Alighting at Surrey Quays feels somewhat mysterious. You are hit by a bustling high street, the faint whiff of dockland air and the ghost of Printworks. Nestled, however, beside a dental surgery and ‘Tantastic’ on the Rotherhithe New Road, lies a hidden gem whose Instagram bio confidently reads, ‘our aim is the have the best tacos in London’. With its neon orange facade and a statue of a Mexican hombre, I challenge you to find a friendlier welcome than La Chingada.

Spearheaded by Mexico City-born chef, Walter Optiz, La Chingada has evolved from its former takeaway shop days into a low-fuss neighbourhood taqueria. Imagine bright murals, colourful plastic tables and chairs and an open kitchen that is so authentic it will leave you nostalgic for the roadside cantina you so fleetingly loved during stopovers between ADO buses.

Expect crispy chicharrones accompanied by lush guacamole, cheesy elotes, succulent suadero and el pastor tacos with pops of sweet pineapple. Drench each dish in their triple threat of fiery homemade salsas for the proper culinary experience – which is perfectly tamed by an ice-cold Victoria, fluorescent Jarrito or something equally novel from their impressive selection of Mexican bebidas.

For some time, London’s food scene has been defined by the monotony of the small plate. La Chingada defies this trend, proving that authenticity doesn’t need TikTok approval. It cements the fact that good, honest food cooked the correct way by passionate people will always come out on top.

Average bill: £30 per person including drinks.