Crunchy, Savory, and Addictive: Exploring Birria Tacos

I take pride in being someone who enjoys food from all over the world. However, it was not until my time in Korea that I truly dove into the realm of authentic Mexican cuisine. Even then, the offerings were tailored to the local palate, leaving me yearning for the genuine experience.

I have sampled the likes of Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba in the States, and even indulged in burritos while in Korea. It was not until 2021 that I finally encountered authentic Mexican food. Despite my love for the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine, I often find myself gravitating back to the familiar comfort of Taco Bell or Chipotle. It is a bit disheartening to think I would choose basic American versions over the complexity of authentic dishes. I suppose convenience plays a significant role, along with the fact that I have never been overly passionate about Mexican food—until now.

There are days when I find myself at the Taco Bell drive-thru, indulging in a few tacos for the evening. However, there are days when I crave that authenticity. It is not just any normal tacos – it is birria tacos.

The joy of savoring street tacos is unparalleled. Yet, discovering the wonders of birria tacos has truly been enlightening. The consommé that accompanies these tacos is a game changer; you can either enjoy it as a soup or dip the taco in, giving you two delightful dishes in one!

I often relish that crispy crunch when biting into a birria taco, feeling the juice of the braised beef ooze out with every chew. The aroma of fresh cilantro mixed with the sweetness of onions creates a symphony of flavors. And when you squeeze in a bit of citrusy lime juice, it elevates the umami experience to new heights!

While I have had decent birria tacos before, they often fell short of that crispy texture, especially after dipping them in the consommé. Some places skip the consommé altogether, and even without it, the tacos still lose their signature crunch.

However, my experience at Bussin Birria Tacos was different. This was the first place where I enjoyed that satisfying crunch with every bite—even after dunking them in the consommé. 

Recently, I found myself at the Mall of America (MOA) craving tacos. Although my sister had raved about this spot, I hesitated to believe her. Turns out, she was absolutely right!

Upon arrival, we approached the touch-screen kiosk to place our orders. The menu is straightforward, making the ordering process a breeze. We did not have to wait long, as it was one of those rare days when the mall was not bustling with crowds. Even during busier times, the wait is reasonable since they make each taco fresh.

We decided on seven beef birria tacos and two beef street tacos. With a maximum of four tacos per order, we placed two orders of birria tacos, ensuring we received two cups of consommé. I opted for three birria tacos and two beef street tacos, while my sister savored the remaining four.

Although the kitchen was hidden from view, we could see the staff assembling fresh ingredients upfront, all in a clean and organized space. When our food arrived, the warmth of the freshly made tacos was inviting. I dove right into the birria taco first—definitely a choice I won’t regret! After devouring my first birria taco, I tried the street taco.

The experience was nothing short of fantastic. The braised beef was incredibly juicy, and while the birria tacos hit the spot, the street tacos were a bit of a letdown. Each street taco came with just one tortilla, which allowed the juicy beef to seep through, leading to an unfortunate taco collapse after the first bite. While this was disappointing, it didn’t diminish the flavor. I just wished I could have enjoyed it in its intended form.

On the flip side, the birria tacos were a revelation! With thinly sliced jalapeños, succulent braised beef, fresh cilantro, and onions, each bite produced a delightful crunch. Even after dipping them in the consommé, which trickled down my hand, the crunch remained intact. I was pleasantly surprised to find that with time, the tacos remain crispy and crunchy.

Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!

I lost track of time as I eagerly devoured the birria tacos. By the time I finished them, I found myself too full to tackle the remaining street taco—these tacos are generously stuffed!

Overall, my experience was exceptional! While the menu may be minimal, this simplicity shouldn’t deter you from trying it out. In fact, I find that restaurants with focused menus often deliver better dishes.

Bussin Birria Tacos exclusively uses corn tortillas, making them gluten-free, and their ingredients cater to halal diets. They even offer vegan options, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity. Plus, they do an excellent job of clearly labeling each item, so you know whether it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, or halal.

Bussin Birria Tacos has not only changed my perspective on Mexican food but has also reignited my love for authentic flavors. So, If you ever find yourself at the Mall of America, don’t miss out on this gem! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Delicious street tacos in a mall? That’s a rare find!

Peach out!