Representational Image - Pulled Jackfruit Tacos Fruitnet
#HGEXPLORE

Mumbai’s Best Tacos That We’ve Found So Far

Homegrown Staff

Mumbai may be a melting pot of cultures and cuisines but until recently, there was a gaping hole in our culinary expertise, Mexican food. This is surprising since the similarity of flavours between the two are well-documented and therein perhaps lay its downfall, the propensity to Indian-ise was just too strong and we were just a small step away from another ‘Chindian’ situation. Recently however, there has been a new wave of restaurants that are tackling Mexican food the way it was supposed to be while still bringing innovative ideas for the Indian palate.

Whether they hero the classic pulled pork or channel Californian chic with fish tacos, there’s plenty out there to explore. So wave goodbye to the mediocre Mexicana of yesteryear and visit these 7 restaurants across the city that have perfected the art of the taco.

I. Carnita Tacos at Coma Coma

Coming back to the essence of Mexican flavours, if you’re looking to go the traditional root, this is the place to be. With tender, melt-in-the-mouth braised habanero pork which they slow-roast over a 24-hour period, served in a soft shell tortilla with crisp lettuce, green salsa and the essential pico de gallo, these are tacos as we know them best.

What it will cost you: A nicely pocket-friendly price of Rs. 275

Goan Pulled Pork Vindaloo Tacos at The Bombay Canteen

II. Goan Pulled Pork Vindaloo Tacos at The Bombay Canteen
The Bombay Canteen has established a niche in sustainable cooking that represents the vast diversity of Indian cusine. With this taco they echo the flavours of one of the best recognised dishes from the Goan arsenal, Pork Vindaloo. In lieu of the traditional taco shell, they use the unlikely flavours of a methi thepla filled with a spicy, acidic pork vindaloo with crispy strips of pork rind, which they’ve deemed desi chicharrons.

What it will cost you: Worth every penny at Rs. 325.

III. Grilled Shrimp Tacos at The Table

There are plenty of people who find seafood an acquired taste, especially in dishes where they don’t typically belong, to those people we say ‘these beauties will change your mind’. Good shrimp lies in that sweet spot just before they’re overcooked and chewy where the succulent texture will blow your mind, add in the acidity of their chilli-lime mayo and the fresh flavours of slaw and cilantro and you have one knockout dish.

What it will cost you: Perfection comes at a price tag of Rs. 880.

IV. Lobster Breakfast Taco - Bastian

Sunday brunch is for indulgence and no-one does indulgence quite like Bastian. Though every item on their menu will have your mouth watering, one unmissable experience is their luxury take on the humble taco. With layers of succulent lobster, creamy avocado and ricotta and fluffy scrambled eggs, this is the breakfast of champions.

What it will cost you: Treat yo’self Sunday starts at Rs. 800.

Fish Tempura Tacos at One Street Over

V. Fish Tempura Tacos at One Street Over

Chef Kelvin Cheung has long been a part of Mumbai’s culinary elite heading up two of the city’s chic-est kitchens (Bastian and One Street Over) and his innovative ideas and skill have cemented the popularity of his menus. One of the permanent favourites is the fish taco with a light-as-air batter, sour cream and jalapeno salsa that dazzles in its simplicity. We recommend keeping an eye on their Instagram page though cos he’s

VI. Pulled Jackfruit Tacos at The Benedict

With the rise of veganism, especially in India’s metros, restaurant have had to find new and innovative ways to incorporate their signature flavours in a vegan friendly avatar. One of the hot favourites to replace meat has become the often ignored jackfruit and The Benedict is making waves with their rendition of the taco. Cooked with olive oil and cumin until chewy, the jackfruit is served in a taco shell made of black rice and cornmeal. With the usual accompaniments of pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and coriander, it stands up to any traditional meat variations you may have had.

What it will cost you: An exotic dish at an affordable Rs. 300. Sign us up!

VII. Pulled Pork Tacos at Brewbot

Best known for their unique craft beers, Brewbot’s exceptional food menu often gets put on a back-burner. But as we all know, a good drinking session always has to have some killer sides as well and these are the munchies you’ll want to have at the table at all times. With soft pulled pork, spicy salsa roja, scallions, cilantro and a tangy twist of pineapple these have all the makings for the bar snack of your dreams.

What it cost you: At Rs. 475 you know you’ll be ordering seconds.

Attend A One-Of-A-Kind Musical Performance Exploring Culture and Sound In Bengaluru

All We Imagine: How Payal Kapadia Found Light In The Darkness Of The City Of Dreams

This Week In Culture: Design-Inclined Skincare, a High-Fidelity Sound Show, & Much More

Mumbai, Turn Up The Heat With Chef Gresham Fernandes At The Masque Lab This Weekend

Steph Wilson’s ‘Sonam’ Challenges Stereotypes Of South Asian Motherhood