The Best Tamales Ever at The Gold Taco

Tamal de frijol and atole of almonds and sunflower seeds

Let’s be honest: it’s difficult for vegetarians to be adventurous when it’s about exploring food of a new country. There will always be some restrictions to what we allow ourselves to try, or which of our own rules we are willing to break. Mexico is not the exception. Unfortunately, some of the dishes that have gained prestige for the Mexican cuisine are made with pork or beef—such as delicious cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, or chiles rellenos which are filled with meat among other ingredients. Some food street vendors sell quesadillas filled with mushrooms, flor de calabaza (squash blossoms) or cheese only. However, most of the tacos on the street have all sorts of meat.

And yet, there are some paradises for those who want to have Mexican food and avoid meat. The first is Papalotl, already mentioned here before, and Gold Taco, a little restaurant that opened some years ago in the cozy Colonia Narvarte. Far from being a luxurious place, the Gold Taco is a little fonda with a few tables, and a couple of waitresses that walk quickly between the small space between one table and other. In contrast with the size of the place, the menu has a great variety of food. The Gold Taco is part of a trend in Mexican vegetarian cuisine that makes a “veggie” version of Mexican dishes with gluten. That means you can order tacos al pastor, chiles rellenos or any other food with exaclty the same ingredients of the original, except for the meat.  There are also,  salads for those who love greens, and traditional Mexican breakfasts for those who like a heavy meal to start the day.

The best choices, based on what Machas say, are the enfrijoladas, filled not with chicken but with panela cheese, topped with cream. Also, they recommend pozole, made with mushrooms instead of pork. And the best ever: their delicious tamales. There is a long list of tamal flavors, but you have to try the ones made with bean wrapped with hoja santa–an herb that leaves an aftertaste that combined with black beans and corn is hard to forget. For dessert, you can have an apple tamal, which has a soft flavor and texture.

If you are not lactose intolerant, lassi is a very good choice here. They use a different fresh fruit everyday and cardamom to make it. It can mild away the spiciness, if it’s the case. Other options are aguas frescas of different flavors, or a freshly squeezed orange juice.

The patrons here are an array of white-collar workers, Machas, and maybe some yoggis that hang out here after going to the yoga school that is a couple of blocks away of the restaurant.

Gold Taco, Av. Eugenia 1562 between Tajín and Petén, Col. Narvarte, Eugenia metro station. From Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 8 pm; Weekends from 11:30 am to 6 pm.