- January 26, 2022
- 5:12 pm
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and the most popular Mexican street food… in my quest to find the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, I found there is no one authentic Mexican taco, as there are many types of tacos that come from the different areas of Mexico. Even though none are from the state of Quintana Roo, these are some of the best tacos in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Al Pastor Tacos at El Fogón
El Fogón is probably the most famous taqueria in Playa del Carmen for visitors, and for a good reason. They could have the best pastor tacos in Playa del Carmen, which are pork cooked on a vertical rotating spit and served with pineapple. There are locations on Constituyentes and on Avenida 30 at Calle 32
Birria Tacos at Birria de la 30
Birria tacos are a style from Jalisco, a western state of Mexico. The meat is slow cooked like a stew in adobo spices. The tortillas are then dipped in the adobo sauce and heated on the grill, so they turn orange and crisp. These birria tacos at Birria de la 30 might just be the best tacos in Playa del Carmen. 30th Ave, near 38th St
Street Cart Tacos
There are several areas in Playa del Carmen where you can find great street cart tacos, especially along 30th Ave (Avenida 30). Because this is a few blocks off of the main tourist strip of 5th Ave, the tacos here are generally less expensive and catered towards locals. Spots that you can find groups of street carts are:
- Outside the Mega Soriana (grocery store) along Ave 30 at Calle 14
- Outside the Super Aki on Ave 30 at calle 40
- Parque Portal Maya on Ave 15 and Calle 2
Tripe Tacos at Taqueria Gomez
Tripe is the stomach lining from cows or other animals, and so tripe tacos aren’t very popular with tourists.
Historically, the wealthy people have been able to afford higher quality cuts of meat, and poorer classes were left with the less desirable cuts and a no waste attitude towards food. Since tripe was inexpensive, it became popular ingredient for tacos among the poor working-class Mexicans… a food of the people you might say.
Try the fried tripe tacos at Taqueria Gomez on Calle 2
Alternatives: A little further from downtown Playa del Carmen on Avenida Benito Juarez is Taquerias el Ñero. You will find more locals here along with tacos made with tripe, lengua (tongue), and even ojo (eyes).
If you have a car or another form of transportation, you might want to cross the highway and try Tacos Diaz. I was told by many locals and permanent residents that these are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen. Try the Tacos de Sesos (brain tacos) if you dare!
Tacos Arabes at Bait Lajam
Tacos Arabes are a style that comes from middle eastern immigrants and is served on a pita style bread rather than corn tortillas. True Arabes style is beef or lamb, but due to local preferences, they can also be served with pork. Try these at Bait Lajam Ave 10 at Calle 32
