Daddy Donkey

I’ve already forgiven myself for not knowing that burrito means ‘wee ass’ in Spanish. Actually ‘wee ass’ could well be suggestively misconstrued, so let’s be sensible and stick to little donkey instead. To this day I still find it incredible that we take names for granted. For instance I was recently asked by my daughter, ‘how and where did the word London come about?’ I went all quiet and thought quietly to myself '‘what a flipping train wreck of a question that is, I was never taught that at school!’. Betcha 95% of Londoners are clueless on the origins of the name that spells out their city.

I’m no Mexican food expert and I certainly can’t discuss the issues on authenticity as I’ve only ever eaten this kind of nosh in London. I also have a historical problem with Mexican cuisine or rather my tummy has, meals would invariably end up with an alarming disposition to several calls of nature. Thankfully my respect for this cuisine was rekindled by my recent visits to the two branches of Wahaca at Covent Garden and Westfield. The food served by Wahaca is relatively delicious, filling, doesn’t break the bank and no ill effects caused. Ms Miers, thanks for the redemption and my new found confidence in Comida Mexicana.

The yearning for a burrito was placated because of her. She’s American, so she must know a thing or two about a good burrito when she finds one. Daddy Donkey was chanced upon with the aid of here. I must also add that a good website whets the appetite. DD was so named because of its declaration that it serves the Daddy of all little donkeys or burritos. And my word they’re right about the Kick Ass and huge wraps they sell.

The mobile trailer is pitched in the 300 year old Leather Lane Market.

This market is mainly noted for stalls selling gladrags and shoes. I came on the aftermath of a Burrito Eating Contest and was lucky to have secured a burrito just before they packed up.

This is Joel the head flake, you can tell by the twinkle in his eye that success beckons all the way to the top.

Here we go-

State what style of lunch you prefer from burrito, salad or taco.

Choose a filling from the following of chicken, beef (3 kinds), porky and of course guacamole for the veggies. And top the whole thing with salsa varying from ‘little cotton socks’ mild to ‘eating fire’ extra habanero hot.

This is my burrito filled with Picadillo (ground scotch beef cooked slowly in garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, oregano, tomato salsa and chipotle), coriander lime rice, black beans, cheese, more cheese, sour cream and a hot enough salsa for gentle dud(e)s like me. The size of the burrito belies the image shown; the generosity of the filling and hugeness meant that it was both lunch and supper accounted for (if you're wondering I'm no Hagrid). This is one glorious splodge wrapped tightly and the best I’ve eaten in London, simply superb. I’m converted enough to say that I love Daddy Donkey. I paid £5.50 for the above plus a measly 60p for a can of Coke.

This is as close as you can get to real street food that tastes gratifyingly wonderful in London. Daddy Donkey kicks ass beautifully. Highly recommended.

Second visit of chicken filled goodness.

Pitches 100-101
Leather Lane Market
London
EC1N 7TE
www.daddydonkey.co.uk