Tacongo is the new taqueria (opened in May, 2022) on Calle Orizaba, a little side-street off Blvd. Agua Caliente in the Neidhart district. The offering is simple and laser-focused on delivering vegan versions of the 3 main TJ taco staples: asada, adobada, and birria. But as the name implies (taco + hongo), the star "meat" here is mushroom. This makes sense because shrooms can be marinated and cooked to take center-stage on a taco with plenty of meaty texture and umami flavor without compromise.
Tacongo's not kidding around: fresh, handmade corn tortillas, fresh guacamole, a bar of spicy salsas, grilled onions and peppers, raw cucumbers and radishes, and mushrooms that have been thoroughly marinated and griddled.
The adobada mushroom chunks deliver the depth of chiles (achiote?), herbaciousness of Mexican oregano, and tang of vinegar. The asada are finely diced and grilled with a steak-like seasoning and really come alive with a squeeze of lime. Both tacos are topped, of course, with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and guacamole. Hint: try the adobada quesadilla: a thicker tortilla grilled with cashew-based mild, creamy vegan cheese topped with a larger portion of the shrooms and a few chunks of juicy pineapple.
The birria is the ringer: slow-stewed jackfruit takes the place of mushroom for this one, offering a nice tender chew and hint of sweetness to this rich, spiced red chile guisado. I will be back soon to have it consommé style on a Sunday morning! (Just 15 pesos for a cup of caldo birria, oh yeah!)
Any of the 3 "meats" can also be served on a tostada or in a mulita (dbl-tortilla quesadilla).
They also offer vegan jackfruit ice cream and arroz con leche. We had too many tacos on our first visit, but can't wait to try these plant-based desserts.
A few notes: Tacos are about 2 bucks each and sooo worth it. The people are super nice, but depending on who is working, English may be limited. They don't have an alcohol license (yet), but this is a great place to grab a quick lunch, start your evening or sober up on a weekend morning.
If you're in TJ and craving tacos but need a break from all the cholesterol and grease, don't miss Tacongo! or as I have dubbed it: Tacos Plant-Franc! read more