When in Mexico, there’s one culinary adventure that reigns supreme: tacos. In the Yucatan Peninsula, the coastal town of Playa del Carmen offers a taco experience like no other, blending local flavors with the country’s diverse taco culture. From street food stalls to popular tourist spots, here’s a flavorful journey through some of the best taco joints Playa del Carmen has to offer.
First Stop: El Fobon – A Taste of Tacos Al Pastor and Sirloin
Our taco tour begins at El Fobon, one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular spots for locals and tourists alike. Known for its succulent tacos Al Pastor, El Fobon serves this taco with layers of seasoned pork stacked on top of each other, crowned with a sweet slice of pineapple. The meat is juicy, and the addition of onion and cilantro creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
Not to be outdone, their sirloin tacos are another hit. The sirloin is thinly sliced and charred to perfection on a corn tortilla, topped with fresh cilantro and onions. For those who love a bit of spice, you can pair it with salsa verde or salsa roja for a kick of flavor.
While El Fobon’s gringas—a flour tortilla filled with cheese, Al Pastor meat, and pineapple—are a larger, quesadilla-like variation, the flavor combo of savory and sweet makes them a standout.
Location: El Fobon, Playa del Carmen
Next Stop: Complete Street Food – An Authentic Local Experience
For a more rustic and authentic street food vibe, Complete Street Food offers a range of meats, including pork, beef, chicken, and the adventurous tripe taco (cow stomach). Watching the magic unfold in the kitchen with Aurelio, the taco artist, makes the experience even more immersive.
One of the highlights here is the guacamole salsa, a creamy, soupy sauce that adds an extra layer of richness to the tacos. The tripe taco is surprisingly delicious, crispy on the outside with no overpowering gaminess. A splash of lime and a dab of guacamole sauce elevates this taco to the next level.
Location: Complete Street Food, Playa del Carmen
Stop Three: Taqueria Gomez – Tacos in a Cauldron
Our third stop, Taqueria Gomez, offers a unique take on tacos by boiling the meat in a cauldron of broth. This cooking method creates tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor. Their specialty, the enchilada taco, features pork seasoned with local spices and pulled straight from the broth onto a warm tortilla. Topped with onion, cilantro, and a mix of salsa verde and guacamole, the combination of juicy pork and fresh toppings is unbeatable.
If you’re feeling brave, you can try the pig stomach taco—soft, smoky, and perfectly braised. Its rich, tender flavor is complemented by the lightness of cilantro and lime. The variety of meats and flavor combinations here make it a must-visit for any taco enthusiast.
Location: Taqueria Gomez, Playa del Carmen
Tequila and Mezcal: The Perfect Taco Pairing
To cap off the tour, we take a detour to explore some local spirits. At a nearby bar, Hector introduces us to the age-old debate between tequila and mezcal. For those looking to cleanse their palate after a day of taco indulgence, a shot of three-year-old tequila aged in bourbon barrels is the way to go. Smooth and rich, it’s the perfect finish to a savory taco feast.
Whether you’re a fan of Al Pastor or intrigued by unique meats like tripe, this taco tour offers something for every palate.
Ready to take your own taco tour? Don’t miss out on these taco hotspots next time you’re in Playa del Carmen!
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