Takeaway service brings a taste of Mexico to Milton
Burritos and tacos being snapped up by customers
A NEW Mexican takeaway has opened in Portsmouth – and is already proving popular with customers snapping up its tacos and burritos.
The business has been set up by Toha Rahman, who took over the unit at the start of this year and fully renovated it, before opening earlier this month.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur was inspired to go into the catering industry by his
dad Mizanur, who has had a long career as a chef working for traditional Indian restaurants.
Toha saved up enough to fund his venture by working long hours at restaurants such as Shalimar in Waterlooville, where he says he also gained great experience on how to treat customers.
Toha, from North End, said: ‘We are a family-orientated business.
‘My dad owned the premises and it was in a bad way when we took it back over.
‘We had to work on it during Covid, which was difficult and expensive.
‘We spent a lot more than expected, but it has been worth it to see the results.’
The unit, formerly Balti Express, closed before the first lockdown and had been empty until Toha set to work.
He has completely refitted the shop, giving it a new style, breathing fresh life into the area – and has employed six members of staff.
He came up with the idea of Mexican food after his friend, successful London chef Mo Ahmed, introduced him to the dishes and taught him about the flavours.
Toha said: ‘We are getting really good responses and we are building the business as we go along.
‘We always ask the customers what they think and we want their honest opinions as we want to improve.
‘But so far the burritos have been really popular. People love them.
‘Everyone is different, and everyone has different tastes, so they love being able to mix and match their own ingredients.
‘The burritos have a soft shell and we sell proper tacos. They are beautiful. People need to try them.’
The business has been opening from midday until 10pm and taking orders on the phone or via Facebook.
Toha hopes to have the business set up online soon and to join delivery apps in the near future.
Customers can collect their food or have it delivered within the PO1-PO5 areas, for free on orders over £15.
For more information, go to facebook.com/Amigosportsmouth or telephone (023) 9281 4433.