Mr Taco Truck (Closed)

Item: Mr Taco Truck
Rating: 4
Author: big_apple_ken

3.5

50 Reviews

Taste

Decor

Service

Hygiene

Value

365

Quarry Bay

Below $50

Mexican Meatless Menu Fast Food Snack Shop & Deli

big_apple_ken

Level3

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Since I moved back to Hong Kong 7 months ago I've been craving authentic Mexican tacos. I remember when I was in the US everytime I would visit California taco trucks were the best late night street food (especially after a few drinks). So when I found out there was a place in Hong Kong called Mr. Taco Truck I decided to trek over to Quarry Bay to try it out.
Environment: Pretty sad the place wasn't an actual truck (against HK law) but kind of a nice touch they modeled their kitchen to look like a truck. The interior of the place is pretty small (probably can fit no more than 10-15 people at one time comfortably). If you want to eat there you have to use eat standing up against one of their small round tables. Although to be fair most of the taco trucks I've eaten at I've usually ate my food on the sidewalk or in a parking lot.
Service: Both owners were very nice to me. Vivian (one of the owners) was quite attentive and asked me for feedback since she sensed I have had authentic tacos before. Food came relatively quick (but I was the only one there since I came by around 3pm) but I can imagine there might be a bit of a wait if the place gets packed. Currently with only a few people working I would imagine they might have a tough time churning out many tacos during peak hours (let alone the other more complicated dishes).
What's amazing is the chef is actually Mexican! I know that sounds silly but how many Mexicans have you seen in HK? The owners explained to me how they toured California and ate at many Mexican places to do their research and their chef was specially relocated to Hong Kong. I'm giving them big brownie points even before I try the food since it takes a certain amount of 'cajones' (Spanish slang for 'balls') to fly in a Mexican chef.
Note: For your tacos you can choose between a flour tortilla (darker colored and not handmade) and their corn tortilla (lighter colored and handmade).
Anyway, I end up ordering 4 tacos and one of their Horchatas:

Horchata - A little surprised I saw this on their online menu before I went. If you didn't know Horchata is a Mexican rice drink (kind of milky tasting) that has a hint of vanilla, almonds and cinnamon. The one here is pretty decent and similar to the ones I've had in the US. I have a slight feeling the Horchata may have been the powdered form bought from a store since I could feel a teeny tiny bit of powder when I drank it. Pretty happy regardless.

Grilled Fish Taco w/ Corn Tortilla - I'm a big fan of fish tacos especially from Southern California (SoCal). My first impression of the tacos here is that they are pretty good sized. The taco is packed with fish/lettuce/salsa and you feel you are getting decent value for your money ($16). I poured some red sauce (name totally escapes me right now) to spice things up, a little lemon juice to give the fish a little acidity and took a bite. The taco is pretty good. You can taste the fish and the freshness of the salsa/lettuce. It didn't blow my socks off per say but I would say this is a relatively close interpretation of fish tacos from SoCal. The tortilla (although handmade) I feel is a little on the dry side but it's not bad. Good start.

Al Pastor (Spicy Pork) Taco w/ Flour Tortilla - This was a little more straight forward. Some spicy pork, onions and I think some cilantro. Taste wish was pretty good as well. A little juicier and messy to eat but I didn't mind. At Mr. Taco Truck I know I told the owners I greatly liked the handmade tortillas over their store bought ones but in retrospect I think it depends. Before you criticize my opinion here's why:
The store bought flour tortillas actually are a little thicker and 'softer' in texture. For a juicy filling like the spicy pork I think this is a better option than their handmade thinner and dryer corn tortillas since it soaks up the juices better.

Fried Fish Taco w/ Corn Tortilla - This one is decent. The fried fish provided a nice crunch but I felt the overall taco felt 'dry' since none of the fillings were all that moist. Decent flavor but I think the grilled fish taco is better.

Pollo (Chicken) Taco w/ Corn Tortilla - Again decent. I had a little trouble tasting the chicken but texture wise the chicken works well with the filling. The creamy ranch like white sauce at the bottom of the taco was a nice addition.
Note: After discussing with the owners I found out why their tacos/tortillas felt a little 'dry'. Apparently most of their customers order takeout and if the tacos are more moist it will become soggy by the time the person eats it. Even though they do tailor it slightly differently for people eating at the place it naturally will be a little more on the dryer side.
So overall I think this place was a good find. In terms of taste I would say this place is somewhat close to the tacos in California which is almost unheard of in HK. In terms of the feeling of satisfaction (a definitely consideration when talking about street food) I think this totally hits the spot for me. The only major gripe about this place is that...it is too far away...haha. Would be awesome if I could go to this place after a few drinks in LKF.
So the bottom line is the food is good, won't necessarily blow you away but I give them major points for satisfying a craving I was unable to satisfy before in HK.