Alma Libre

A slushy margarita in one hand, a sloppy taco in the other – isn’t life caliente? When she’s not behind the wheel of one of her loco food trucks or manning the stand at the De Vleeshalle market in Mechelen, Belgian Karen Van den Keybus refuels regulars at the helm of this micro-taqueria in Antwerp (six seats at the countertop bar and a terrace for when the sun’s out). On the line-up? Pulled pork, chicken tinga (shredded meat in tomato sauce), chicken mole (sauce made with sweet pepper, dried fruits and spices) or frijoles refritos (refried beans), stuffed either in tacos, with tomato salad, iceberg lettuce, queso fresco, raw cream and cilantro; in a torta, a sort of Mexican sandwich filled with guacamole, chipotle coleslaw, cheddar, beans and cilantro; in a burrito (with the same fillings); or enchilada-style, wrapped in a corn tortilla and doused in a Mexican tomato sauce. Also on the menu: pulled pork nachos with cheddar cheese; chili con or sin carne; tuna or ground beef empanadas; and even a Oaxaca burger with a beef patty and alternating layers of chipotle mayo, caramelized onions, onions and cheddar. And for those who want to raise the temperature, two different hot sauces are available. // Juno Madre

FEELING THIRSTY ? A menu as long as your arm, including mezcals (Nuestra Soledad, Del Maguey Vida, €7-9), cervezas (Modelo Negra at €4.50 for 355 ml), Mexican wines (€5.50 a glass, €28 a bottle) and a few cocktails – including the signature margarita at €12.50.

PRICE : Tacos €6, €11.50 or €16.50, tortas €12.50 to €14.50, enchiladas €14.50 to €15.50, burritos €12.50 to €13.50, extras €5 to €12.50.