Copala is a casual restaurant in DIFC that promises to bring “a real taste of Mexico” to diners.
Located at the Index Tower Mall, Copala was thought up by friends, and Mexico City natives Mercedes Torres Lagarde and José Alberto Altamirano Peña, who left corporate jobs in the legal industry to pursue something new.
Caterer Middle East chatted to Lagarde on how Covid-19 was a catalyst to follow their passion and make the dream of Copala come to life. She said: “It was a unique experience going into business with a friend. During the pandemic, we were dreaming together and constantly brainstorming our restaurant. Knowing people you work with have a similar approach to life actually eases the communication process and allows for stressful moments to be handled better. Simply put, being friends has allowed us to have a built-in support system, we understand each other without even having to say a word, and we actually enjoy our ‘work-colleague’ relationship.”
Lagarde and Peña teamed up with Mexican executive chef and fellow Dubai resident, Adan M. Naranjo, and together they worked on the menu and a space. Lagarde said: “The Mexican food served here in Dubai is typically Tex-Mex and as Mexicans, that makes us sad. Our country and culture are incredibly rich and deep. The frustration of not being able to ever satisfy our cravings for our food, and the fact that we could never recommend a ‘good Mexican’ restaurant, was the main catalyst, along with Covid-19 to launch Copala.
