Man Says the Best Tacos in Ireland and Maybe All of Europe Came from a Place He Did Not Expect

Most people fly to Ireland for green hills, old castles, and a pint of something dark. @thetacofiend flew there for tacos.

Man with a plate of tacos at a restaurant table

He is on what he calls a worldwide taco tour. The idea is simple: find Mexican-owned businesses in other countries, see how good the tacos really are, and support the community that is feeding people far from home. This stop took him to Dublin, where he found a taqueria called Tacos Lupido, which he says is very popular with locals.

What he ate there left him ready to make a big claim.

@thetacofiend

Three Tacos, Three Wins

The first thing on the table was a plate of vampiros, with the cheese crusted on top. Then came the one he was most curious about: the al pastor. The place actually has a trompo, the vertical spit that al pastor is traditionally cooked on, which is something he did not expect to see in Ireland.

His first bite settled it. The pastor, he said, has a spicy, savory marinade and a nice char, just how he likes it. His verdict was simple: it tastes like Mexico. After a second bite, he declared these the best tacos in Ireland, and that he thinks they may be the best in all of Europe and the UK. He gave the al pastor taco an 8.8.

The chorizo was next. He said it tasted like real chorizo, not the crumbly breakfast kind, and that the salsas were amazing. Then the tortillas, which he also rated an 8.8. He wondered aloud how they were getting such good ingredients so far from Mexico.

The third taco was the barbacoa. With that one, he said, they were three for three.

He also brought along some Mexican friends to taste for themselves, which is a pretty good test. And by the end, he said, it was the first time in a long time that he had finished everything on his plate. He was careful to add that his reviews are only his opinion and that everyone has their own taste.

That level of praise is not handed out lightly. He travels from country to country judging tacos against the ones he knows from Mexican kitchens, so a comparison that ends with “it tastes like Mexico” is the highest compliment he can give. It also says something about the owners of Tacos Lupido. Getting the marinade, the char, and the tortillas right, an ocean away from home, takes real care.

A Taste of Home, Far From Home

Part of what makes a story like this so appealing is the feeling behind it. When people move across the world, food is often the first thing they miss. A familiar flavor can make a stranger’s kitchen, or a city’s street, feel like home for a moment. For the families who run places like this, bringing recipes, techniques, and even equipment to a new country is a way of keeping their roots alive while sharing them with their neighbors.

@thetacofiend says that is the point of his tour. And in his closing words, he thanked his followers for watching, liking, sharing, and commenting, and told them to support local.

How to Find the Real Thing When You Travel

You do not need a plane ticket to Dublin to enjoy a great taco. Whether you are at home or traveling, these tips can help you spot an authentic spot.

Look for a short, focused menu. Places that do a few things well often beat those with a long list of everything.
Look for the spit. A trompo, a stack of marinated pork on a vertical spit, is the traditional way to cook al pastor. If you see one turning, that is a good sign.
Check the tortillas. Fresh, warm tortillas, often corn, make or break a taco. If the tortillas taste great, the kitchen likely cares about the details.
Ask for the house salsa. A good taqueria usually makes its own, and the variety tells you a lot.
Follow the crowd, and listen. If the people ordering in line are speaking Spanish and know the staff, that is a promising sign.
Read recent reviews for specifics. Look for comments that mention particular dishes, rather than general praise.

Ordering Like You Know What You Are Doing

A few terms from this story are worth knowing the next time you stand at a taco counter.

Al pastor is marinated pork, usually cooked on a vertical spit and often served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
Chorizo is a seasoned sausage. In many taquerias it is cooked until it is crisp and flavorful, though styles vary.
Barbacoa is slow-cooked meat, traditionally beef or lamb, that is tender and rich.
Vampiros are crisp tortillas topped with cheese and meat, a close cousin of the taco.

Try ordering a few different styles so you can compare. Three small tacos make a great sampler.

The best part of @thetacofiend’s story is that it reminds us how small the world can feel at a good table. It is worth noting that this is one man’s opinion, and he says so himself. But if you ever find yourself in Dublin with an empty stomach, there is a taqueria that has at least one traveler convinced.