Coming from humble roots, tacos are one of Mexican’s treasures. It’s so good that there’s a specific day of the week dedicated to them. Quick, tasty, and usually affordable, they are amazingly versatile (you can really put anything in a taco).
In Indonesia, the appetite for tacos has risen over time, with more and more restaurants starting to cook up their own version for people to enjoy. Ranging from fast-food style to gourmet, these are some of the most heavenly tacos you can find in Jakarta and Bali.
Best Tacos in Jakarta
Carbón
The Latin American-inspired MDA.’s establishment, Carbón, is all about post-apocalyptic adventure decor, a live fire grill, and fresh flavors of Mexico and Peru. With their B.Y.O.T. (build your own tacos) menu, you get to fill the handmade Maize tortilla with options of Carbon’s exceptional grubs, be it the confit Lamb Carnitas three ways (belly, osso bucco & neck filet) with pickled red onion and salsa Morita, Nashville hot style Soft Shell Crab with two kinds of salsas, and many more. Though the interior will definitely grab your attention from the get-go, the scrumptious fares are what’s going to glue you to your table.
Lyma
It’s only right if Jakarta’s brisket champion, Lyma, put their mouthwatering brisket in a taco, and thankfully they did! The brisket that has been cooked for 12 hours is tender, smoky, and packed with a lot of flavors that go well with the freshness of fresca and salsa verde in the soft tortilla. Besides brisket, Lyma also has a variety of tacos with different choices of fillings ranging from grilled or fried chicken and fish to beef tongue (lengua). With numerous locations in Jakarta, you can easily order these affordable tacos directly in the store or online.
Taco Libre
If you want to know what true Mexican tacos taste like, come to Kemang and let Taco Libre show you. Owned by Mexican-American chef Joe Cortez, affectionately known as “Uncle Joe” by regulars, Taco Libre tacos are straightforwardly good, with simplicity and freshness being its biggest allure. Here, tacos are served with a choice of chicken, fish, beef, or veggie fillings and topped with the traditional fixings. For something more decadent, the Tacos Barbacoa features slow-cooked tenderloin simmered in spices, served with beans and rice. And, as you sit back and make yourself at home in Taco Libre, grab yourself a glass–or two–of their famous margaritas. It’s a must!
Taco Local
Aptly named, Taco Local serves Mexican dishes and snacks with flavors adapted to the local palate, yet they are no less delicious than their authentic counterparts. Located at COMO Park Kemang, they offer a wide range of menu selections, including breakfast tacos (with scrambled egg and bacon), classics like Lengua (grilled tongue, crispy pork bits, and salsa verde sauce), and delicious vegetarian options like Elote (charred corn, guacamole, and salsa). They are open from eight in the morning to nine p.m., making the mission to stuff our faces with tacos all day become a (literal) walk in the park.
Best Tacos in Bali
Jalapeño
Nestled in both Sanur and Canggu, Jalapeno restaurant in Bali is a Tex-Mex haven. Their menu is packed with spice and fresh ingredients, and their taco game is truly next level, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Meat eaters can indulge in options like Carne Asada and Barbacoa, yet those who prefer seafood can pick the Baja Fish taco. And if you’re vegetarian, you don’t have to feel left out here, as the delicious Jackfruit carnitas are up for grabs. They take their taco business so seriously here; it spills into the dessert section with the delicious Choco Taco – a chocolate wafer and ice cream with dulce de leche and nut brittle.
Ling Ling’s Bali
If we learn anything from Ling Ling’s Bali in Seminyak, it is that Asian food and Mexican food don’t have to be at odds. Their tacos aren’t what you’d expect from a quaint taqueria in Mexico City, but that’s part of their charm. Ling Ling’s offers contemporary Asian fusion dishes, including the infamous tacos, pairing comfort Asian flavors, like Beef Bulgogi (marinated beef with Korean slaw) or Tempura Mahi Mahi with Balinese sambal matah in a taco format. At Ling Ling’s, your palate is in for a ride with just a hold of a hand.
Lola’s Cantina Mexicana
Lola’s Cantina Mexicana is all about authentic Mexican dishes with plump fresh ingredients. Ranging from sizzling fajitas to burritos, their taco selection is especially impressive, with more than fifteen options available, including meat, fish, and vegan options. But their signature birria tacos are one not to miss! The sinfully cheesy goodness is literally dripping with flavors once you dip it into the extra broth. Plus, don’t miss out on their unbeatable bargain: any three tacos for only IDR 100,000. What’s not to love, right?
Taco Casa Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in because Taco Casa Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar in Bali serves up classic Mexican dishes that are worth getting messy for. With three branches in Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu, Taco Casa is the go-to place for those seeking to satisfy their Mexican food cravings with reliable and consistent flavors. What’s more, you can build your own taco, selecting your choice of tortillas, fillings, and fresh toppings to make a delicious creation that is tailored to your taste buds. Add a glass of cocktail or a bottle of cold beer; head over to Taco Casa for a casual yet scrumptious Mexican food experience you won’t regret.
