The former is the closest to the shawarma method that al pastor comes from (everyone’s favorite piece of Mexican food history). Of course, there are sub-categories and methods to each al pastor: The classic way is to shave off the protein from the trompo right into a tortilla, but then there is the controversial trompo-to-plancha, where the meat is shaved from the trompo and crisped-up on a flat-top grill. We recommend going during peak taco hours, which is usually when it is dark out and you see a line formed for the taco. Protip: Sometimes, if you go to a trompo spot during off-times such as when they are getting started for the day, about to pack up to leave for the night, or simply on a slow weeknight, trompo spots are known to throw their sliced meat on the grill to finish it off. But there are so many other great trompos out there in this big city, here are a few that are worth dropping a pin on and driving for. and has also become one of the symbols of our strong taco culture. Places like Leo’s set the standard for good al pastor in L.A. But for a certain type of Angeleno, al pastor is their number one.Īl pastor is the most recognized of the two but there’s no denying that adobada has its place in L.A.’s tacosphere, especially with the invasion of Tijuas- style tacos. Whether it’s shaved from a beaming red trompo or grilled over coals, they’re both delicious.ĭare I say it has become L.A.’s favorite taco? No, because that would be an insult to our city’s outstanding asada scene. If a place calls their marinated pork adobada, then that’s how it is grouped. Taco is going based on self-identification. At times, it can feel like the argument is splitting hairs and the debate goes further than that but for the purposes of this list, L.A.

and parts of Baja, you’ll see spots that call their trompo adobada as well. Instead of being spit-roasted it is grilled or oven-roasted, but in L.A. Fortunately, we are blessed with a bounty of C omida Mexicana in the city of Angels, where you can find both.Īdobada purists, aside from the difference in language, believe that it differs in preparation and cooking method. Whether you believe that al pastor and adobada are the same things or that they are completely different, the argument speaks to the growing literacy of Mexican food in L.A. Y ou might think the title of this list is redundant but it speaks to an interesting debate about marinated pork in the Mexican community.

Tacos al pastor near me