In anticipation of the official return of Taco Bell to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a 14-year absence, local Mexican cuisine offers numerous alternatives. Americana Restaurants announced on August 30th that it signed an exclusive agreement with Taco Bell UK and Europe Ltd to resume the brand's operation in the UAE, with plans for subsequent expansion into other markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Although UAE residents are waiting for the arrival of the Crunchwrap, the local gastronomic scene has significantly changed since Taco Bell left in 2012. Visitors can now find a wide selection of dishes, including quick bowls with burritos, loaded quesadillas, as well as traditional tacos and birria.
One of the local favorites in Dubai is Maiz Tacos. Initially starting as a food truck, this restaurant has evolved into a popular casual dining spot. As the name suggests, the focus here is on tacos, but the menu also features quesadillas, nachos, and other Mexican-style dishes. Maiz Tacos has locations in the JLT and Dubai Hills areas.
If you are specifically interested in tacos, El Primo Taqueria draws inspiration from the street stalls of Mexico City and the roots of its founder, Jonathan, in Toluca. Guests can choose corn or wheat tortillas with fillings such as pastor chicken with pineapple, slow-cooked Black Angus brisket, ribeye, beef cheeks, and wagyu-sojuk. Pastor tacos and birria tacos are served in sets of three. The establishment is located in Dubai.
For those who prefer to build their own meal, Taqado Mexican Kitchen has long established itself as a familiar name in the UAE in the fast and informal Mexican dining segment. The concept of this venue focuses on customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos, making it ideal for those craving something wrapped in a tortilla. Taqado is located in several places across Dubai, including DIFC and Barsha Heights.
Tortilla, a British fast-food chain in the Mexican style, also offers an alternative. This chain now has several outlets in the UAE. The service format is simple: the customer chooses the base, filling, and toppings to create their dish. This is one of the closest options for those seeking a quick Mexican meal rather than full-service dining. Tortilla is available in several locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Burro Blanco offers the obvious choice of burritos, but its concept, which grew in the UAE, goes far beyond that. The menu includes customizable burritos and bowls, tacos, loaded quesadillas, as well as birria tacos, birria quesadillas, and birria burritos. Visitors can customize their dishes by choosing various proteins, toppings, and sauces. The venues are located in Business Bay, Dubai, as well as in Masdar City and Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi.
La Patrona positions its food as '100% Mexican, 0% Tex-Mex', using handmade tortillas and sauces made from Mexican chiles. Among the tacos are pastor chicken, fried fish, and smoked ribeye. Their quesabirria includes shredded beef and melted cheese in a crispy corn tortilla, served with broth, sauce, onion, cilantro, and lime. La Patrona has locations in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi.
For those who want to turn the desire for tacos into a more substantial dinner, Chalco's Cantina in Dubai Marina offers an impressive Mexican menu. Taco choices include birria, grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, steak, and vegetarian options. Burritos are available with chicken and beef, as well as birria, steak, fish, and shrimp. Additionally, the menu features fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, and handmade churros. Chalco's Cantina is located in Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Loca, a long-standing Mexican restaurant in the UAE, occupies the higher price segment. Its menu in Abu Dhabi includes tacos, quesabirrias, burritos, fajitas, and traditional Mexican dishes. Burrito fillings include carne asada, chicken with verde chile, and slow-roasted lamb. Traditional dishes include tamales, gorditas, and pollo en mole. Loca is more of an option for those wishing to explore Mexican cuisine beyond fast food rather than a direct replacement for Taco Bell. It is located on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
