Goa Taco – One of the best fusions out there.

I kinda consider myself a taco snob. That is, I prefer to go to places that are intrinsically and authentically Mexican in execution. My tacos typically need to be based on a corn soft tortilla; some form of amazingly flavored/marinated protein with onions; (red or white) cilantro and condiments on the side. I realize as a culinarian one can’t be conformed to base standards of food which is why this snobby hobby gets easily broken when it comes to Goa Taco. I’ve had some magic moments strolling around the LES and finding Goa open during the wee hours of the AM. It has been that late night life saver for those bender nights after $5 shochu pours and margarita induced hazes.  For those not in the know, Goa magically blends two of my favorite cuisines; Indian and Mexican. Its creator; Duvaldi Marneweck creates this passionate ode to the taco using Indian style paratha bread in place of a tortilla shell. Adding amazing ingredients like silky soft pork belly, a chicharron crisp, pickled red cabbage and chipotle mayo creates a combination worthy of any meat eater’s mouth. While Goa is a relatively new small joint on Delancy Street it perfectly blends into that old semi-broken down exterior of the LES. The interior architecture still houses the old marble walls and columns from what I can only imagine used to be a stately bank during the early 1900’s. Marneweck also combines flavors from other cultures like the Greek influenced Recado Rojo which includes a succulent lamb shoulder with a chunky tzatziki sauce and eggplant salsa. A combination that totally works with the flaky buttery paratha tortilla. Sadly my personal favorite, the 5 spice duck confit has been 86’d from the menu due to the growing cost to make it. If you had it in its hay day, man; you know what I am talking about. The price ranges for tacos are anywhere from $6.43 to $8.27 for each taco. Trust me you are getting a huge taco packed with lots of goodness equaling in size of 2–3 traditional tacos. There are also non-meat varieties for the vegan/vegetarian out there that wants in on the action. I would say if you are in the neighborhood you should stop by Goa but I wouldn’t leave that to be the excuse or reasoning. Go there now and experience this amazing and unique creation. Outside of the store front on Delancy Street Goa also has a booth on Saturdays in Williamsburg on Kent Avenue and Sundays in Dumbo. Check them out and tell em DeRM sent ya. They may give you a fading look of confusion but they know. 😉