Courtesy of @Barriobonito
The history of this traditional Mexican dish goes back to ancient times in the Asia Minor with the Ottoman Empire cuisine—think shawarmas, gyros and kebabs. immigrants from this region started settling in Mexico, specifically in Puebla, bringing over their food culture. Eventually, lamb meat was replaced with the locally ubiquitous pork and corn tortilla and chipotle salsa were added.
Tacos in Mexico are traditionally prepared by taqueros, those who know a seemingly magical formula of cooking the meat and assembling flavourful ingredients perfectly into a small corn tortilla. The most famous type of taco is the pastor taco, which is made of pork meat, a special sauce combining chillies and spices called adobo, pineapple, onion and celery on top. Other well-known versions of the taco that you’ve possibly encountered before may incorporate cheese or use seafood or chicken instead of pork or beef.
Hungry now? That was the point. If you’re craving a taco in Bangkok, here are places that serve proper versions of this Mexican staple:
Photo: Courtesy of FB @LaMonitaTaqueria
This Mexican restaurant offers vast options of tacos. Pick a tortilla of your choice—and then filled them up with prawns or carnitas, of which you have options pastor, chicken and lengua, or braised beef tender tongue. Accompany your choice with red salsa, shallots and fresh avocados, and don’t forget to add some spicy salsa and lemon drops for that extra zing! Bonus: They also offer a pastor quesadilla, which is flavourful and rich with melted cheese, spicy pork, pineapple salsa, sour cream and avocado.
Veredict: Holy guacamole!
7th Floor Helix Quartier, The EmQuartier, 689, 693 and 695 Sukhumvit Road
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Photo: Courtesy of FB @BarrioBonito
It’s all about feeling at this Mexican kitchen! Barrio Bonito is decorated with concrete tables, rustic wood, and a colourful mural of La Catrina, and they also serve the juiciest seafood tacos in town. Mariana Villalobos Torres, the chef of this establishment, offers the luscious Mexican dish with homemade corn tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole and a true love for her roots. The must-try is the tacos chicharron de queso, a flavorful veggie variation made of Oaxaca grilled cheese and served with creamy avocado mousse and pico de gallo salsa. Make sure to check their Instagram account for insights into Mexican culture and culinary history.
Veredict: Juan in a million.
The Commons, Thonglor Soi 17
Photo: Courtesy of FB @LosAtico
Say hola Mexico! in Soi 11 with a sophisticated lounge that serves really good tequila, mezcal and proper margaritas to match their street-style tacos made with warm corn tortilla, chunky pieces of meat and fresh salsa, onion and parsley.
Verdict: You’ll hate them, said no Juan ever.
26 -8, 26-9 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 3rd Floor, Wattana, Bangkok.
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Courtesy of @SlantedTaco
In Mexico, tacos are eaten in the street, standing up while taqueros run around serving costumers as fast as they can. For a slower-paced experience that is still full of street-style flavour, Slanted Taco is your go-to. With hand-pressed corn tortillas filled with chicken, pork, chorizo, vegetables, and beef or seafood topped with fresh cilantro, their two or three taco sets also come with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Verdict: Call 9 Juan Juan! We need this taco now!
16 Soi Sukhumvit 23
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Still curious about tacos? I highly recommend a new Netflix documentary series titled Las Crónicas del taco, or Taco Chronicles. Insightful, inspiring and simply beautiful, it’s for novices and natives alike. Watch the trailer below:
See more: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Mexico’s Day Of The Dead Celebrations
