I love my steamed white rice. The only time I skip it is when I’m at a buffet.

Why? It’s part-penance, part-competitive eating, really. This two-hour advocacy against carbohydrates would be my shield against the sin of gluttony, and key to avoiding the trap of not getting my money’s worth. Asians know what I’m talking about.

There’s also another instance where I would gladly skip a rice meal. That’s when I would drop by La Lucha Taqueria at Mango Square Mall in Cebu City.

It’s one of the most reliable Mexican food joints in the city. There’s another alternative as well, which I might feature in another column. They’re okay. But there’s a reason why La Lucha takes my personal number one spot.

I have this preference when it comes to my Mexican food, and that the food has to be prepared and presented with unbridled energy. I’m not talking horchatas with Red Bull, I mean sloppy nachos dripping with cheese, tacos that can barely hold its meat together, or a burrito so solid it’s as heavy as Juan Manuel Marquez’s iconic knockout blow in 2012.

Don’t Google it, Filipino fight fans. Ten years—it still hurts.

Going back. When the craving for Mexican food hits, La Lucha usually delivers. Speaking of which, it’s unfortunate they’re not on GrabFood or Foodpanda, although you can order directly via its Messenger account. Its non-intimidating location and setting in the middle of the city also plays a huge factor as to why I’m drawn to it more.

Don’t take my word for it. The Mexican restaurant has been operating since 2012. I’m sure there are other brands in the city with their own versions of Mexican fare. But reliability and longevity provide a business with serious plus points.

My favorites here include its Small Tacos (I would order the carne asada, pollo, buche, lengua or chorizo), Super Nachos (served with beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and choice of meat), and a large, ice cold Horchata (water, rice, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla).

Let me know if you have other favorites worth featuring in this space!