The name of the game is tacos, with Pistolera’s revamped menu sporting 14 different tortilla topped variations. The newly released menu hit the scene at all three Pistolera locations – Shanghai Centre, Jinqiao and Hengshan – in mid March. While we now see more salad and burrito options, we came with one goal in mind – to consume as many tacos as possible at a place that offers one of the largest taco selections in the city.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
“Tacos are representative of Mexican cuisine, and we wanted to further build out our star products,” says Bryce Jenner, founder and owner of Pistolera and other True Legend venues. By combining local ingredients with Mexican comfort cuisine, the Pistolera taco menu has something for everyone.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Each order comes with two tacos and your choice of flour or corn tortilla shells. Extra sides like Sour Cream (RMB5), Jalapeños (RMB10), Refried Beans (RMB15) and Guacamole (RMB25) are available as add-ons to any taco orders.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Starting with the signature Mexican taco favorites, the Carnitas Tacos (RMB78) see a hefty portion of slowly cooked pork knuckle topped with onion, cilantro, avocado cream and fresh pico de gallo – just like we'd eat it in Mexico.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
In the same authentic vein, the Carne Asada Tacos (RMB78) are a meaty matchup of grilled beef sirloin and stewed, spiced beans, topped with guacamole and cheese. Definitely a winning choice for those with an appetite.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The most ordered taco is focuses fully on steak, Ribeye Steak Tacos (RMB88), that is. Fatty, thick-cut bacon-like ribbons of meat fill the masa shell along with creamy guacamole and piquant pico de gallo.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Moving up the coast, California Tex-Mex tacos make an appearance in the form of Shrimp Baja Style Tacos (RMB68). Featuring fresh whole shrimps dipped in a secret beer batter and fried in the original Baja California style, the two large tacos are covered in chipotle and mustard coleslaw.
What makes Pistolera’s menu unique is the addition of Chinese-inspired and other fusion flavored tacos. Chinese mainstays like Chengdu-style mapo tofu and Hunan stir-fried pork – similar to huiguorou – find their way between tortilla shells, interspersed with pickled daikon, carrots and cabbage.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The Mapo Doufu Tacos (RMB68) are made with seared tofu rather than the customary soft-boiled ‘pockmarked’ tofu seen throughout China. The pleasantly firm texture lends itself better to taco form – more similar to tender meat – especially when spiced with homemade chili sauce.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Xinjiang pepper comes into play in the Hunan Stir-Fried Pork Tacos (RMB78), alongside charred, sweet pork belly that really packs a punch.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Other funky fusion favorites span from Buffalo Boneless Chicken Leg Tacos (RMB78) – crispy chicken leg smothered in buffalo sauce atop a bed of lettuce covered in chipotle aioli, avocado cream, pico de gallo and jalapeños – to Korean BBQ Pork Tacos (RMB68) – thick cuts of BBQ pork belly sprinkled with cheese and kimchi, stuffed inside a taco shell that’s filled with cabbage slaw, avocado cream and a generous lashing of ranch dressing.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Pistolera is covering all its bases with vegan tacos as well. ZRou Tacos (RMB78) are filled with spiced ZRou meat, guacamole, homemade pico de gallo salsa, pickled onion and cilantro. Because the ZRou meat is softer, the texture is more similar to refried beans, making it enjoyable for meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike. Deep-fried Avocado Tacos (RMB68) are also on offer – another crowd pleaser regardless of one’s carnivore or herbivore tendencies.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The best part of this taco wonderland menu is the Taco Combinación (RMB98) option, where guests can choose three different tacos from the entire menu. Perfect for those of us who can’t decide and need to try them all.
The Shanghai Centre’s patio is officially open, so come fill your plate with tacos, your cup with margaritas and your face with sunshine at Pistolera!
See listings for Pistolera.
[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
0 User Comments