Yakumama – Review

We were first alerted to Yakumama via social media, they were running a kickstarter to open their own permanent space in Todmorden. We thought the food sounded exciting so we bought a meal. I am so glad we did.

The restaurant serves vegetarian Small plates that draw their inspiration from Latin America. Along with cocktails, craft ale and natural wine. The setting is in the old Co-Op, which is a stunning building and I am so glad that life is being breathed back into it.

The space is very light and airy, with a chilled feel, lots of greenery and some fabulous art on the walls. As soon as we walked in we felt comfortable. There is a buzzy atmosphere with a mix of groups and couples all eating, chatting, drinking and laughing. The Latin tunes being played certainly added to the ambiance.

As we’d paid for the meal in advance we were told we get one of everything.  The dishes were then brought out as they were ready. We did not feel at all rushed, the dishes were well spaced. Service from start to finish was excellent. Attentive and professional. Also warm, it felt as if all the staff really loved being there.

We were brought water and drinks orders taken. Mr CK had a margarita and I had a Hemingway daiquiri. Both delicious and refreshing. With quite a hefty punch of booze.

On to the food and oh my. If I could go back for my lunch right now I would. First up…..

Tequenos

Tequenos are popular in most Latin American countries and it is widely said they originated in  Venezuela.

The tequenos served here are crispy cigar shaped parcels filled with black beans and Yorkshire smoked halloumi. With mango aji amarillo hot sauce and some pickled onion. I was blown away by these. Absolutely perfect start to the meal. The hot sauce was stonking, it delivered a hot tingle without masking the flavours of everything else. I am a bit of a hot sauce addict and this is certainly one of the best I have ever had.

Andean potatoes

Fried potatoes with an olive sauce and farofa  topped with charred red pepper, egg and Tod pea shoots. This was another cracker of a dish. The fried potatoes were like the best roasties ever and I loved the sauce.

Arepas

Little corn fritters topped with salsa and guacamole. Delicious and light, these are not like the heavy sweetcorn fritters I am used to. These are made with cornmeal. An absolute delight, a zing in the guac and subtle spicing throughout. I could have eaten another plate of these.

Sopa de Elote

Described as a Mexican Street Food soup, this soup came with feta, charcoal aioli, coriander and a smoked paprika oil. Absolutely perfect for this time of the year. Warming but fresh with gentle spice. The cooling feta made a perfect partner for the corn. We shared, but this is served as a single portion dish. So no worrying about double dipping going on to you germphobic people.

Coconut, Papaya, peanut and Tod herb salad

Fresh coconut and papaya with ginger carrots and chilli in a lime dressing served with mint, coriander and lemon basil, plus roasted peanuts. This was so refreshing, great flavour and such an interesting mix.

Chocolate Opera

After all that delicious food I simply could not manage a pudding. Mr CK had no trouble though and got a chocolate opera with fresh fruit. He really enjoyed this and it was the perfect size to end a meal on. The desserts are brought in from Chou Choux Patisserie.

I was so impressed with the food here. We both were. It was familiar flavours mixed with things I had either never heard of had not tried. The menu changes on a weekly basis and many of the ingredients for the dishes are locally sourced. We are already planning a return visit to Yakumama hopefully very soon.

Yakumama – 29 Rochdale Rd, Todmorden OL14 7LA