Long known as Hawaii’s 9th island, Las Vegas will soon welcome another Hawaiian born restaurant chain. Aloha Mamacita, which serves a cuisine described as “Asian/island and Mexican fusion,” recently filed paperwork with Clark County for suite 104 at 4195 S Grand Canyon Dr.
“Aloha Mamacita originated in Oahu, Hawaii from one of our partners who wanted to re-create the popular birria taco,” co-owner Melissa Chan told What Now Las Vegas in an email conversation on Wednesday morning. Chan and her business partner Mikaly Meily are bringing to Las Vegas these birria tacos and other creative recipes, originally developed by Kim Nguyen and Kevin Nguyen.
“Kim put her own spin on it and cooked for family and friends because they were craving it,” Chan said. “They immediately told her she had something special right here. Then shortly after, the food truck was born, and next thing you know, a take-out style location.”
The restaurant’s main menu centers birria, a Mexican stewed goat dish, offering it in an appetizing variety of forms: Birria Tacos, Birria Baos, and Birria Rolls, each served with consommé and topped with fresh ingredients like cheese, cilantro, and red onion. The creativity continues with Birria Bombs (wonton wrapped with jalapeño, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and birria meat), Birria Ramen, and the Birria Crunchwrap (flour tortillas, tostada, birria meat, mozzarella, red onion, cilantro).
The menu features other proteins as well. Try the Fried Chicken Baos and the Calamari with Thai dipping sauce. For dessert: churro bites!
“Vegas is growing every day, and so is the variety of foods the city has to offer,” Chan said. “We are happy to be a part of that and serve locals and tourists food that we feel is comforting but also unique. We are hoping to be able to serve everyone soon!”
Aloha Mamacita is aiming for an opening in mid-February.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with the restaurant’s projected opening date.
