Food Review: Hermano’s Taco Shop, Authentic Mexican Food

When asked to review a food place, the basic thing I normally do is do a research on what the place is all about.  What they offer, where and how long they are in the food industry.  If nothing comes up in the net, then I just keep an open mind and an empty stomach.

Situated in a gasoline station facing Pan de Manila along Granada Avenue in Quezon City, near that crossroad section that separates San Juan City and QC, is a hole-the-wall type of food place that serves honest-to-goodness Mexican food that you will love and enjoy; WELCOME TO HERMANO’S TACO SHOP!

Recognized as a one of those that serves good Mexican food, as a nominee, in the recently concluded 2014 Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secret – a bi-annual recognition inspired from the coffee book of the same name.  Hermano’s Taco Shop has been continuously recognized in the food industry as a place to go for since they have started in 2010.  As of the moment, they have two operational branches and soon to start slot inside the Ateneo de Manila campus.

Back to the food . . .

How is Hermano’s different or stands-out from its competitors? The answer is simple . . .the flavors.  They not only make use of signature flavors just to be branded Mexican food but the use it in the right amount. No overpowering flavor or spice, simply balanced of everything in every bite.

The Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadilla

What were served to us that day were a plate of chicken quesadilla and another plate of cheese quesadilla.  I will tell it straight . . .this are not your standard quesadilla.  Both items have a smear/small dollop of guacamole on each triangle.  Regardless of the filling, the guacamole is present.  I am not fond of avocado but I enjoyed their guacamole!  Sour cream sauce is also present and your ever loving salsa.

Cheese Quesadilla

Guacamole is an avocado-based dip or salad that began with the Aztecs in Mexico. In addition to its use in modern Mexican cuisine it has also become part of American cuisine as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient.

Nachos

Classic preparation!  Instead of ground meat, what is used is finely chopped meat that has a light barbecue flavor.  Pickled jalapeno was used making the heat bearable.  A generous dollop of guacamole is placed on top of the nacho pile and bowl of salsa at the side.

Taquitos / Rolled Tacos

Comes in chicken and beef.  A slaw is placed on top of the rolled tacos, along with sour cream sauce.  The meat is cut right that when you bite in to it, you are assured of a piece in your mouth.

Burritos

This is a meal of its own!  No need for second servings, unless you are terribly and outrageously hungry.  The salt level is right.  The beans, rice, meat and spices, blended well that you get a piece of all the flavors in every bite.  The wrap is of the right thickness.  The challenge – the thickness of this dish.  Think of a soda can’s girth increased by an inch and a half or two, that is how big this is.  The length?  It is about the same length of a soda can, add or minus an inch – and that is but half slice of the whole thing.

Enchallada

If burritos can be eaten on the go, with this one, you have to stop and sit and eat.  This one plated dish that is truly delightful!  You have rice that is seasoned with turmeric and other spice.  A serving of toasted tomato salsa and fried beans (mashed with cheese sauce on top) at the side. Then your meat – covered in barbecue sauce and sour cream sauce and topped with a slaw.

    -       I LOVE THE BEAN MIXTURE!  It is smooth and flavored right to blend well with the meat.

    -       The rice is divine!  A must try!

    -       The sauce has the right notes and the meat is not dry.

Tamales

This is corn paste with meat at the center and cooked slowly using steam.  To seal in flavors, corn husk is used as wrapper.

It is good but I am not that tickled.  The flavor is there but I was hoping for a kick that I didn’t get from it.  The strong point of this dish is the texture of the actual corn paste.  It is smooth and without grit. That I commend them on!

Fish Taco

For someone looking for something other than beef but wishes to enjoy a taco, then Hermano's Fish Taco is the one for you.  The fish is breaded right and fried to a right crisp.  The  seasoning is light, enough to give it taste and still be enhanced by the salsa that it comes with.  The lime helps sharpen the fish flavor without making it fishy.  Served with a few chips to help break the monotony of the dish.  The taco dressing goes well with the fish - big time!  

Menudo

This is not your regular menudo dish. No tomato paste, no potatoes, none of your regular Filipino menudo dish.  This is your true-blue Mexican menudo and I LOVE IT!  The stew is made from dried chopped chilis and from the tripe that was used. Add the condiments, cilantro, chili flakes, dried oregano, and what you have is a delightful stew that can be shared or by your own.  In it also are Mexican corn bits made soft, matching the softness of the tripe.

  

Cinnamon Crisp

If you are into cinnamon then this is definitely for you!  The crisp is crunchy and paper  thin that is rolled into sugar and cinnamon mix, fried to perfection.  The caramel dip help raises this light dessert to a whole new level. 

Churros

Far from the normal churros, their offering is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.  Fried rightly, this sugar dusted treat is a delight when dipped in their home made caramel sauce.  Not chocolate but caramel.  Is it too sweet?  No it is not!  If you are adventurous when it comes to food, then try to sprinkle a bit of dried chili flakes in the caramel sauce.  This would give this dish a kick and give your dessert a new twist.

House Horchata

If you love cinnamon then you will love this drink.  It is a blend of cinnamon, rice and sugar.  The first sip will give you that cinnamon kick that some may find overpowering but the right way to drink this is to let it stay in your palate first so that you would taste the rice flavor.  It is not sweet and best served really cold.  I love it and would truly recommend to cinnamon lovers.

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Come and visit Hermano's Taco Shop in any of there locations, Quezon City or Molito-Alabang, and experience true Mexican food to the fullest!  This is one place that I would recommend you and your friends or family to visit and spend time in.

Vamos a Hermano's y disfrutar la auténtica comida Mexicana en la ciudad!