Trying Some Birria at El Poco Cantina Taft

We are familiar with Tacos, Burritos, and Quesadillas. These are all well-known Mexican foods. But What is Birria? I'm not gonna lie, I don't have any idea what is it until social media introduced me to it.

So, According to my research, Birria is a Mexican slow-cooked stew. It is originally goat or lamb meat adobo-based with a lot of spices in it. Such as chiles, garlic, and cumin. A lot of different meat is used these days like beef and even vegan meat alternatives.

A little history of Birria

Birria was one of the classic foods from Jalisco, Mexico. A western Mexican State and the birth place of Tequila and Yes, Birria.

Then the stew traveled to the United States of America and became famous, especially in Los Angeles, California. And now here in the Philippines.

For the Mexican, Birria is considered a hangover soup. So, they usually serve it during the morning. But now you can eat anytime you want. According to La Pina El Concina a Mexican food blog there are two ways of eating it. One is filling it inside tacos or quesadillas. And the other one is having it as a soup then tacos on the side.

We visited El Poco Cantina here in Manila to give it a shot. It is a Mexican shop you can find along Taft Avenue.

The Interior of the shop gives you some South American vibe. Look at those pictures.

Even their Music choice makes you want to order some tequila. hahah No, they don't serve alcoholic drinks.

Random Matryoshka doll? hahaha It is actually a doll from Russia.

Because of limited seats,They have this rule that before sitting down make sure you have place your order first.

So we ordered their top seller Quesobirria tacos, and Birria Burrito.

Quesobirria Tacos

This is definitely my favorite. No wonder it is the most recommended in their menu. You can consume by dipping them in some salsa or in the consommé broth. (like how Mexicans do it) Or you can pour the salsa and sip some broth. I chose the latter.

Birria Burrito

Me and my partner agreed that their burrito is good for sharing. I didn't finish mine so I had to take out my left over. I'm not really fan of a burrito so I gave this 3/5 rating.

My partner told me Birria's consommé broth tastes like pares broth.

Oh we also ordered their Horchata and Home brewed iced tea.

Horchata and Home Brewed Iced Tea

I particularly enjoyed their Horchata. If I'm going to suggest this place to someone I will certainly tell them to try this.

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.

Staffs are also accommodating. One of them educated us about the menu. And Because we thought the food shop is a self service one, The other staff told us just to just chill and sit down and they are going to serve them.

The tables also have the things you needed like the plastic gloves for eating, tissues, complimentary water and hot sauces.

If you ask me if I'm going to go back? of course I do, I also want to try their quessadillas and Birria de Arroz.

El Poco Cantina

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