Boojum, Cork City

Boojum is an Irish-owned Mexican fast food chain that started in Belfast in 2007 and has since expanded to 18 outlets across Ireland and the UK. The Cork branch is located in the city centre and has become a go-to spot for anyone looking for a solid, filling meal after the gym or during a busy day.

I have been eating at Boojum for years, starting in Dublin where I was going pretty much every day after training. The food is genuinely good and it works well as a healthier fast food option. You are getting real protein, good rice, and fresh toppings without the grease of a typical takeaway.

What I Ordered

My usual is a bowl with Irish beef, Mexican rice, hot salsa, cheese and sour cream. They also give you a small bowl of beef broth on the side that you can pour over the top, which adds a lot of flavour. On the table they have bottles of spicy salsa and chipotle chili that you can add yourself.

You can get your order as a burrito wrapped in a tortilla, in a bowl, or as tacos. There is something for everyone.

The beef is the standout. It is well seasoned and tender, and the toppings are fresh. They keep bringing out new options too. The spicy honey chicken that came out recently was very good.

The Experience

The staff in the Cork branch are friendly and the atmosphere is casual and lively. It does get busy with students, especially around lunchtime, as they run good student offers.

The facility is clean and functional. It is not a sit-down restaurant experience, but it does not pretend to be. You are in and out with a quality meal.

The Cons

Without a student card, a burrito and a can of Coke will cost you around fifteen euro. It is not outrageous but it is on the pricey side for fast food. The other issue is consistency with portions. Sometimes you get a generous serving of beef, other times it can be a bit light. Most of the time it is fine, but it is worth noting.

Cork Xtra Ratings

• Food: 8.1/10 - Quality beef, fresh toppings, good flavour
• Facility: 7.5/10 - Clean and functional, nothing fancy
• Atmosphere: 7.5/10 - Busy and casual, popular with students
• Staff: 8.0/10 - Friendly, especially in the Cork branch
• Value: 7.0/10 - €15 for a burrito and a drink is steep without a student card
• Overall: 8.1/10

Location

Cork City Centre. Their website boojummex.com is currently down at the time of writing.

Cork Xtra reviews are based on real visits and honest opinions. We do not accept payment for reviews. If a place is not worth featuring, we simply do not cover it.