As one of the densest cities in the world, Tokyo is almost overpopulated with restaurants that span a diverse range of cuisines. However, as a taco-obsessed expat from New York (the host of some of the best taco shops outside of Mexico City), I was initially let down by Tokyo’s lack of Mexican food.
I now realize that I just didn’t know where to look.
Tokyo, in reality, has a taco for every occasion. While Taco Rico serves as the obvious replacement for the Chipotle cravings of an American missing home, Tokyo’s true taco supremacy mostly resides in the local smaller taquerias.
I set out to find five delicious and distinctive taco spots with suitable price ranges for a high school budget.
The Criteria
Temperature: The expectation for all these taco places (especially since they were all dine-in) is that they should never serve a soggy taco. Warm tortillas are preferable.
Fillings/toppings ratio: Have you ever gotten a taco with two pieces of meat, a 16th of an avocado, and one shred of cheese? No more. Toppings are appreciated in appropriate amounts.
Seasoning: While Japanese cuisine demonstrates incredible elegance through subtle flavors, tacos should not lack seasoning. Seasonings may differ among different fillings, and options may vary, but whatever they are offering, from carnitas (lard-braised pork) to carne asada (grilled steak), the tacos should be seasoned adequately.
Originality: Each of the suggested taco places has something that makes it unique. Whether this be catering to dietary restrictions or having a legendary hot sauce display: the “wow factor” makes eating out fun.
Price: Although there will be some variety in pricing amongst the recommendations, all of these restaurants will be appropriate for a high school budget.
ChaChaCha:
Lucky for Sacred Heart students, ChaChaCha Tacos is located in Hiroo Shotengai. They are open for both lunch and dinner; however, their 2200 yen lunch set of soup, salad or fries, and three tacos, makes them extra special.
Not only are these tacos stunning when presented, they are also accompanied by a vast array of hot sauces. Their hot sauce comes in sweet, smoky, sour, extra hot, and even chocolate variations that take their already delicious tacos to the next level.
The fish tacos were the most impressive as ChaChaCha has figured out how to serve the fish perfectly crispy in an otherwise moist and fresh taco.
No soggy fish here! Side note: the fries were incredible as well!
Temperature: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tacos were served right after preparation, allowing the fish to be perfectly crispy and the meat to be appropriately warm.
Fillings/toppings ratio: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There was no room for bites of dry tortilla here!
Seasoning: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 with the hot sauce.
Originality: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐¥2200 lunch set
Los Hermanos:
Of all the taco restaurants I visited, Los Hermanos was the most authentic. For one, the staff are predominantly Mexican, which is original to this restaurant, but they have also replicated the casual culture of tacos in Mexico and the US. Here, they only have standing tables available (with some barstools). Their menu consists of five types of tacos, served in sets of five on paper plates, and includes drink options of Mexican Coca-Cola and hibiscus or mango agua frescas. They are known for their suadero (slow-cooked beef that is after crisped on a griddle) and carnitas (slow-cooked pork) tacos. Each taco is filled with meat, and you will always leave feeling satisfied. The meat is topped with cilantro, onions, and taco-specific sauce.
While I dined at the Ebisu location, they also have branches in Shimokitazawa and Harajuku.
Temperature: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Tacos are made when your order is placed and served right away.
Fillings/toppings ratio: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The tortillas are slightly smaller than the other restaurants since they are served in sets of five, but each tortilla is appropriately filled with meat and toppings.
Seasoning: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Originality: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Here, their originality comes from their traditional authenticity!
Price: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐¥2200 yen for a set of five suadero/carnitas tacos
Kitade:
Kitade is located in the hipster-filled Shimokitazawa and is just as cool as its neighborhood. They provide counter seating so that diners can watch as the taco chefs handmake their corn tortillas. Not only are these homemade tortillas served at a perfectly toasty temperature, they are also gluten-free!
Kitade served the freshest tacos with crisp pickled onions, cilantro, and tomatoes. They also include vegan options, replacing meat with tempeh.
Temperature: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Entire taco is made at the time of each order – including the tortilla!
Fillings/toppings ratio: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasoning: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Originality: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Corn tortillas made in front of you? The ultimate wow factor.
Price: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐¥1250 – ¥1400 three taco set
Taco Fanatico Nakameguro:
Like Los Hermanos Tacos, Taco Fanatico’s tacos are on the smaller side. They are priced at between 300 and 400 yen per taco, making them a slightly more affordable option. The individual tacos ranged in ratings from my criteria. Some tacos were perfectly saucy and flavorful, while others were slightly dry but still delicious. While the Al Pastor was on the drier side, the Spicy Lamb Chorizo was amazing! Side note: High school students may wish to dine earlier here.
Temperature: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Temperature (soggy or dryness level) varies by specific taco order.
Fillings/toppings ratio: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasoning: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Originality: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Price: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¥300 – ¥400 per taco
Mi Familia Tacos – Toranomon
Walking into Mi Familia, the vibe immediately feels festive: like you’ve been transported from the outside built-up streets of Kamiyacho, Tokyo. While Mi Familia had the best atmosphere out of all of the places I visited, and the tacos here were yummy, this was definitely the most expensive of the restaurant options.
The waiters recommend their set menu, which includes appetizers of various chips and dip options (guacamole, cheese nachos, shrimp) and two tacos or quesadillas. The set menu is priced at 3900 yen, which is on the pricier side of a high school budget. Leaving here, I felt mostly full from the chips, and while the tacos were good, they were not the main part of the meal.
I definitely recommend ordering à la carte style here.
Temperature: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fillings/toppings ratio: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Seasoning: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Originality: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: 2/5 ⭐⭐ ¥3900 for recommended set meal