Byker _____
If you’re of a particular age then it’s highly likely there's only one word you'd use to fill in the blank.
After nearly 20 years since it’s been on TV, Byker Grove and its motley crew of Spuggy, PJ, Duncan and Geoff, are still what this area of Newcastle is most famous for.
However, I'd argue that nowadays Byker should be just as well known for its tacos as its grove.
The reason being, it’s home to the excellent Chucho’s.
Jesus Tavizon Sosa (nickname Chucho) hails from Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico but has lived in Newcastle for 15 years. In 2017, he opened Chucho’s on Shields Road in Byker, and ever since it’s earned a steady stream of glowing reviews. Even comedian James Acaster singled it out on Off Menu, naming it his favourite taqueria in the UK.
On a grey and icy day, Chucho’s is a sunny spot with its colourful vinyl tablecloths, primary-coloured walls and sultrily posed Dia de los Muertos doll.
Chucho's menu is dominated by a selection of 15 types of taco, all of which are served on homemade corn tortillas. If you want something else, there are quesadillas, enfrijoladas and burritos.
On the booze front, a good margherita had plenty of citrus and a good whack of tequila. I've always been intrigued the Michaelada, a beer-based cocktail, and intriguing might be the best way to describe it too. Malty modelo lager, spiced tomato juice and a Tajin rim combined to make an unfamiliar yet enjoyable combination.
A pair of salsas lurking on the table were a herald of things to come. Smoky scotch bonnet salsa roja had a nuclear chilli build whilst a more vibrant yet still hot green salsa was a soothing balm in comparison.
A plate of nachos (£8) had been constructed with the same care as a bouquet of flowers. Gorgeously crisp homemade tortillas were embedded in a pile of comforting refried black beans, thick guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, tangy feta and coriander.
A trio of tacos, made with impeccably fresh soft corn tortillas, were absolute monsters that were well worth their £13.50 for three price tag.
Crisp battered white fish was paired with shredded red cabbage and a sweet and fruity mango salsa. Earthy spiced nuggets of homemade Mexican chorizo worked exceptionally well alongside a pile of pink pickled onions. Finally, crisp-edged shreds of pork carnitas with thick guacamole were very good too.
We saw a neighbouring diner nodding with approval after every mouthful of his enfrijoladas (£7). So, we decided it was probably a good idea to order a portion. A quartet of soft corn tortillas were stuffed with hearty refried beans and topped with tangy feta, onion and coriander. The clincher was the nuggets of crisp and smoky chorizo (£2 extra) that were scattered over the top.
Impressed so far, it would have been rude to turn down a portion of churros (£6.50) for dessert. Crisp and well-coated in cinnamon sugar, they were naughtily served on a generous pool of Nutella.
We had an excellent lunch at Chucho’s and I’d concur with James Acaster that they’re some of the best tacos I’ve eaten in the UK. Despite the wealth of excellent restaurants in Newcastle, I’d be itching for a return to Byker for some tacos next time we’re in the area.
The Details:
Address - Chucho's, 279 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1DQ
Web - https://www.chuchosmexican.co.uk/
Telephone - 0191 265 7458
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