Boojum on Kevin Street is the second branch in Dublin and the fifth in Ireland of the Mexican burrito bar chain run by husband and wife team Karen and John. They now have branches in Dublin, Galway and Belfast.

I had read news of their opening on the Kevin Street branch on Twitter and figured that since I was a burrito virgin it was time I popped my Mexican cherry.  So armed with lots of pre conceived notions about a burrito being a really spicy hard to eat food item I headed to Boojum on a Saturday lunch time.

The restaurant itself has a nice feel with lots of Mexican influence in the decoration.

They are actually located in a really great spot to cash in on the DIT student market, with DIT Aungier Street and DIT Kevin Street being within walking distance. The menu works on a simple four step process.  Choose what you want, what it’s filled with, add garnishes and then choose sides and drinks.

I went with a burrito of course and was offered a choice of mild to spicy fillings and a variety of types of rice. I like spicy foods but unfortuantely they just do not like me at all so it was great to have the mild option.  The lime infused rice came with a mild filling of peppers and red onions. Coupled with pulled pork and beans and smothered in cheese and salsa verde, this was to be my first burrito.

Boojum actually have a video on their website to tell you the easiest way to eat a burrito. It’s pretty much unwrap the foil and dig in which is exactly what I done.

I have to say the burrito was just incredible. It was packed full of flavour and the fresh ingredients I watched the staff add to it really come through.  The rice was bursting with the flavour of lime and the pulled pork was delicious. It was actually very filling.

My dining buddy H went for the tacos.  As you can see from the picture below, they were piled high and loaded with various garnishes.  Naturally I tucked into them also and can confirm they were very tasty. Crisp nachos with lots of fresh salsa, cheese and jalapenos.

Towards the end of the plate we had more tacos than garnish so I sent H back up to the counter to ask for more.  Initially one staff member was going to charge him €3.50 for the extra, which I would feel is way too much, but in the end a fellow staff member confirmed there was no additional charge.  I’m not sure what their exact policy is on this, but given it’s a new premises and new staff I’m sure they will figure it out and make it clear to customers so I can’t really fault them for any confusion on this occasion and the added garnish was more than adequate.

As an added bonus myself and H got some free beers with our meals as they were celebrating the official opening of the store the same day.  Never one to turn down a free drink I welcomed a couple of bottles of Sol.

The staff were friendly and welcoming and were quick to offer guidance on choices available which I found helpful.  There was also a steady stream of people coming in and out during my visit which is great to see for any new business. The Kevin Street branch is probably a little far from where I work to try another burrito at lunch but they also have a branch in the Millennium Walkway which is more central and I’ll be sure to visit again.

You can find Boojum locations here.