It’s the shawarma of Mexico. A delicious nighttime snack found in many food carts around the world, but also served as a delicacy in the most elegant of restaurants. It is the taco. While the origins of this delightful treat are unknown, the word taco comes from Mexican miners who used to wrap dynamite in paper used to access the minerals below the surface. The actual history of the taco is a mystery, but the modern day version definitely makes a bang!

While many will tell you that the Middle East is wanting for Mexican food, we at bazaar beg to differ. We took one day to try all of the taco places in Kuwait we could find. We ordered a beef and chicken taco at six taco establishments, and our conclusion: a good taco is not hard to find. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen…the tacos of Kuwait.

SOLO TACOS

The name says it all, Solo (only) Tacos. This latest concept from the creators of Solo Pizza Napulitana focuses on bringing you a completely homemade taco, from meat to guacamole to tortilla. Every taco comes with deliciously seasoned meats (fish, chicken or beef) or even vegetables, a generous helping of guacamole and pico de gallo on a homemade tortilla. You can make your taco as you like it with their El “Blanco” Misterio sour cream sauce, or spice it up with their El “Mild” Macho, El “Spicy” Devil or El “Essa” Demon sauces. Careful with the last one, as fires in your mouth can ensue. At Solo Taco messiness is encouraged with an outdoor sink for customers.

Solo Tacos is located at Abdul Munum Riyyad St. AlHashimiya Building, Shop Number 10. For more information contact them at 2247 4748. check out their website at www.solotacoskuwait.com or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @solotacoskuwait.

EN MÉXICO

Situated just off the fourth ring road this cozy little Mexican joint, is fast gaining a reputation as the go-to place for Mexican cuisine in Kuwait. Their menu screams passion and experience in serving Latin American cuisine in a comfortable, yet chic atmosphere. The sit down atmosphere begs for a large party that shares the sides, but be warned, when going for tacos, make sure you get your own order.

The brisket taco is slow-cooked for hours until it’s falling apart, served up with caramelized onions and cheese in fresh corn tortillas and accompanied by rice and homemade frijoles (refried beans). The chicken taco was fresh and given an interesting twist with a topping of purple cabbage. Choose how you want it with delicious salsa and guacamole on the side.

En Mexico is located on Street 6, Block 1a in Jabriya. Phone 2535 3265, order through www.Talabat.com and connect with them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @enmexicokw.

MAMA LITA

Mama Lita is the brainchild of a Kuwaiti Mexican and a Mexican chef. The Mahboula restaurant is everything you could want in your local taco joint. Homemade crispy taco shells are just the beginning of their authentic taco experience. Both the chicken and beef tacos are made with shredded meat, a unique method in Kuwait, and at Mama Lita’s it’s all about the meat. It is always perfectly spiced, with no overpowering flavors.

Their tacos are simply garnished with incredible pico de gallo and a perfect spritz of lemon, and you can make them as spicy as you like with their side of taco sauce. Best of all, their night hours make them the perfect late night snack.

Mama Lita is located on Street 10, Block 1 in Mahboula. Contact them on 9696 8333, order through www.Talabat.com or connect with them on Instagram @litamexicanfood.

AZTECA

At AZTECA, as in Mexico, they only use soft corn tortillas, they come with a choice of red or green salsa, and have a filling to suit everybody – marinated beef tenderloin, house made beef chorizo, cheese, beer-battered fish or shrimp, to name a few. Our team tried the beef and chicken tacos, and we were not disappointed. The meat was deliciously spiced. So much so, we were picking falling meat off the plate.

The soft tacos come with two kinds of garnish onions. The delicious pickled onions give an amazing kick to any type of taco, while the caramelized onions give it a wonderful balance of sweet and savory. Every taco comes with a side of rice with tomato sauce and vegetables.

AZTECA is located in The Village, Abu Hassaniah. For more information visit their website www.restaurant-azteca.com or call 2390 7546 for reservations.

TACO BELL

It is the largest taco based restaurant in the world, yet when Glen Bell decided to start the little taco stand Taco Tia, he didn’t know it would become a global icon for the Mexican favorite. The franchise started in 1962 in California and has now exploded with more than 6,500 locations and over 2 billion customers around the world. The franchise has gained popularity with their hard shell taco filled with delicious meats, melted chedder cheese and fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Taco Bell has also made its mark with four types of hard taco shells. Their ranch, cheddar and fiery shells offer a special kick to the old favorite.

Taco Bell can be found in The Avenues Mall, Al Shaab, Abu Halifa and Kaifan Mall. Call 183 4040, order through www.Talabat.com or visit en.tacobell.com.kw . Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @TacoBellKuwait.