AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE THAT IS WORTH CHECKING OUT IN BUENOS AIRES
When I tell people what I miss most about home, my number one answer is Mexican food (what can I say I’m a true Texan). I pretty much live for Mexican food – tacos, margaritas, queso, you name it. Having now lived in Buenos Aires for the better part of the year, I’ve come to realize that Mexican restaurants are few and far between. That being said, I’ve been on a hunt to try nearly every Mexican restaurant in Capital Federal. While they aren’t exactly what you’d find back in the Lone Star State, there are a few that are worth the visit. Here are my recommendations for the best Mexican food in Buenos Aires for when your taco cravings start to kick in.
For the most authentic…
While technically not a brick and mortar restaurant, MASA is the best Mexican food I’ve had in Buenos Aires to date. Run by Kevin Vaughn, a Californian foodie living in Buenos Aires, MASA is a pop-up-style restaurant that travels weekly to different spots around the city offering a menu of fresh, local ingredients influenced by Mexican cuisine. Some of their stand out items I’ve tried include chilaquiles, carnitas enchiladas, and budín de churro. To get their weekly pop-up schedule check out their website at www.masamakestacos.com or their Instagram @masamakestacos. You don’t want to miss them!
For the tastiest margaritas…
Located in the heart of the popular Palermo Soho, Xalapa makes my favorite frozen margarita in Buenos Aires, hands down. However, I’m speaking from experience when I say that more than two will leave you needing some Advil the next morning. Trust me, they are that strong! Aside from their delicious margaritas, some of their menu favorites include a heavenly queso fundido and a classic take on quesadillas. They also offer ample outdoor seating for warm, sunny days. Address: El Salvador 4800. +54 11 4833-6102
For the spiciest cuisine…
It’s no secret that Argentine food is anything but spicy. So if you’re looking to indulge in some Mexican food that packs a punch, Che Taco in San Telmo is your spot. With over seven different flavors of salsas picantes, you can satisfy your hankering for all things spicy. Not only does the menu cover all the essentials – burritos, tacos, nachos, etc. – this hole-in-the-wall restaurant’s decor will make you feel like the beach is just outside the front door. Sit back, relax, and order a Corona, michelada, or a margarita rimmed with Tajin. Two locations in San Telmo: Balcarce 873 and Estados Unidos 501. chetacoarg.com.ar
For the best tacos…
It’s all in the name. La Fábrica del Taco (The Taco Factory) has some of the best tacos in Buenos Aires. With a build-your-own-taco style menu, you can choose your filling and your toppings. Among my personal favorites are the pastor and asado tacos. It goes without saying that their margaritas are equally as delicious as well. Address: Gorriti 5062. lafabricadeltaco.com
For the freshest homemade tortillas…
While I love going out to eat, sometimes nothing can beat a meal cooked in the comfort of your own home. And yep, you guessed it, I love making tacos. Depending on how long you’ve been in Buenos Aires and your level of love of Mexican food, you may or may not have noticed that it is nearly impossible to find traditional Mexican tortillas in any grocery store, thus making my taco-making endeavors very difficult. Enter: La Chiripiorca. Originally from Morelia, Michoacán, María Barrera Sosa started La Chiripiorca out of her own home in Colegiales and makes homemade corn tortillas made to order by the kilo. She also specializes in Mexican pastries like orejas and conchas. To buy from María, contact her through Facebook (/La-Chiripiorca-320259884810480/) or Instagram @mariabarrerasosa.
Go forth and let all of your Mexican-food-eating dreams come true!
Written by Kelly Malloy, who is currently living in Buenos Aires and studying Spanish at Vamos Spanish Academy.
