Hearty And Savory Content Still Slays Your Algorithm Of Cravings At OnlyPans Taqueria

The distinctive red and white tiles under the brand's amusing and still witty pun remains just as relevant since the day it opened almost four years ago. Anchored on its signature beefy, cheesy and delectably messy birria tacos, OnlyPans Taqueria has gone beyond just being a mere novelty food trend in Poblacion's culinary scene. It's become a movement with deep ties to the eclectic community celebrated with their Mexican inspired repertoire of savory offerings. Step inside OnlyPans Taqueria, and find out why their culinary content of tacos and burritos still holds the top spot in your algorithm of cravings...

Born out of the pandemic, OnlyPans Taqueria has outlived the sushi bake craze from the long days of the quarantine experience integrating itself in the vibrant weave of flavors of the Makati neighborhood. A fire nearly ended the story, but resilience has always been part of the OnlyPans Taqueria  journey. Add some badass birria tacos to the playlist and you get a taste of the community-driven establishment that's still rockin' Poblacion. 

Since it opened, OnlyPans Taqueria meant something real to its loyal fanbase. A neighborhood hangout, the go-to spot after a night out with one too many drinks and a refuge for likeminded individuals, you can say that OnlyPans Taqueria is a rebel with a number of passionate causes that cuts through the clutter and boredom of the mundane. It's also a beacon for resilience, of boldly taking chances and just going for it. Whatever it means to you, there's always the selection of tacos and burritos that brings us all together. And they do it well. 

The brainchild of Ninna Audrey Cruz, OnlyPans Taqueria is a family-run operation together with mom Maté and brother Andrus. What began as a sushi bake concept during the pandemic has evolved into a brick and mortar establishment that's now a fixture in Poblacion. Inside the tiny yet cozy space, the sounds of the open kitchen triggers your appetite. That's your cue to start with the Classic Horchata (P 150), the traditional rice-based beverage infused with cinnamon. 

But OnlyPans Taqueria doesn't stop there. The Ube Horchata (P 180) is OnlyPans Taqueria's creative take with a uniquely local touch. And it works, draping the palate with a nutty sweetness to cool you down from the blistering summer heat. 

On more refreshing sip and you're ready for some of their tasty bites, starting with the Nacho Libre (P 380). Perfect for sharing with friends or a sumptuous prelude before the mains for solo diners, the platter of crisp corn chips slathered with chili con carne, fresh salsa, creamy Mozzarella, cilantro, lime cheese and even more cheese for good measure is a solid start at OnlyPans Taqueria. 

Now that your palate is properly teased, it's time for double dipping with the Quesa Birria Tacos (P 400) and the Carnitas BBQ (P 190 Uno/P 380 Dos) for a savory duo of beef and pork. Paired with rich and intensely flavored consommé and fresh and tart Pico de Gallo, this is what OnlyPans Taqueria is all about. 

A fresh squeeze of lime brings out even more flavor as it cuts through the savory richness of the birria tacos. And the best way to enjoy these savory bites is to use your hands and tilt your head for that first big bite. It can be messy, but it just isn't a real and proper birria tacos experience until all that savory goodness drips down your hands. 

Simmered for hours in tall pots for intense and concentrated flavors and made with the freshest ingredients including authentic spices and chilies imported from Mexico, OnlyPans Taqueria is serious about their tacos. 

That deep dip into the consommé brings a savory richness to the palate released with each tasty bite. And go ahead and double dip, you're not sharing your consommé with anyone else. This is all yours. 

The signature Quesa Quesa Birria Tacos is packed with fork-tender slow-cooked beefy goodness with the consommé becoming a flavor multiplier. Tilt, bite and repeat. 

One pair leads to another and the crunchy Birria Tostadas (P 380) and Barbacoa (P 190 Uno/P 380 Dos) becomes the second act in your OnlyPans Taqueria experience. The added crunch from the crisp tortilla of the Birria Tostadas brings a delectable textural contrast with every bite while the Barbacoa with its slow-cooked melt-in-your-mouth and buttery finish from the beef cheeks offers another layer to your OnlyPans Taqueria experience. The Barbacoa is definitely high up on my list of personal picks. 

For bigger appetites, the Birria Burrito (P 400) filled and rolled tight with Mexican rice, fresh salsa, beans, corn and loads of cheese should do the trick. 

One of the few pandemic trends that's still going strong, OnlyPans Taqueria has gone far beyond the fleeting and short-lived buzz surrounding many other culinary fads. One bite of the Quesa Birria Tacos tells you why. Real flavors, prepared tediously slow with the finest ingredients including spices and chilies from Mexico made with passion and a whole lot of love may be one of many reasons for its enduring staying power. And maybe the birria tacos and burritos at OnlyPans Taqueria speaks for itself, with no need of further explanation. 

Good food, after all endures. All day, anytime. When the novelty of the name evolves and becomes part of the mainstream of eclectic flavors in Poblacion, it becomes deeply embedded in the neighborhood's colorful tapestry of diverse culinary destinations. So go ahead and double dip at OnlyPans Taqueria...

OnlyPans Taqueria is located at 5663 Don Pedro, Poblacion, Makati. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/onlypansph/ and https://www.instagram.com/onlypanstaqueria/ for more information and updates or call 0917 149 0798 for inquiries.

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