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4 of the best places to get tacos in Dubai

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8 years ago

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What we eat is every bit as susceptible to fads and fashions as what we wear and where we wear it. Pan-Asian five years ago, Peruvian today. Gastro-pubs last year, food trucks this. The taco, the humble Mexican wrap – whether in a soft tortilla or crisp fried shell – has suddenly emerged as the streetfood of choice around the world, with chefs experimenting with fillings, flavours and fusions to expand its previously limited horizons.

In Dubai, Mexican food has been a consistent staple, from food court favourite Baja Fresh and food truck Calle Tacos to upscale dining spots such as Tortuga in Madinat Jumeirah or newcomer La Tablita in the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. The taco, naturally enough, takes pride of place in each, with La Tablita offering a Taco Shop featuring 16 selections of tacos – all served soft-shell style.

“Our signature taco is arrachera con queso with avocado,” says Daniel Hurtado, La Tablita’s chef de cuisine. “Arrachera is a certain cut of beef very popular in the northern part of Mexico. For the tacos, we marinate it with spices, oil and garlic, and this makes the meat more tender. Combined with cheese, it’s simply amazing. Along with the shrimp taco, it is our best seller.”

Indeed, tacos have found their way onto more than just Mexican menus. Upscale seafood joint Catch in Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, offers its own unique range, all of which can be sampled on the soon-to-be-relaunched Taco Tuesdays night. “Our taco sales are amazing,” says chef Bobby Griffing, who hails from El Paso in Texas. “We started off with just a kingfish taco, now we have crab, short rib and shrimp.”

There is no better time to get your taste for tacos than Cinco De Mayo, the Mexican celebration of the defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5. 1862.

Fuego
It may look like a slick, upscale lounge but this haunt in Souk Al Bahar is home to some of the most authentic Mexican dishes in the region. In terms of tacos, they offer a complete range. Carnivores can choose between duck, chicken, lamb and prawns, while veggies can opt for mushrooms or mixed sautéed vegetables.
For Cinco De Mayo: They’re offering select tacos for just AED5 a piece. Get stuck in.
Where: Souk Al Bahar, +9714 449 0977

Taqado
Fast, family-friendly, fairly priced and now found almost everywhere. These guys offer great Mexican food on the go in just three simple steps: pick your taco case, choose your filling and pay. Expect everything from beef and chicken to chili con carne.
For Cinco De Mayo:  They’re combining the day with the celebration of their 11th branch and will be giving away 1,000 burritos a day between May 3-11.
Where: Various locations, facebook.com/Taqado

El Sombrero
Abu Dhabi residents can pop into the Sheraton for their taco fix. They specialise in crocantes tacos, the crispy-shell tacos, which hold a perfectly balanced mix of refried beans, lettuce, cheddar, salsa and Mexican rice.
For Cinco De Mayo: An all-you-can-eat package with fajitas, tacos and chimichangas – and music.
Where: Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel, +9712 677 3333

El Chico
Located on The Walk, El Chico is a clattering, family-friendly place to enjoy a Mexican feast.   They offer possibly the best range of tacos; from traditional tacos in hard or soft shells to their innovative – unique, possibly? – taco salad. They’ve also invented taco fries. Now that’s commitment.
For Cinco De Mayo: Free dessert. Sweet!
Where: The Walk, JBR, +9714 705 9680

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