You Think You Know Mexican Food? Think Again.
Not long ago, someone told me — quite seriously — that octopus isn’t Mexican.
I couldn’t help but laugh.
In Mexico, octopus (pulpo) is everywhere. From beachside grills in Baja to high-end mezcalerías in Oaxaca, it’s charred, braised, and folded into tacos with salsas that light up your soul. Yet here in Australia, there’s still so much confusion about what Mexican food really is.
Some folks think it’s all hard-shell tacos, nachos smothered in sour cream, and bottled hot sauce.
Others think Caesar Salad is American.
Spoiler alert: it’s not.
The Caesar Salad Was Born in Mexico
The original Caesar Salad was created in Tijuana, Mexico in 1924, by Italian-Mexican restaurateur Caesar Cardini. During Prohibition, Americans crossed the border for cocktails, indulgence, and something new — and Cardini’s salad, prepared tableside with flair, became legendary.
It featured:
- Whole romaine leaves
- Garlic, egg yolk, and fresh lime dressing
- White anchovies
- Crumbly Cotija cheese
- House-baked croutons
No bacon. No bottled dressing. No parmesan. No shortcuts.
The best part?
You can still eat this salad at the original restaurant — Caesar’s Restaurante Bar in Tijuana — where they’ve been serving it for over 100 years.
We’re Bringing It Back — Sonora-Style
At Sonora in Potts Point, we’ve reimagined the Caesar Salad with full respect for its roots — and for the story that’s been forgotten.
Our version is bold, clean, and refreshingly simple:
- White anchovies, not the muddy brown kind
- Cotija cheese, crumbly and sharp
- A lime-forward, hand-whisked dressing
- Whole romaine leaves
- Toasted house croutons
It’s available now as a side — but trust us, it deserves a spotlight.
Why It Matters
This is bigger than just salad.
It’s about breaking the clichés around Mexican food in Australia. It’s about showcasing the real depth, elegance, and surprise of the cuisine — not the cartoon version we grew up with.
At Sonora, we’re passionate about telling those stories. From Baja seafood to Yucatán-style pork, from house-made tortillas to handcrafted mezcal cocktails, everything we serve is rooted in authentic Mexican flavour — but reimagined for Sydney.
So come try the Caesar.
Then ask us about the octopus.
Explore our full menu → sonora-mexican.au/menu
Follow us on Instagram → @sonorapottspoint
See why we’re one of the most unique Mexican restaurants in Sydney → Google Reviews
