Koreatown has had a long-standing relationship with taco trucks, partly thanks to the large Latino population (Latinos consist 54% of Koreatown population). There are over 40 operating taco truck locations in Koreatown alone. People who come to town try different variations: from Korean-Mexican fusion bulgogi kimchee tacos to some of the best Al Pastors in the city.
We ate our way through taco trucks across town to find the best tacos. Here now, a list of the Top 7 Taco Trucks in Koreatown.
© El Taurino
7. El Taurino
1104 S Hoover St Los Angeles, CA 90006
http://www.eltaurino.com/
(213) 738-9197
Technically not a taco “truck” but we have to start off by listing the O.G. of tacos in town, El Taurino. Owner Don Adolfo started El Taurino back in 1974, being one of the pioneers in bite-sized corn tortilla tacos. You can expect a long wait and huge crowds especially after hours but their tacos are always authentic and some of the best in town. Reviewers have mentioned their portion sizes have declined over the years, but this place is a staple for everyone in L.A. Try out their tacos de asada, al pastor, tripas, and buche.
© Tiger Sugar
6. La Troca Catracha
3540 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010
https://www.instagram.com/latrocacatracha
(213) 260-5360
The only Honduran food truck in Southern California, owners Glenda Rivera, and Armando Perez have introduced Honduran cuisine to the streets of Koreatown. You can’t leave La Troca Catracha without trying their Baleadas, a signature staple Honduran street food. They are made up of refried beans, Centro American cream cheese, scrambled eggs, and avocado all folded into handmade flour tortillas.
© Juanita’s Tacos
5. Juanita’s Tacos
4300-4316 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 749-1147
Located on the corner of Western and 3rd, Juanita’s is one of the local favorites serving cheap tacos flat on plates. Very affordable, their tacos are $1. They use flour tortillas which are toasted on lard which gives their tacos a crispy texture. Their Al Pastor burrito and milanesa’s are favorites, make sure to up toppings at their salsa bar and try their various hot sauces – some of the best sauces in town.
© El Tauro Taco
4. El Tauro Taco
3108 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 915-7298
Located in front of Vermont apartments, El Tauro offers a wide variety of options – torta, tostada, burritos, pescado, quesdilla, shrimp tacos, sope, enchilada, tostada salad and more. We recommend trying their empanadas which are prepared from scratch. Pork lovers will not be disappointed with their Torta Cubana, a Mexican sandwich that is stuffed with 4 different types of pork.
© Chef Kang Sul Box
3. Chef Kang Korean Taco
Combining Latin flavors with Korean has been traced to Kogi Food Truck where chef Roy Choi coined and transcended the term fusion tacos. Chef John Kang, who is well known in the area (notably Sul Box) has created his own twist to fusion tacos. Prime short beef ribs, pork loin, boneless chicken, tripes, and shrimp are marinated in authentic Korean BBQ style to achieve juicy, tasteful fusion tacos. You can even go a step beyond by adding stirred fry kimchi topping to the taco.
© Tacos El Venado
2. Tacos El Venado
The newest truck in town created buzz when they reached the semi-finals in the 2021 LA Taco Bracket. Originally from NoHo, El Venado expanded to Koreatown this year and has packed crowds on the corner of Vermont and 6th street. All of their meats are tender and flavorful and affordable at $1.25 apiece. They have a full condiment bar including roasted jalapenos, green and red salsa, onions, cilantro, and more.
© El Flamin’ Taco
1. El Flamin’ Taco
El Flamin takes the crown for the best taco truck in Koreatown. Although they have expanded their operations in Los Feliz and Echo Park, their Koreatown location (first known as “Los Cuates”) is their original and busiest location. Their signature al pastor taco is one of the best in the city. The taquero will carve off thin slices of pork from the slab and serve into a corn tortilla with a slice of pineapple. You can expect lines around the corner during after-hours so make sure to check them out early.
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