Taco Bamba is a takeout taqueria that reflects Chef Victor Albisu’s Cuban and Peruvian roots, and operates next to Plaza Latina in Falls Church, Virginia, a Latin market owned by his mother. On our drive home from Virginia wine country, Keith and I stopped by for lunch one day, and I was surprised by how packed the small shop was. Minimal seating is available inside, so most patrons took their order to-go.
Keith ordered the
Taco Bamba - made with skirt steak, chorizo, grilled guacamole, and chicharrones. This was a classic taco with nice grilled flavor (on the right, in the above picture). He also tried the
El Beso - made with crispy pork & beef tongue, charred scallions, and drizzled with chili aioli. A little more unique with the protein, but still great authentic flavors.
I tried the
Arabe - made with grilled chicken, ancho mayo, cucumber pico, and chipotle yogurt. Instead of a corn tortilla, it was wrapped inn a thick pita giving it a more gyro feel rather than a taco. It was very filling for just one taco.
Keith also wanted to try a special collaboration taco called
Ma's Crabs by Chef Tim Ma. Made with Maryland crab, green Goddess dressing, spicy slaw and chicharrones this taco was very different than the others. I think I would have liked it better if it were served cold, as the lukewarm seafood was off putting to me.
Nevertheless, Taco Bamba is serving some flavorful tacos and uses authentic ingredients that are comparable to the ones found in the Latin neighborhoods of the West Coast. A few non-taco items such as sopes and nachos are also available.
Total Rating:
3.95
Food: 4, Price: 5, Service: 3, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 3
