A Mexican Must-Tacos al Pastor

by on March 11, 2014 in Culture Thru Cuisine, Mexico Travel

I love Mexico for many reasons, but regardless of where I visit, every trip usually includes a sunset moment, a tequila session, the song Besame Mucho and tacos, plenty of tacos. Not just any tacos either, nope – Tacos al Pastor.

What is a Tacos al Pastor?

the tacos al pastor spit and pina at a local taquiera in mexico. culture thru cuisine

Besides delicious? The taco is actually fusion…Lebanese spices and pork meat grounded up are made into a large “meat” spiral then placed on a spit. Taquierias (taco restaurants) showcase them to entice patrons; it works for me. It is a most heavenly sight.

When ordering, you will be challenged as it is much different than Taco Bell, but you can’t go wrong with ordering a bunch of tacos al pastor with the works. The “works” essentially includes cilantro and a slice of piña (pineapple) usually found on top of the large spiral of meat.

a typical menu for ordering tacos, this one is from Tacos Tumbras in Acapulco

the menu... I didn't get past #1 - tacos al pastor

No doubt it might remind many of the gyro, but the near bite size goodness allows you to order many… I’ve seen women, sexy Latinas, power down 4-5 without losing their figure… The stuff is magic.

Acapulco’s Tacos’ Tumbras

After attending the 1st annual Foro Mundial de la Gastronomia Mexicana (FGMG) conference in Acapulco and being treated to some of the most delicious cuisine Mexico offers, one night I still found myself on a quest for tacos. I still needed my proper late-night fix. Don’t judge, you will to once you meet and eat tacos al pastor.

a typical dish of salsa and peppers for extra flavor at a taqueria inside Mexico,

a little extra flavor

We strolled in to Tacos’ Tumbras, a place recommended by a few folks and fortunately just a few minute walk from the famous Baby’O Discoteque. The no-frills restaurant, usually translating to delicious when late night taco hunting, was exactly that – delicious. Tumbras did not disappoint. Well, the Tacos al Pastor were divine.  Sure, I wanted to deviate some, I always do, but the call for Tacos al Pastor is just too strong for me (someone who doesn’t live in Mexico). Maybe I need to rectify that or at least visit more often.

a plate of tacos al pastor from tacos tumbras in Acapulco, Mexico

the first course, yes, there was a second... stay delicious

Stay adventurous, Craig

This post is part of the Mexican March Madness Series for 2014.

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  • Dave Hensleigh

    Hi–and yes and here are two great places for the al pastor miracle. One in Puebla City is Las Ranas on Ave 2 Poniente near the plaza. Very nice and is in the Lonely Planet book–if you need the exact location.
    Another I found in Mexico City on Independencia near Palacio de las Bellas Artes. If you get to the 7-11 on Independencia it is just a few doors to the west. They have such good relishes –and licuados to die for!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Thanks Dave, and definitely love the image too, thanks for sharing. Stay discovering miracles, Craig

  • Pola

    I’m a vegetarian, but Mr. JA loves tacos al pastor, no kidding! We have some great memories from DF, eating late-night tacos near Zocalo (sin carne para mi). Gosh, I miss Mexico!!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      This is the type meal that might make someone start eating meat… just saying. Stay eating well, Craig

  • Michael Blackie

    lived there from 1997 to 2001 worked at the Pierre Marques. this was a weekly trek.. Tacos tumbras rules the planet when it comes to Tacos. Achoite, Pork, Cilantro, Onion, Pineapple. and a squirt of fresh Lime.. Bucket list stuff here.

    Also try Pozole at Zucarittas on the costera owner is so genuine, only eat Pozole on Thursdays!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      couldn’t agree more… bucket list stuff. exactly. thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely head there next time I find myself close on a Thursday. Thanks.
      Stay taking the trek, Craig