Sampling a Local Specialty - Tacos al Pastor - Mexico City
Mexico City is a stunning metropolis. There is not only so much to see, but there is so much great food to eat! One local favourite is tacos al pastor.
Tacos al pastor is a pork taco. But wait, hear me out. Slabs of pork marinated in a combination of chillis, spices and pineapple and then stacked on a vertical rotisserie or trompo (literally spinning top due to it's shape). A fresh piece of pineapple is placed on top slowly tenderizing and further sweetening and marinating the pork as it slowly rotates and grills to caramelized perfection on the trompo.
A trompo (literally "spinning top") vertical rotisserie loaded with marinated pork and topped with a pineapple, for tacos al pastor. Photo: Robert Windisman
Side note: This preparation is called al pastor or shepherd style because it is derived from the Middle Eastern practice of grilling lamb shawarma in this manner. This style of meat preparation was introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As the trompo rotates, the pork is slowly cooked and the grilled outer portions are thinly sliced off with a large knife and placed in small corn flower tortillas. They are then topped with cilantro, onion and sometimes pineapple. (I always hope there is pineapple!) Then perhaps some lime juice and one of many varieties of salsa!
Typical serving of Tacos al Pastor. Note the side plate (left) of onions, cilantro and pineapple, and the (above) selection of salsas and fresh limes to dress your taco. Photo: Robert Windisman
El Farolito
My first stop was to a taqueria that has been catering to chilangos (Mexico City residents) since 1962. I got this recommendation from staff at my hotel when I specifically asked where they (and other locals) would eat. He quickly responded El Farolito!
Although there are several locations, I opted for the restaurant within walking distance of my hotel in the Polanco district of Mexico City. The atmosphere at El Farolito was low key and homey but the sight of the bustling kitchen and tortillas being freshly made, got me really excited to eat here.
My order quickly came and I dug in! Mmmm...Spicy, tangy, and sweet combined with caramelized pork. One more order please! (I felt a bit piggish, but it seemed that everyone else was ordering multiples too!) Wow!
Side Note: I was curious as to what the salsas were (it was served with 4 salsas), and luckily they sold these salsas (under the El Farolito brand) right in the restaurant. Two of them were salsa morita and salsa molcajeteada. I must pick these up to add some zip to meals back home!
The Verdict
The tacos al pastor at El Farolito were amazing (and inexpensive!) I highly recommend this place when in Mexico City!
El Farolito
Calle Isaac Newton 130, Miguel Hidalgo, Polanco, Mexico City, 11570
Open late
Tel: +52 55 5250 2322
www.taqueriaselfarolito.com.mx
La Casa del Pastor
The second restaurant at which I sampled tacos al pastor was La Casa del Pastor. Located on a leafy avenue in the ritzy Polanco district, it offered a relaxed patio and stylish interior.
La Casa del Pastor in swanky Polanco district of Mexico City. Photo: Robert Windisman
The Patio of La Casa del Pastor, Polanco, Mexico City. Photo: Robert Windisman
Here as well, the tacos al pastor were excellent! A neat stack of 9 salsas each adorned with their own spoon made a great display.
While I was in this restaurant (I went twice, shhh!) I repeatedly saw people ordering a grilled green onion dish. I asked the waiter what it was and he mentioned they were Cebollitas Preparadas. I quickly ordered some.
Cebollitas Preparadas. Grilled green onions marinated in Magi and lime. Photo Robert Windisman
Dang! These Cebollitas Preparadas were awesome! They were grilled green onions marinated in Magi and lime. I highly recommend you try them if you see them on the menu. No wonder everyone was ordering them as a side dish!
The Verdict
I loved La Casa del Pastor. Stylish and well located. It was great to take a break from sightseeing and shopping and stop on for a wonderful meal in Mexico City. It was also very reasonably priced!
La Casa del Pastor
Alfredo de Musset No. 3, Esq. Presidente Masaryk, Polanco, Mexico City 11550, Mexico
Tel: +52 55 5281 2424
