Asian Cuisine Express
Chinese restaurant · South Lawndale ·
Al pastor tacos, pastor fried rice, Chinese and Thai
Al pastor tacos, pastor fried rice, Chinese and Thai
"A name like “Asian Cuisine Express” might feel a little out of place on a Best Tacos guide. But this Little Village spot’s massive trompo of pork spinning around a live fire dispels any doubt that it belongs. And while Asian Cuisine Express does have a long list of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes, you come here for the best al pastor tacos in Chicago. The pork is sliced into paper-thin slivers that have the ideal ratio of crispy exterior to buttery fat, with a hint of sweetness from equally thin slices of charred pineapple. You can also just order a pound of al pastor for around $13." - adrian kane, john ringor
"When you first arrive at this Little Village restaurant, you might question if you’re in the right place — after all, its name suggests a focus on Asian cuisine. But you’re in the right place as customers will see after catching a glimpse of the prominently displayed trompo. Tacos al pastor are the highlight of the restaurant’s minimal Mexican offerings. Unlike other executions of the dish that are soggy or cubed, at Asian Cuisine Express, al pastor tacos are thinly sliced. The charred-yet-juicy pieces of meat are served in small tortillas to maximize the bite-to-flavor ratio and closely represent what you would expect the dish to be. And don’t forget to order the pastor fried rice. This is a Chinese restaurant whose owners let the cooks have some fun. And the results are worth it." - Brenda Storch
"The best al pastor tacos in Chicago are at a small casual spot in Little Village called Asian Cuisine Express. No, that wasn’t a typo. In fact, as soon as you walk in you’ll see the staff expertly carving a giant trompo of pork rotating around a live fire. The paper-thin slices of al pastor have the perfect composition of crispy exterior and buttery fat—all complemented by fresh green onion and sweet grilled pineapple. But maybe the best part is that each taco is $2.75." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"Don't let the restaurant's name and long sections of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes on the menu throw you off: Come here for the best al pastor tacos in Chicago. Yes, you read that right. As soon as you walk into the small casual spot in Little Village you’ll see the staff expertly carving a massive trompo of pork rotating around a live fire. The paper-thin slices of al pastor have the perfect balance of crispy exterior and buttery fat—all complemented by fresh green onion and sweet grilled pineapple. And though it's not officially on the menu, ask for some al pastor fried rice." - John Ringor
"The city’s best al pastor tacos can be found at Asian Cuisine Express." - Ashok Selvam