El Burro Taqueria Kloof Nek

One thing I missed most during my first extended stay in South Africa in 2013 was the absence of good, authentic Mexican food. I remember it being rather hard to find, and when I did, it was typically some half-understood Tex-Mex concoction. Michigan has a large Mexican population, and with it delicious Mexican food. One of our favorites in Grand Rapids is known as Donkey Taqueria. In a crazy twist of fate, upon returning to Cape Town we quickly discovered a new place in one of the best parts of town, and it carries the same name! El Burro Taqueria (El Burro is Spanish for “Donkey”) has two locations, one in Green Point, and the one I’ll be referencing here, on Kloof Nek in Gardens.

El Burro Taqueria is situated in a quaint building on the corner of Kloof Nek and Buitengracht in the trendy Gardens neighborhood of Cape Town

The laid back atmosphere of El Burro instantly transports you to any authentic Mexican restaurant

Delicious Tacos

Tacos were all but nonexistent from what I remembered of South Africa, and the few that were available were far from the authentic corn tortilla, meat, onion, cilantro, lime offerings I’ve grown accustomed to. I could not have been more excited to learn of the arrival of El Burro Taqueria in Cape Town to quench my Taco thirst. Don’t forget the chips and guacamole to start!

The delicious homemade corn chips and guacamole – a must have

Although still somewhat of a “fusion” taco, El Burro pays homage to the classic Mexican style tacos al pastor, beef tongue, and skirt steak, with the unique takes on a fish taco and the duck taco. A quick note for any Americans or Mexicans, the Chorizo taco at El Burro, while good, is not at all what you are expecting it to be. They utilize a Spanish style chorizo (more like a dried sausage) rather than the crumbly, spicy Mexican chorizo we are used to.

Just as tacos should be, El Burro serves them up family style

It’s hard to pick favorites at El Burro (just as with Donkey in Grand Rapids), but we can both agree that the Fish Tacos and Duck Tacos are fantastic offerings. The Fish taco is so delicately fried, with a refreshing lettuce and slaw and slightly tangy sauce. The Duck taco is full of umami, with a smoky chipotle miso sauce and purple cabbage. Both are truly unique offerings that stay true to the essence of a Mexican taco.

The fish tacos are insanely refreshing, with the perfect amount of crunch

El Burro Lunch Special

Be sure to check out the El Burro 3 for 2 lunch special – which is just as it sounds – 3 tacos for the price of two on Monday through Friday, Noon to Five pm. Don’t forget to tip your server at the original bill rate though J. Even without the lunch special, El Burro is fantastically affordable – at Donkey you can expect to pay around $5 per taco and $5-10 per drink. El Burro is more like $2.50 per taco and $2 per drink.

A delicious Goat taco on the left and the spicy Chilorio Pork taco from El Burro

A truly unique offering, the duck taco utilizes a smokey chipotle sauce and blue corn tortillas

Drinks at El Burro

El Burro also has a fantastic drink selection, including many tequilas, craft beers, and a house margarita. Being that this is Cape Town, the prices are all fantastic, so you can stuff your face with Tacos and drink plenty for a great price.

Overall, El Burro is a great, affordable lunch spot in a cool part of Cape Town. The vibe, food, and drinks all make for a great experience, and a bit of nostalgia with our love of Mexican food in the U.S.

~Max

The interior decor and cool design for the El Burro logo really add to the ambience

The bright colors inside the restaurant make you think you’re on the beach!