Paprika ATX

"Texans can spend all day debating which city makes the best tacos, but if we had to nominate one candidate to showcase Austin's qualifications, it would be Paprika. Some taco trucks specialize in hyper-regional styles or specialty fillings, whereas Paprika is a jack-of-all-trades that excels at just about everything it does. Confit suadero and sous vide carnitas are among the most tender versions you’ll find in town, and the weekend-only al pastor special takes the No. 1 spot in our al pastor ranking. In a city filled to the brim with great tacos, Paprika stands above the rest.  " - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs, raphael brion

"We’re big fans of the tacos and tortas coming out of this Sriracha-colored truck every day of the week, but on Saturdays, Paprika busts out the trompo to make the best al pastor in Austin. The juicy meat lends itself to thick, charred edges that provide a great balance to the sweet pineapple slice on each taco. To up the savory factor even more, add a layer of griddled cheese for a dollar. " - nicolai mccrary

"Hiding in the parking lot of Michi Ramen on Burnet Road, Paprika adds a few contemporary twists to the classic taco-truck repertoire. The carnitas are sous vide and the brisket is confited, but despite the cheffed-up approach, it never feels like it’s trying too hard. The menu is small, so you can probably order most of it in one go, but there are occasional specials that will make you want to put Paprika into your daily rotation. " - nicolai mccrary

"Paprika is tricky to find, but it’s worth the search. Just look for the bright Sriracha-colored truck in the parking lot of Michi Ramen in the Highland neighborhood. If a crowd is hovering around it, you’ll know you’re in the right place. The menu is small but mighty—tacos, tortas, and quesadillas, each with about four or five different fillings, every one as good as the last. And on the weekends, Paprika busts out the trompo to make our favorite al pastor in Austin. The thick-cut meat lends itself to charred, crispy edges that complement the sweet pineapple slice on each taco. Start with carnitas or al pastor depending on the day—either way, you’re encountering some juicy pork—and balance things out with tangy nopalitos. Make it a quesitaco for a dollar more if you want to up the savory factor, then stop by the salsa bar and prepare to enjoy some of the best tacos in the city. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary photo credit: Nicolai McCrary photo credit: Nicolai McCrary photo credit: Nicolai McCrary photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary

"Hiding in the parking lot of Michi Ramen are some of our favorite tacos in Austin. The carnitas are sous vide, and the refried beans are lentils, but this blend of contemporary techniques with traditional flavors bridges a gap we didn’t know Austin needed. There are a ton of salsa varieties here that seem to change out almost daily, including some of our favorite salsa macha in town. Show up on Saturdays to get the trompo al pastor, or show up any day they’re open for some excellent carnitas, bistek, and nopalitos.  What to get: Bistec taco; Carnitas taco; Nopalitos taco " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion