While many ethnic cuisines from around the world are well represented in Vancouver, Mexican isn’t one of them. For anyone who’s spent time in Mexico – or who knows what a really good taco tastes like – the city can sometimes feel like a no man’s land. Which is why I’m asking for your help:
Do you know a place that serves authentic Mexican cuisine in Vancouver? A nice little taqueria? A restaurant that actually makes decent salsa? If so, please share your secrets with hungry readers and leave a comment below.
Now there are, of course, a few Mexican places out there in Vancouver. You’ve got your burrito joints – Steamrollers and Red Burrito come to mind – which are great for a big fat tortilla loaded up with beans, rice and marinated steak or chicken. But this is more of a Californian take on Mexican cuisine, rather than the real deal. Then, you’ve got your sit-down restaurants, with the requisite sombreros on the wall and oversized margarita glasses, like Las Margaritas and Primos. Nothing wrong with these places either, if you’re in the mood for a slightly Canadian take on enchiladas or fajitas.
But when I think of the essence of real Mexican food – correct me if I’m wrong on this – I think of tacos. Not the crunchy, Taco Bell kind but soft corn tortillas – handmade and petite enough to fit in the palm of your hand. And inside: not just the standard stuff, but a whole range of savory meats, from pastor (marinated pork) to the delicacy which is lengua (beef tongue).
It’s not exactly rocket science, but – for whatever reason – it’s not easy to find real Mexican tacos around town. So, if you know of a good little taco joint, please spread the word and leave a comment below.
I’ll start the ball rolling with a little discovery I made recently: Salsa & Agave, a taqueria in Yaletown (of all places), with two locations right near the intersection of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard. Salsa & Agave, in fine taqueria form, isn’t much to look at – just a bare bones setup with a counter, tables and small patio outside. But it’s the food that sets the place apart.
They’ve got a whole range of tostadas, burritos, tortas and sopes on the menu, but tacos are their specialty. They use soft corn tortillas, offer a range of fillings sure to satisfy even hardcore Mexi-philes and they even give you fresh cilantro and a lime wedge to squeeze on your tacos.
And, of course, the most important element of all: The food is really cheap. One taco will set you back $2, while an order of four is $8. Some tips to get you salivating: Try the carnitas, made with slow-roasted, marinated pork that falls off the bone and the pastor, sweet, spicy pork paired with pineapple.
Any other good taquerias out there in Vancouver? Please let us know.






















