Maizal - Vancouver

Video review with HD footage on my youtube channel: vancity food crew maizal rmf I went for some Mexican food with a friend after hearing about it from the owner's daughter. I bumped into her by chance and we got some pretty tasty Mexican food. I ordered the Flautas, which were fine, and my eating partner got the Pastor Gringas. The gringas was large and filling and full of tasty pork and cheese. We also got some chips and guac to share. I would definitely go back and try other items or get the same things.

Our visit to Maizal on Main Street came during Vanfoodster's Taco Challenge. We loved this place and Rodrigo and Nana, the husband and wife team that opened Maizal just over a year ago. He is originally from Mexico City and she is Japanese. What a perfect opportunity for fusion cuisine! So their offering was Ebi Chamoi. Two large tempura prawns, mango salsa, Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums glaze on a hibiscus infused tortilla. It was beautiful (I almost couldn't bring myself to mess it up by eating it and delicious. We have sweet, spicy and crispy all in one ! We also tried a couple of other menu items starting with Plantain and Potato Flautas. This was another carefully crafted dish. Two flautas served over black beans and two salsas, and garnished with crema and cilantro. Wonderful! We also had a taco with the protein of the day which was lengua (beef tongue...do not be afraid! . it was another tasty dish but I committed the ultimate food blogger sin and tucked in before taking a picture! How amateur! Each of the tables has a nice little selection of hot sauces and there were fresh house made salsas on a side board. And before I forget, can you say house made tortillas ? It was nice to talk to Rodrigo about his food and plans. This couple has some enthusiasm for their place and we wish them continued success!

There are days that I don't wanna leave the house, but if you call me to Maizal, hands down I'd be there. In fact, I'd probably say yes to anything if you ask me to Maizal. I've tried about 5 of their tacos and my absolute top 2 has to be the Carnitas and Pescado. Carnitas has beer braised pork (just these words already sound so delicious) with some toppings and a scoop with guacamole on top of a freshly homemade soft corn tortilla. The Pescado simply defines fish deep-fried well and on point, bringing joy to my tastebuds. Owner and staff are so friendly and their smiles make me smile, no joke.

There’s a new Mexican taco place on Main St. called Maizal (Facebook, Instagram). It’s surprising that within the span of a couple months, TWO places have opened up in Vancouver that make their own tortillas in-house: Chancho (where Nuba used to be on Seymour) and Maizal. I did a quick little visit to Maizal with Moyenchow and here’s my early thoughts.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of options for both vegetarians and meat lovers. I had the carnitas burrito, which was a generous size with a hearty filling. The service was excellent.