Papi's Birria Tacos

Overview

Papi's Birria Tacos has traded wheels for walls. After building a following with taco trucks in Darlinghurst and Carlton, the crew have opened their third location — and first bricks-and-mortar space — inside Marrickville Metro.

If you haven't had birria tacos before, here's the rundown: birria originated in Jalisco, Mexico, as a slow-cooked, chilli-spiced stew, traditionally made with goat, and was later adapted to beef in Tijuana. The meat is braised for hours until tender, then packed into tortillas, often dipped in the rich cooking broth — the consommé — before eating. It's messy, it's rich, and once you've had it, it's hard to go back to a regular taco.

Papi's does the classic version properly: soft, deeply spiced beef, crispy fried tortillas and a consommé that's savoury, full-flavoured and made for dunking. Three tacos will set you back $22. Beyond birria, there are al pastor, classic tacos, churros, and traditional Mexican drinks on the menu, too.

It's the kind of spot that's a bit of an if-you-know-you-know kind of thing. Head to one of its three locations to find out what the fuss is all about.

Images: Doris Morgan on Unsplash.

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