The line at Jose Enrique is well worth the wait for the fried snapper with root vegetable mash and papaya salad. Fresh fish is always perfectly fried, crispy on the outside, warm, tender and moist within. The fish is frequently deboned and served whole, allowing you to pick at the cheek (best part!) and if you love the eyeball, go for it!

The fish is laid on a sweet and creamy mash made from batata amarilla. Root vegetables are a common side dish in Puerto Rican households. But the best and rarest is the yellow batata. It is slightly sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment for the savory fish. The papaya and avocado side is light and fresh, tossed with lime, cilantro, red onion and tomato. People have waited over two hours in line to get a taste of this incredible dish. Put your name and cell phone number on the list and then walk around La Placita, the local square surrounded by bars and restaurants. Pssttt … you can drink on the street.

Spoon Food Tours

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