Tacofino: Original food truck in Tofino

Tacofino is a chain of Mexican-inspired beach food restaurants. They are famous for their selection of soft shell tacos with 11 locations across the Lower Mainland.

During my trip to Tofino this summer, I got to visit the first and original Tacofino location! Tacofino started off as a food truck parked in the parking lot of a surf shop and this location is still there and very popular to this day.

Read about my full trip to Tofino here.

Interior (exterior?)

Some of Tacofino’s Vancouver locations are food trucks as well, but I think it’s really cool they kept their original location and food truck style in Tofino.

The weather was very nice on the day I visited so there was quite a long lineup to order your food. I’d say we had to wait at least 20 minutes to order and another 20 minutes to get our food.

Because of covid, the usual seating areas were not available – they have some tables and chairs that were put to the side. However, there are a few picnic tables you can sit at around this parking lot, which has a few different surf shops and restaurants.

Food

Fish taco ($6 each)

Tacofino’s fish tacos might be their most popular taco. It’s like the OG #1. In this taco you will find tempura ling cod, chipotle mayo, cabbage, salsa and fresca all in a flour tortilla.

The fish taco is very big and they also heap on a lot of that cabbage and salsa so it looks even bigger. However, it is still quite easy to eat and you won’t find everything falling out and sadly onto the ground (unless you don’t know how to eat tacos).

I found the fish to be extra delicious at this food truck, maybe because the seafood on the islands is just inherently better and more fresh. It was nice and soft on the inside and not too flaky. The batter was not greasy, especially with the cabbage and salsa – that really cut out the greasiness.

Tuna-ta ($8 each)

I haven’t seen this taco at the Vancouver locations I’ve visited so I order one to give it a try. This taco has seared albacore tuna, wasabi mayo, wakame (seaweed salad), pickled ginger and salsa.

It’s not as big or loaded as the fish taco, but it is a very refreshing taco! I think the ginger and lime gave it an almost citrus-like kick, which goes really well with the seared albacore tuna.

Chicken gringa ($6)

Ok this for sure I have never seen at other Tacofino locations. Think of a gringa as a taco that became a quesadilla. I hope that makes sense? It is a taco but then grilled/fried in cheese like a quesadilla.

So we try a chicken gringa because that seems to be their most popular type of gringa, but you can choose pork, pork & kimchi, bean and other fillings as well.

The chicken gringa uses grilled chicken thighs, cheese, sour cream and salsa. Sounds very simple but this gringa is DELICIOUS. It is the perfect amount of savoury and greasiness and the grilled cheese on the outside just gives it that extra perfect feeling.

Final thoughts

I have always been a fan of Tacofino and it was really cool to pay a visit to their original food truck where it all started. The quality of food is on par with their Vancouver locations although it is fun to try different tacos depending on which location you go to (they offer different things).

From what I remember, this original food truck location has less options for vegetarians (ex. no cauliflower taco) and more options for fish.

As for the gringa, simply amazing. I believe you can only find the gringa at this location and their gastown location. I hope they add it to more of their regular menus in Vancouver!

Sincerely, Loewe