Gastronome

TACOS ZARATE
4210 Waialae Ave.
Phone number (808) 892-1565
Website tacoszarate.com

I recently finished the second season of Narcos on Netflix. It really is one of the better shows the company has put out recently. I’d say my love for Narcos is as strong as it is for Stranger Things right now.

Admittedly, there aren’t many scenes of anyone eating. Pablo Escobar and his sicarios had more important things to worry about, you know? (Though the man was quite indulgent and pudgy, especially in his later years.)

Still, I’ve found myself craving Colombian food. Authentic interpretations seem to be rather lacking here in Hawaii, though. (Does anyone have any good recommendations?) So instead, I settled for its close relative: Mexican food.

For this, I stopped in at Tacos Zarate.

I like Tacos Zarate for its no-fuss attitude. Everything here is simple and simply good, and I always want more, even if I feel as though I can’t take another bite. Longtime fans might also have noticed that the restaurant recently moved from its location on King Street to a larger and brighter space across Kahala Mall.

The menu is pretty straightforward, with a selection of burritos, tacos, quesadillas and other specialty items. On my most recent visit, I ordered the Regular Burrito, which came stuffed with beans, rice, cilantro, onion, salsa and a choice of meat — I went with carne asada.

The Super Burrito at Tacos Zarate is filled with beans, rice, cheese, avocado salsa, cilantro, onions and a choice of meat

The Super Burrito at Tacos Zarate is filled with beans, rice, cheese, avocado salsa, cilantro, onions and a choice of meat PHOTO COURTESY MONET SADURAL

It was a flavorful and packed burrito, served with tortilla chips and two different salsas on the side. The carne asada was tender and seasoned well, and unlike other burritos that sometimes have odd ratios of everything, this was portioned perfectly. No odd leftovers of beans or rice and tortilla here.

If you’re feeling especially hungry, consider also the Super Burrito, filled with beans, rice, cheese, avocado salsa, cilantro and onions, along with a choice of meat.

If you’ve never been to Tacos Zarate, remember only one thing: Arrive hungry. The burritos are pretty massive, and I had to take the other half of mine home.

Guacamole & Chips is just one of a few entradas (starters) available

Guacamole & Chips is just one of a few entradas (starters) available JAIMIE KIM PHOTO

Showing up ready to eat also means more to sample. The Guacamole & Chips, seasoned with lime and salt, was a nice and refreshing accompaniment to the meal. I also have my Lactaid ready for my next visit, when I plan on digging into the Matahambre (Hunger Killer), which features grilled peppers and onions, ham, carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada and melted cheese.

My god.

Jaimie Says

EAT AND DRINK Consider a horchata, tamarindo or bottled Mexican soda to go with your meal
SERVICE Fast and friendly
TIMES I’D LIKE TO RETURN Infinite
MINUTES WAITING FOR A TABLE 0