Alex Mejia, the Latin breath that warms Rouen

Rouen ignites with the vibrant rhythms and exhilarating flavors of Latin America thanks to a key figure: Alex Mejia. This passionate chef, originally from Colombia and deeply connected to Nicaragua, embodies Latin warmth through his generous and culturally rich cuisine. Co-founder of Comptoir Latino, he offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Agrivin Market Hall, where street food meets authenticity and conviviality. Through his crispy empanadas and expertly prepared ceviches, he transports the people of Rouen on a culinary journey without ever leaving the city. But Alex is also about a warm atmosphere, a passionate team where Latin music and dance burst forth, making Rouen vibrate at every Latin fiesta night. More than just a chef, he is a true cultural ambassador who spreads the light of Latin culture, from salsa in Rouen to lively cultural gatherings.

Alex Mejia: Bringing Iconic Latin Flavors to Rouen

Alex Mejia is more than just a chef; he’s a true ambassador of Latin culture in Rouen. Arriving in France at 19 to study in Rennes, he has since firmly rooted himself in both his adopted city and his Colombian and Nicaraguan heritage. Growing up in family bars and restaurants, he was immersed in the aromas and culinary traditions, especially empanadas, which have become his signature dish. Today, he offers these iconic little bites at Comptoir Latino, where he lovingly and generously carries on this tradition.

Alex’s cuisine brings together several key elements that contribute to its success:
🌮 Authentic recipes inspired by Latin street food
🔥 Meticulous preparation that reveals the richness of the spices and ingredients
🎶 A festive atmosphere infused with Latin music and dance
👩‍🍳 A predominantly female, passionate, and dedicated team

🍹 A selection of house-made Latin American cocktails and beers

Each dish is a vibrant tribute to its homeland and the cultural diversity of Latin America. From Colombia to Nicaragua, flavors are a universal language that brings the people of Rouen together for unforgettable moments of sharing.		Origin
Culinary Specialty	Cultural Influence	Colombia
Crispy empanadas	Street markets, conviviality	Nicaragua
Spicy ceviche	Family tradition, freshness	Mexico (current development)
Tacos with fusion flavors	Modern street food, innovation	Peru (future project)

Authentic ceviche

Table of Contents

Explosion of flavors and freshness

This richness allows us to offer a diverse range of dishes, committed to sharing a Latin American way of life where every bite is a dance, every flavor a musical note.

Le Comptoir Latino: A hybrid space embodying the Latin fiesta in Rouen
Before opening Le Comptoir Latino, Alex Mejia had already made his mark on Rouen with two festive venues: Coco Loco and Mi Barrio. These establishments infused the spirit of Latin dance, Latin music, and cultural encounters into the heart of the city. However, with a desire to refocus on cuisine and sharing his passion, Alex co-created Le Comptoir Latino with John Tranchard, an innovative space that blends a gourmet grocery store, tapas bar, canteen, and cocktail bar. This hybrid concept responds to a growing demand for discovery and conviviality.
At Comptoir Latino, guests are invited to groove to Latin rhythms while enjoying:
🥑 Fresh and colorful ceviches inspired by Peru and Nicaragua

🌽 Fusion tacos with bold flavors

🥟 The famous empanadas, the true stars of the menu	🍸 House cocktails such as margaritas and piña coladas	🍺 Craft beers from Latin America
Beyond the pots and pans, the relaxed and festive atmosphere evokes the lively squares of Latin American capitals, where music invites dancing and conversations build bridges between cultures. More than just a restaurant, Le Comptoir is a cultural meeting place that fosters a new social dynamic in Rouen.		Features of Le Comptoir Latino
Cultural Impact	Gourmet Grocery Store	Authentic Latin American Products
Sharing Original Flavors	Tapas Bar	Variety of Homemade Tapas
Friendly and Delicious Sharing	Canteen	Simple and Tasty Meals

Accessibility and Customer Loyalty

Cocktail Bar

Creations Inspired by Classics

Festive and Warm Atmosphere Such a project allows for the lasting development of ties between Rouen and Latin American culture, both through culinary experiences and human interaction.

