BackEat & Drink » Da Nang's Taiwanese Taco Shop Is out of This World

Da Nang's Taiwanese Taco Shop Is out of This World

It's fair to be skeptical of Mexican food in a country like Vietnam. Despite the best efforts of chefs across the country, tacos in Southeast Asia can often wind up being oceans away – both literally and figuratively – from the real thing.

But at Taco Ngon, a tiny stand down one of Da Nang's narrow alleys, owner Elin Lin's creations aren't trying to emulate the real deal, according to Saveur. Instead, the Taiwanese taco shop draws upon several traditional foods from across the globe, harnessing the power of Taiwanese pork and Vietnamese veggies, wasabi coleslaw, Sriracha and a California-style handmade flour tortilla to craft the perfect fusion food.

The story behind Lin's tacos mirrors this mashup of cultures. Two years ago, when Lin moved from Taipei to Da Nang, she hoped to teach Chinese to locals but wound up opening a cafe instead, serving Taiwanese guà bāo, or spiced pork belly in steamed buns. When the cafe business didn't work out, Lin's American boyfriend suggested putting the same guà bāo pork in a taco and the rest is history. These tasty tacos may be far from traditional, but there's no point in comparing the multicultural dish to its original inspiration; better to just sit down, dig in and enjoy.

[Photos via Saveur]


Related Articles:

Saigon Duck Tacos: 'Some of the Best Street Food on the Planet'

A Look at Vietnam's 'Paper' Food


Related Articles

in Eat & Drink

Funky History: The Romans Made Fish Sauce, Too

Nước mắm holds a hallowed place in Vietnamese cuisine. In all its forms, it is a staple, found in kitchens and on tables throughout the country. But while fish sauce is often considered Vietnam’s – an...

in Eat & Drink

Hanoi Launches Mobile Testing Labs to Promote Food Safety

Hanoi recently launched three mobile food testing labs in an effort to reassure consumers and promote food safety.

in Eat & Drink

Hanoi's Communist Cafe Chain Comes to Saigon

Set foot inside the newly opened southern branch of Cong Caphe and you'll instantly feel like a giant. The endless array of tchotchke lining its concrete walls and wooden shelves – transistor radios, ...

in Eat & Drink

How Farming Technology Could Improve the Quality of Vietnamese Produce

As farmers struggle to keep up with demand for fresh produce in Vietnam, safe and effective farming technologies may be the answer.

in Eat & Drink

Ice Cream Wars: Japan's Frozen Treat Makers Take on European Firms in Southeast Asia Market

Southeast Asia’s dessert market is getting some healthy competition as Japanese companies join the fray, hoping to take a piece of the pie from their European counterparts.

in Eat & Drink

International Pop-Up Restaurant to Open This Week in Saigon

When James Sharman starts talking about the last three weeks, he gets a little wide-eyed. His hands animate each story, hovering above the table. Between sips of coffee, he launches into tales of squi...

Partner Content