After visiting Nishi Market, we wandered down a side street and encountered a taqueria. Curious, I checked Google Maps to learn more about the place and discovered it had a five-star rating with over 190 reviews. With that kind of reputation, I had to give it a try. Unfortunately, I was too early—they weren’t open yet—so we decided to return for dinner.

When we returned, I realised the taqueria was a food stall with no tables or seating. Despite that, we decided to eat there anyway. I ordered their three-taco combo, which included Carnitas (pork), Birria (beef), and Suadero (beef and beef tripe), all served with additional cheese and lemonade.

What made the experience unique was watching them make the tortillas from scratch. They pressed the dough into tortillas right before us and cooked them on a hotplate. Another fascinating detail was seeing the cheese sizzle on the grill, hardening on one side before being flipped onto the tacos.

Each taco was served with lime and tasted incredible. The beef was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of spice, while the Suadero—beef with beef tripe—might have been my favourite, offering a unique texture and bold flavour. The pork taco was equally delicious, with all three tacos packing a satisfying kick of spice. Adding the cheese was a fantastic touch, adding savoury, caramelised goodness to each bite.

Overall, these were outstanding tacos—messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun. Food like this doesn’t need utensils; it’s all about the hands-on experience. None of the tacos were dry, and everything came together perfectly. I can absolutely see why this place is so highly rated, and it was a delightful surprise to find such authentic and delicious tacos in the heart of Kyoto.

Instagram: TAQUERIA TACOS (タケリア タコス)

Address: Japan, 〒600-8007 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishiuoyacho, 593