Coconuts Hot Spot: The Best Mexican Food in Jakarta Can Be Found at Taco Local

Taco Local recently underwent a renovation that saw it close for a few months, much to the despair of all taco-loving Jakartans such as ourselves. Thankfully, it is now reopened, bigger and better than ever. If you’ve visited this terrific tacqueria in the past, the new space and especially the new menu items are definitely a reason to come back again. And if you’ve never been to Taco Local before, we recommend that you stop whatever you’re doing and head over there right now.

Admittedly, not everybody is as mad about tacos as we are, but those who are know that Taco Local is by far the best this city has to offer, beating pricier options like Amigos and Hacienda by a Mexican mile. Chef-proprietor Sebastian Subakti, who got his culinary training in Australia but spent some time living in the American state of Texas (right on the border of Mexico) knows what goes into a good taco and is uncompromising in his commitment to get those flavors right while also keeping prices reasonable. 

Although still something of a hole-in-the-wall, the reopened Taco Local features table service and more ample seating. which is a blessing when the place gets packed on weekend nights. But what we’re really happy about is the addition of pork carnitas (Rp. 34k for a single, Rp.60k for a double) to the taco line up. 

Like all of their tacos, the carnitas come served on two perfectly pliable, freshly griddled homemade tortillas (because one couldn’t possibly hold up to the generous amount of fillings that come with each serving). Carnitas is a Mexican technique for cooking pork that sees the meat get braised until tender and then fried in its own fat. The two step cooking process results in moist, flavorful meat studded with tiny bits of rendered crispy fat. A tangy, assertive guacamole adds a creamy, contrasting layer of richness and spice.

Also new on the menu is tostadas, stacked deep-fried tortillas which are the authentic Mexican equivalent of the hard-shelled tacos you’d find at Tex-Mex establishments. The usual assortment of nachos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas (awesome Mexican sandwiches served on custom baked bolillo bread) remains, with a few new filling options.

Although most patrons will gobble down their taco treats in a matter of minutes, regulars end up hanging around long after they’re done eating – the cozy eatery’s laid back charm, great music and powerful margaritas always keep the fiesta vibe going well into the night on weekends.

Taco Local
Jl. Panglima Polim 5, No. 38, Melawai, Jakarta 
T: 021 94949538



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