El Sabroso Mexican Food — Restaurant in Taipei

UPDATE SEP 2024: Ordered on in and added on the nacho chips for $105. Tiny little bag with maybe 10 chips in it. I think I’m done with them.

[UPDATE SEPT 2023: I dropped them an overall star because I have had four experiences where I make a trip here, only to find they’ve decided not to open that lunch. No such update on their facebook page nor Google maps. Very unreliable, so CALL THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE OPEN or you’ll waste your time.]

Visited this Mexican place on the recommendation of a friend.

They are currently severely understaffed, as was evident last week when they didn’t answer any of my 9 calls on a Wednesday (right when they opened at noon). I was driving and wanted to pre-order for pickup so I wouldn’t have to find parking. That didn’t happen. This time, I went on foot and in person, and they were ready for business not a second before their opening time. And when they do open, but super late (like 45 minutes behind), they are unapologetic. You’d think they were forced to open this restaurant!

The place is tiny, and most suitable for takeout or a quick rushed meal: There’s inside seating for maybe 4 people, 4 tables outside, each accommodating 2-3 people. And a bench for customers awaiting their order.

I only had the burrito pastor, and was contemplating the pineapple salsa (because it goes so well with pastor) vs their popular salsa verde: server kindly let me try both, as you’ll see in the photos. And both are great: the verde has a bright flavour with a nice spicy kick, whereas the pineapple has a sweet and spicy combination. I kept switching between the two as I ate my way through the burrito.

The burrito itself was nicely toasted, and a good size for a lunch even without extra sides. There’s a healthy helping of the meat — tender, flavourful — and another helping of their rice which has rich tomato hints and spices to it. Veggies are fresh and crunchy, and there’s some kind of mayo-like dressing in there.

The BEST in Taipei? Not sure that’s so clear to say. But good enough to warrant another visit and try something else here, even if it’s easily 20 minutes out of the way from anywhere I frequent. And with this constant tardiness, I may have to strike them off my list of Mexican places...

I LOVE THIS PLACE. When I'm missing my home (TX) & I need my Mexican Food FIX, this is where I go. Many of the bad reviews here are unjustified, IMO. I'm with all of the happy customers and great reviews here. It's not easy to get the ingredients that he uses in Taiwan... they're very expensive and most of it he has to make from scratch. It would be hard to be more consistent than KFC or McDonalds, but they're not always at their best. What kind of review would you give them? and they have teams of people and managers. El Sabroso is ONE MAN (with a couple of helpers) sharing LOVE from his heart and bringing us something from a world away. Would you prefer not to have him sharing his food? I'm so grateful for him and El Sabroso. Yes, I could complain about this or that and it's not always perfect... but neither is the bank or even 7-11. It's not easy to put yourself out there and run a business. Everyone has an opinion. AND, I'm pretty sure people would give me (and you) a bad review about how I live my life. When restaurants get big enough that they have a big staff and many cooks then people complain that it's just not the same as it used to be. Be Thankful : ) The owner is a person with feelings and a life... and problems to deal with just like you and me. And yet, he still shows up very consistently and serves great, AUTHENTIC, Mexican food (from the other side of the world). Me personally, I'll GLADLY take it when I can get it and be understanding when I can't. Consider your alternatives. I'll deal with a long line or the price being a little high or today they're closed. At least it's an option most of the time. We're not in the U.S. THANK YOU, THANK YOU... EL SABROSO for your wonderful food. My life here is SO MUCH better with you in it. GRACIAS,...

As a Mexican I can say this are simply the best and most authentic tacos in town!

I love how all of the bad reviews complaining about the food being not "Real Mexican" comes from non Mexicans. I'm not saying we're the only ones that can tell quality Mexican food, but calling it not authentic is a bunch of BS.

Also the price is more than fair for the high quality food they serve. The price for a set meal, plus two sides will never exceed NT$350 and you will be more than satisfied. Honestly I usually pay way more for crappy Italian, French and American food in Taipei. All the ingredients are fresh, and the most important spices are imported from Mexico, they are not Taiwanese replacements.

I do agree with the time issues. Be advice that this is not a place that you can come and be served in 10 minutes, specially if you come around lunch/dinner time. But the food is made to order! It doesn't get fresher than this! The chef is very considered of his customers and always tries his best to satisfy any special request.

Also keep in mind that the most popular items in the menu usually get sold out. So if you come later on dinner/lunch you won't find them on the menu.

In a nutshell, if you want to eat in the best Mexican place in town and you're willing to...