MELBOURNE | When couple Kady Simkins and Paul Walcutt opened their food truck, Dingo Ate My Taco, in 2020, it was a breath of fresh air for Melbourne’s taco scene. For me, I was transported back to trips to California and Texas, where the Mexican food scene is different than what you find south of the border, but no less legitimate and delicious.
A few months ago, the duo opened their first bricks and mortar venue, Taqueria Sin Nombre. Hidden in an alleyway off an alleyway in Chinatown, the new spot builds on the foundations laid by Dingo Ate My Taco. The space, formerly home to a bean sprout supplier, feels like it was made to be a taqueria. It’s dark and intimate, with exposed brick walls, a few seats and tables at one end, and a long, teracotta-tiled bar lined with stools that wraps around the open kitchen. Vinyl plays over the custom speakers, and crates of Mexican Coke are stacked near the door.
Masa is mixed and milled daily, turned into dough as service progresses, and turned into tortillas on a machine imported from Mexico. Meat and veg are grilled over charcoal on a Brick Chef hibachi, and a mini trompo (vertical spit) helps ensure that tacos al pastor are on point.
The menu is a concise one, featuring old favourites, new creations, and rotating options. Tex Mex is still a big influence, as is Mexico City’s contemporary street food scene. Kady and Paul visit home and Mexico a few times a year, and are always finding fresh inspiration. Beef brisket, birria, and tacos al pastor are winning taco trio, but be sure to try some of the new things.
Kanga asada replaces traditional pork with kangaroo meat, while a rib eye taco with crispy matchstick fries is another winner. Be sure to try the beef tongue quesadilla, full of flavour, texture, and oozing with cheese. There’s a DIY salsa station, and dietaries are well catered for – the tortillas are gluten-free, and there’s loads of vege options.
To drink, it’s a selection of Mexican sodas, horchata, and non-alc beer. Taqueria Sin Nombre’s liquor license should come through any day now. When it does you’ll also be able to get mezcal, Mexican-inspired cocktails, and beer.
Taqueria Sin Nombre
12-14 Celestial Avenue
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Thu – Sat: 5:00pm to 10:00pm