus)” (AED 95) right in front of you and you can scrape out the last bits of bone marrow and put them on your tacos. And you should. I mean, the tacos are actually quite delicious in terms of combination of flavors. Again, the spicy sauces are missing (I mean, they are spicy but they are just not anything close to real Mexican sauces).
The “grilled skirt taco de costra (home-made corn tacos stuffed with Mexican charcoal-grilled rib eye, cheese crisp, topped with pico de gallo and sweet corn)” (AED 90) is interesting but I somehow was a bit confused by the fact that there seemed to be a ‘cheese layer’ on the taco. It was good, admittedly, but somehow, it was a bit confusing.
The “shrimp tacos ‘Gobernador’ (Oaxaca cheese tacos with grilled shrimps and roasted peppers)” (AED 80) was one of my highlights. Now, usually, I’m not the biggest fan of shrimps but this combination was actually delicious and definitely something I can recommend anyone to try!
What I was very surprised by but also incredibly happy, were the different ‘aguas’ they had. So, of course, I had to go for an “Aqua de Horchata” (AED 25) and an “Aqua de Jamaica” (AED 25). I really missed these flavors! Just really mouth-watering!
Making a long story short – if you want to go to the Puerto 99, make sure you you book your table way in advance. Especially, when you want to go there on a weekend! I can highly recommend the place!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Puerto 99 Mexican Cuisine
Bluewaters Island
Dubai (UAE)
Cell: +971 58 962 18 22
Tel.: +971 4 557 66 27
E-Mail: info@puerto99.ae</a<
Homepage: http://www.puerto99.ae
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
