Taqueria El Paisa:
Upon talking to several local friends in MAZATLAN that I have known for the past 10 years, there is one place I never ate at which they said was the #1 tacos in MAZATLAN.
I have had my share of tacos with one of my favorites down at the central market on the North side of Centro Mercado on the street. Although their taco are great, my favorite just got one up'd by Paisa!
The menu is extensive and they have all the usual tacos. However they have a few stand out items that are great.
First the guacamole here is amazing. It is the creamiest and thickest avocado blend compared to every other place I have eaten at anywhere in Mazatlan. I got the secret video and will be trying this when I get back home but it's so simple I'm surprised I never though of it!
There is a toppings bar in the center of the restaurant so when you get your tacos, you can get up and go crazy with all the fresh salsas, onions, cucumbers, Pico de Gallo, and GUACAMOLE you can eats. Did I mention the guacamole? Check out the photo.
The shrimp tacos had nice large plump shrimp. Since their tortillas are hand made there I went for the flour tortillas and they were fantastic. Flakey yet soft and thick enough to hold your taco when you fold it without breaking apart. Same for the El Pastor. However the highlight was the Chorreada.
Chorreada is a corn tortilla grilled with finely shredded chorizzo on top and the melted cheese on top of that which seals the chorrizo. You then can pick a meat to go on top of that which in my case was the top sirloin beef. This is some of the best beef you will find for tacos in MAZATLAN if not the best. Chopped in front of you and piled high on your taco, it's a flavor mountain of heaven.
Then, to top it off I hit the taco bar and put on a generous amount of onion, salsa and the guacamole.
For 30-40 pesos you can't beat this place for the value (about $1.80 to $2.00 a taco. 2 tacos will do you well if you are a moderate eater and 3 If you really like to eat. 4 if you want to stuff yourself so you can go another 8 hours without eating!
They do not serve alcohol here so don't expect Margaritas or beer. They also do not speak English as this is a local spot not a tourist spot. I met a great Canadian couple from Calgary and translated for them.
If you do not speak Spanish they do understand beef, chicken, shrimp, pork but then they will ask you what kind so bring your google translate and enjoy doing some translation or bring a friend who speaks Spanish.
This place is a gem! My service was great with the young lady asking me several times if everything was good. Two women finished next to me and even told me "provecho". Provecho or "Bon Appétit" in Mexico, it is customary to say "provecho" (proh-veh-choh) before starting a meal or when you enter or leave the presence of someone who is eating. Provecho comes from the word aprovechar, which means "to make the most of it.
Now go learn some Spanish so you can taste some of the best the locals come to enjoy!
5 stars, provecho!
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