TAQUERIA – THE NEW TACO SHOP BY EL BURRO

Cape Town’s latest offering in terms of Mexican cuisine is Taqueria, a corner-shop joint on the corner of Kloof Nek and New Church Street.

Taqueria means ‘taco shop’ in Spanish and quite literally Taqueria is just that. Big Brother El Burro is the place for a more comprehensive Mexican experience (just try to leave there sober, I dare you). But if you’re looking for a place specializing in food you can grab with one hand so you can high five it into your face, then you have come to the right place. I feel that the casual, relaxed style of Taqueria perfectly matches the food – a variety of quesadillas, tacos, and a few other surprises including a ceviche that already has the reviewer stalwarts cracking the nod, and killer chile rellenos.

During our visit for lunch we ordered as many tacos and quesadillas we could possibly finish before conceding defeat. Most items fall in the R30 – R50 price range, so ordering around three to four per person is not overly exorbitant. Every creation that comes out the kitchen is presented in a no-fuss manner; it’s use hands or go home. But that’s not to say that cutlery isn’t available, which it is, but why would you eat a taco with a knife and fork anyway?

Chimichurri, chilorio and churros – there’s a little something for every palette here. The senses are treated at Taqueria with its appealing minimal interior, sounds which could make you feel like a mariachi band is strumming along beside you and a flavour explosion in its food offering.

It’s really a little slice of Mexico in one place. But then again, that’s what the El Burro brand has successfully achieved for a number of years now.

Tip: While Taqueria awaits its liquor licence, take full advantage of a virgin paloma or agua fresca (juice of the day). or just bring your own booze – there’s a bottle store around the corner.

OF NOTE
Where Shop 1, 12 – 16 Kloof Nek Road, corner of Kloof Nek and New Church Street, Tamboerskloof
Contact +27 21 422 3554, [email protected], Facebook page

Photography El Burro, Justin Williams