The Secrets of Latin American Street Food and the Work of Alex Mejia
Alex Mejia’s passion for cooking leads to remarkable craftsmanship. Obsessed with the pursuit of flavor, he follows culinary trends on TasteAtlas and draws inspiration from ancestral recipes passed down by his grandmother. His approach is a balance between tradition and innovation, always with the goal of conveying the warmth of Latin America on every plate.
Latin American street food is now a ubiquitous culinary phenomenon, extending far beyond borders to establish itself in France, particularly in major cities like Rouen. Alex has mastered the art of Peruvian ceviche, Mexican tacos, and Colombian empanadas, perfect combinations of textures and spices.
📌 Recipes reworked from authentic family recipes

🔍 Constant search for fresh, high-quality products 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Passing on knowledge within the team🎨 Fusion creations adapted to modern tastes

🌟 Highlighting natural and local ingredients	Alex is currently developing a new menu focused on Mexican cuisine and is preparing a Peruvian offering that promises an explosion of freshness and flavors, meeting the most demanding standards. To learn more about Peruvian ceviche, detailed here:	discover the secret recipe
Dish	Origin	Characteristics	Popularity 🌟
Empanadas	Colombia	Crispy, filled with meat or vegetables	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ceviche	Peru/Nicaragua	Marinated fish, fresh, tangy	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tacos	Mexico	Fusion flavors, spicy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Margarita

Mexico

Refreshing cocktail, lime

⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8n0S6qnMbw
Latin dance and music: cultural pillars of Alex Mejia’s project in Rouen
At Alex Mejia’s, the food is always accompanied by a rhythmic atmosphere where Latin dance and music create a vibrant cultural crossroads in Rouen. Salsa in Rouen, in particular, is a growing phenomenon thanks to regular evenings at Comptoir Latino and other iconic venues. This blend of gastronomy and lifestyle fosters enriching and authentic cultural encounters.
The choice of Latin music is not arbitrary: it invites celebration and sharing, two values dear to Alex Mejia and his team:
💃 Lively salsa and bachata evenings at Comptoir Latino

🎷 Live Latin music with local artists

🎉 Regular organization of festive Latin fiestas	🤝 Cultural encounters facilitated by the venue’s convivial atmosphere	🎵 An ambiance where Latin warmth transcends the everyday	This synergy between cuisine and culture is a vibrant response to a quest for identity and diversity in the Normandy metropolis. The events attract a wide audience, from Latin culture enthusiasts to those simply curious to discover new experiences. This hub of exchange is a powerful engine for promoting Latin American culture in Rouen.
	Event	Frequency	Target Audience
Atmosphere	Salsa Night Rouen	Weekly	Dance and food lovers
Warm and festive	Live Latin music	Monthly	Music enthusiasts
Friendly and authentic	Latin Fiesta	Quarterly	General public looking for a festive atmosphere

Energetic and inclusive

Cultural Encounters

Variable

Interculturally curious
Open and enriching
Alex Mejia’s ambitions and future: a growing influence of Latin culture in Rouen
The project led by Alex Mejia continues to gain momentum in the region. His ambition is clear: to slowly but surely develop his concept of empanadas and Latin street food on a larger scale, while remaining true to the authenticity and quality that have made Comptoir Latino famous. Other ideas are secretly brewing, promising surprises and a diversification of the offerings around Latin American cuisine.

Some concrete ambitions that characterize this initiative:

🚀 Expand the distribution of empanadas to other locations in Rouen and the surrounding area	🥂 Organize more cultural events centered around Latin music and dance	📚 Collaborate with institutions to promote Latin culture through cultural exchanges
🍽️ Take on the challenge of opening a new location dedicated to Peruvian cuisine	🔑 Continue to spread the Latin party spirit and build bridges between communities	This ambassadorial journey illustrates an inspiring path where passion becomes the driving force behind cultural transmission, sustainably strengthening Rouen’s identity as a welcoming and multicultural hub.
	Project	Current Status
Expected Impact	Empanada Expansion	In Development
Increased Accessibility, High Awareness	Cultural Events	Ongoing Program
Social Cohesion, Diversity	New Peruvian Location	Project in Preparation

Strengthening the Culinary Offer

Institutional Collaboration

Planned

Cultural Education
Promotion of the Latin Fiesta
Ongoing
Cultural Influence
Rouen is home to a true beacon of Latino culture thanks to Alex Mejia, who elegantly blends tradition and modernity to create a unique and welcoming experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIl5yTQbRBs
Frequently Asked Questions about Alex Mejia and Latino Culture in Rouen
Who is Alex Mejia?
Alex Mejia is a Colombian chef and entrepreneur based in Rouen, co-founder of Comptoir Latino, and an ambassador for local Latino culture and cuisine.