Feel like Chorizo Tacos? A couple of weeks ago, we gave you a NYSF First Look at one of the best new taco trucks to hit NYC in some time, the El Paso Truck.
El Paso Truck is featured in our NYC Street Taco Guide as one of the most elevated street taco operations in the city. See the full guide for 17 more vendors.
Although we really enjoyed that lunch, it was disappointing that they were out of pulpo (octopus) tacos at the time.
This time, we made sure to get there early and walked away with one octopus taco for $4 and one chorizo taco for $3.
Later on after you finish reading this, if you’re into Red Hook – read our pupusa vs. huarache vs. tamale breakdown!
The El Paso Truck is a spinoff of El Paso Restaurante, located at 1643 Lexington Ave (103rd St). The menu at the truck is significantly smaller than the restaurant, with just tacos and some drinks – but what they do with the tacos is excellent!
One problem with octopus is that it can be chewy if not properly prepared. We are happy to say the octopus in the tacos was tender and not chewy at all. Not only that, but it was plentiful underneath the toppings. There were more than just a few pieces of octopus.
Topping the octopus was pickled onions, shredded cabbage, oregano, and a spicy . To use the local lingo, excellente!
The diverse flavors came together nicely, with the sharp taste of the pickled red onions, the spiciness of the habañero sauce, and of course the meaty pieces of octopus.
It was going to be tough besting the pulpo taco, but the chorizo taco tried it’s best.
Chorizo Tacos are often very oily, but this Spanish sausage meat was not overly greasy. It was spicier than a lot of Chorizo Tacos we’ve had before, and was accented by fresh cilantro and chopped raw onions.
We have to say, our friend Ben was right. The El Paso Truck is one of the better trucks to open in NYC in a while. The ingredients are not the usual taco truck fare, and they are put together thoughtfully and with care.
The El Paso Truck is still experimenting with parking spots, so we would suggest following them on Twitter here or on our Mobile Munchies Twitter feed. So far, they have parked on 72nd & York and 86th & Broadway, but we know other locations are coming soon.
FAQ
Q: Is the octopus at El Paso Truck tender?
A: Yes, described as tender and not chewy, with a generous amount of octopus in each taco.
Q: What’s on the octopus taco at El Paso Truck?
A: Pickled onions, shredded cabbage, oregano, and a spicy habanero-based sauce.
Q: Where has El Paso Truck parked?
A: 72nd & York and 86th & Broadway, with locations still evolving.
