Curbside Cantina: The OG of tacos has opened a taqueria in Damansara Kim

PETALING JAYA, April 28 – Back in 2014 when food trucks were a new phenomenon, Curbside Cantina was where you got your taco fix.

You could spot their iconic red and black truck in Bangsar. It was like a beacon, signalling that delicious tacos, quesadillas and churros were sold there.

You can't miss the iconic red and black food truck in front of Curbside Cantina

I remember the many times I happily chomped down on the fish tacos with their signature pappadum crisps by the roadside in Bangsar.

The husband-and-wife team of Awangku Imran (Tubby) and Noreen Ramli set the bar high with their food. They crafted sauces and tinkered with the tortillas to whip up their own gluten free corn versions. This set them apart from those who used generic commercial sauces for their tacos.

As time passed, the business evolved. The food truck moved away from Bangsar to other spots, since permits were hard to come by.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, they offered takeaways and even dabbled in serving Sarawak laksa. A big part of their business model has been private events, which they continued doing all throughout the time.

And after what felt like a long pause, they announced the opening of their taqueria at Damansara Kim on April 3.

The kitchen is open for all to see

The corner shop was originally slated to be a pizza joint but since plans changed for that F&B outfit, they offered it to Curbside Cantina and it became their new home.

The complete menu is still in progress as R&D work is still ongoing. Once it's ready, you will have tacos, sandwiches and snacks like taquitos. There's also desserts.

Whatever I tasted so far has been amazing though so I am looking forward to the new creations. I sampled the black bean dip which is still in the development stage. It's given a flavour boost with beef fat, making it one of those irresistible dips you cannot stop eating with the corn chips.

Currently, their taco menu is available. There's four proteins – fish, beef, chicken or lamb – to pair with your choice of taco. Vegans can opt for the chargrilled zucchini version.

There are three styles of taco to select from, whether it's the Sonora style with a wheat tortilla, the Baja style with a corn tortilla and the L.A. Tostada with the crunchy corn tortilla.

High on the must-order list is their Confit "Asada" Brisket (RM14). The texture of the meat is perfect. Think tender but not mushy beef is given a smoky chargrilled treatment.

This was with the Sonora style taco where they use a toasted wheat tortilla. You also have salsa, cheddar cheese and a chipotle spring onion relish.

There's the original Baja style with their signature gluten-free corn tortilla. This is always paired with their iconic Herb Crumbed Fish (RM11).

The Herb Crumbed Fish is the perennial favourite with the fried Dory fish and loaded up with 'crema', 'pico de gallo' and guacamole salsa

It's my perennial favourite where the fried Dory fish has a crunchy exterior and it's doused with their guacamole salsa, pico de gallo and crema.

There's also shredded cabbage to give it a slight crunch. It may look like a mess but this is one delicious meal. Their tacos are fully loaded so eat them slowly as each bite is packed with flavour.

A new addition to the menu is the crispy tostada that is served with Roast Barbacoa Lamb

The latest style to join the fold is the L.A. Tostada. This features a crunchy corn tortilla topped with a juicy Roast Barbacoa Lamb (RM16) where they use New Zealand lamb shoulder.

Corn chips with guacamole and a salsa for sides

It's layered with their quesa, crema and guacamole salsa. It's finished off with pickled onions that help cut through the richness. I am not won over by this crunchy taco and I prefer the softer tortillas.

For snacks, you have a selection of nachos too including a Tossed Nachos that has chilli oil or a Melted Nachos with cheese and the delicious bean dip.

The Chicken Basil Taquitos are a fun snack

We also tried a new menu item which is their Chicken Basil Taquitos (RM22). Eat them when they hit the table as these cigar-like roll ups are best eaten fresh.

This chicken basil version also has crema in each crunchy bite that is topped with a tomato salsa. You can also order the Potato Taquitos, if you're going meatless.

Glazed Churros with their crispy exterior and soft centre are the perfect ending to a meal

For dessert, it's the classic Glazed Churros (RM14). You get a crispy exterior with a fluffy centre that works well with the mild tasting chocolate sauce.

It doesn't have the cinnamon sugar coating so this version is less sweet. Hopefully the next time, they have their Tres Leches made with waffles!

To quench your thirst, try the crowd favourite Iced Cran-Oolong (RM9) for a not too sweet drink or stick to the refreshing Lemonade (RM7). Also on the menu is their Gritas or ice-shaken coolers with cucumber, lime and basil flavour. There's also an unusual grapefruit and tamarind pairing.

During the May 1 and May 4 public holidays, they will be open. Just double check their Instagram for any updates before you visit.

Curbside Cantina, 71, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Open: 12pm to 8pm. Closed on Wednesday. Instagram: @curbsidecantina

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