Gringo’s Taco Bar is probably the closest one can get to the Mexican border without having to catch a plane and fly half way around the world.
Tucked down an alley on Sokpalaung Road, this outdoor taco cart is a welcoming sight for those who have experienced MFD (Mexican food deprivation) while in Vientiane. With a decent sized menu serving up classic tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and taco salad, all which are available in a vegetarian option, the fresh ingredients and cold cervezas (frozen margaritas, if you’re fancy) will have your tastebuds jumping for joy.
My quesadilla was in front of me 7 minutes after ordering. It was perfectly toasted on the outside, and filled with seasoned beef (chicken,pork or veggie is possible), cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and roasted bell peppers. The taco salad came in a crispy tortilla bowl, with generous portions of meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, black beans, cheddar cheese, and fresh corn topped with a light ranch dressing. The salsa was fresh, the margaritas were frozen (and incredibly boozy), we all left fatter and happier.
As an added bonus, Gringo’s has a padded, indoor, air-conditioned kid’s play area (honestly, why doesn’t every restaurant have a place for kids to run amok while mom and dad have a chance to enjoy their food) on site that gives customers just one more reason to love the place.
If sitting outdoors is not the most ideal situation for you, especially during the rainy season, Gringo’s offers its own delivery service, so make sure to register the next time you are passing by. They have several wait staff that speak English and the service is fast, friendly and efficient.
Though Gringo’s has a very basic menu that excludes cult favorites like enchiladas, tamales or empanadas, what they do offer, they execute well.
After suffering from MFD for longer than I can remember, I can honestly say that the void of Mexican food in Vientiane has been filled.
Gringo’s Taco Bar is open 6 days a week, Mon-Fri 11am-2pm and 4pm-9pm and Saturday’s all day from 11am-9pm. They are located on Sokpaluang Rd, Hom 9.
