Feeling hungry? Wanna taco 'bout it?
Vancouver's newest spot for irreverent tacos is open for business. Popina Cantina is the taco-centric off-shoot of Popina Canteen, the colourful, casual, chef-driven shipping container restaurant that launched in 2018 steps away from False Creek and the Granville Island Public Market.
Popina Cantina is a casual counter-serve self-described "boutique taco shop" set up in Granville Island's Net Loft building.
The taco venture takes over from The Tuck Shoppe's second sandwich outpost, which moved in there last summer. Sadly, The Tuck Shoppe shut down both their restaurants in a sudden one-two punch earlier this year.
Popina Cantina's menu is an eclectic and globally-influenced spin on the beloved and traditional taco. That's thanks to the "Three Amigos" behind the venture, local chefs Robert Belcham, Hamid Salimian, and Angus An, who - like at their kickback waterfront chic Popina Canteen - each bring their distinct culinary viewpoint to the Mexican staple.
The tacos on offer include Chinatown Pork Belly Carnitas; Tuk Tuk Green Mole Chicken; and Lentil, Falafel, and Labneh, as well as a few more. No sides here, but they've got add-ons like a trio of salsas, tortilla chips, or half an avocado. Popina Cantina is also serving up breakfast burritos and sandwiches, too.
You'll want to save room for dessert, because Popina Canteen's signature "puffcream" dessert is also on the menu at the Cantina. The puffcream is soft serve in pastry with toppings, and a few of the options echo the Canteen's menu (Violet B, Nutzo, Malteser, and Hubby), but there are two ones exclusive to the Cantina: Luchador (with spiced chocolate, Mexican vanilla, and caramelized pumpkin seeds) and Dulce De Leche (with crispy churro crumb and cinnamon sugar).
Popina Cantina quietly launched on Wednesday, August 19. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.
Check out some dishes they've been tantalizing tastebuds with on their Instagram feed:
