Agüevo! prepares Aztec soup
In Central Mexico, the Aztec eating traditions are combined with Spanish influences. Aztec soup is only found in Mexico - and in Paco Franco's restaurant Agüevo! in Berlin Friedrichshain.
Taquería in Berlin
Agüevo!, loosely translated, means "finally accomplished!" That's what Paco Franco thought when he opened his restaurant in Berlin's Friedrichshain neighborhood. Though there are more than 10,000 restaurants in the German capital, Agüevo! is one of the few authentic Mexican locales. So that everything tastes the same as it would in Mexico, Franco imports most of his ingredients from his homeland.
In Mexico a dentist, in Germany a cook
"There are many differences between Mexico and Berlin. Punctuality, for example, is unheard of in Mexico. In Germany, it's the opposite - you have to be 15 minutes early. Or the regulations. In Mexico, there is no regulatory agency. Here you have to learn what the rules are." - Paco Franco
Día de los muertos: Traditional holiday
"Skulls are a part of our culture. In Mexico, we celebrate the day of the dead. On November 1, we celebrate it for the children and on November 2, for the adults. Why is it so important? In Mexico, we believe that the life begins anew after death!" - Paco Franco
Colorful and well-spiced
Aztec soup is a specialty in Mexico, which is prepared differently in every region. There are vegetarian versions, as well as those with fried pork rinds. No matter how it's prepared, chili is a part of it. In Mexico, there are uncountable varities - which is why Paco Franco has the exotic peppers imported directly from his homeland.
Mexican world culture
Mexico's cooking culture combines agricultural and garden techniques with rituals and spiritual traditions; it's a huge influence on the life and every day experiences of Mexicans. That's why Mexican cuisine was recognized in 2010 as by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Paco Franco's family recipe combines Aztec and Spanish-colonial traditions; it tastes as good in Berlin as in Mexico City.