From humble beginnings as a food truck, Baha Taco now calls Norwood’s Grant Avenue its more permanent home. David and Katrin Smale are passionate about producing artisanal cuisine inspired by that of Baja California in Mexico (not to be confused with California in the USA). Following strict sustainable practices, their dedication follows through to the hand-pressed tortillas made using GMO-free South African corn, homemade crema and free-range meats.

Outside at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

Food

You are welcomed by a complimentary first taste of their hand-pressed tortillas, which are transformed into crispy nacho chips and served with hand-chopped pico de gallo (salsa). These heavenly wood-fire-roasted chips will make you question ever eating another plate of nachos. You can order them as a full-sized portion, enjoyed the classic way with melted cheese and sour cream, or dotted with beef chilli or bacon sausage and refried beans. The delicate touch of cheese and toppings allows the flavour of these artisanal chips to shine through.

A selection of tacos at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

The fiesta continues with soft-shell gluten-free tacos, which come wrapped around pulled pork that’s been cooked overnight in a wood-fired oven, and served with lashings of smoky chipotle sauce. Alternatively, the skirt-steak taco or their signature fish or prawn taco will transport you to the sunny skies and sea breeze of Baja California.

Quesadillas of free-range chicken grilled on an open-wood fire and tortilla shells deliver the perfect balance of smoky chicken and toasted goodness, oozing with salsa and crema.

A fish taco at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

Chicken wings with a chipotle basting are tender, crispy and dusted with sesame seeds, leaving you licking your fingers and savouring every bite. The corn on the cob with chipotle butter and shavings of pecorino is the perfect partner to this while you’re getting stuck in.

Chicken wings with chipotle at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

No cutlery is presented with the meal: you’re meant to dive in with both hands to devour every morsel of the Mexican-style street food.

The churros and chocolate sauce make a perfect end to the meal. These crisp, deep-fried fingers with cloud-like centres come dusted in sugar and served with rich dark chocolate sauce. Muy bueno!

Churros and chocolate sauce make a perfect end to the meal at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

Drinks

There’s no liquor licence at the moment, so you’re welcome to bring you own or pop into the bar next door for some drinks. Baha Taco does, however, offer interesting cold-brewed coffee blends, coconut waters, and artisanal soft drinks.

The specials on the wall at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

Service

Orders are placed at the counter and brought to your table by friendly staff.

Ambience

It’s a cosy space, with walls in eclectic colours and some quirky Mexican decorations. The open kitchen anchors the restaurant and allows you to experience all the magic, from the pressing and grilling of tortillas to the aromas of the nachos being baked in the wood-fired oven.

Tacos being made at Baha Taco. Photo courtesy of Rupesh Kassen.

And…

David and Katrin offer a catering service, where all the prep is done for you so you can entertain your guest with a bit of Baja Californian flair. Please note: they accept Snapcan and cash only – no cards.

Have you tucked into a taco at Baha Taco recently? Rate them and write a review and you could win a R500 voucher to spend on Yuppiechef.com.

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