La Chingada is not trying to impress you with fancy decor or Instagram-friendly presentation. This unassuming spot on Morning Lane in Hackney is focused on one thing only: serving some of the most authentic Mexican tacos you'll find anywhere in London. And it's this laser-focus on quality and tradition that has earned it our highest rating to date.
Founded by a team of Mexican expatriates who were frustrated by the lack of truly authentic tacos in London, La Chingada opened in 2019 with a simple mission: bring the real flavors of Mexico City's street tacos to East London. The name itself—a distinctly Mexican expletive that roughly translates to "the damned one"—signals their uncompromising approach.
The Setting
If you're looking for stylish interiors and mood lighting, you've come to the wrong place. La Chingada operates out of a simple storefront with minimal decoration beyond a few Mexican flags and lucha libre masks. Seating is limited to a handful of basic tables and chairs. The focal point is the open kitchen where you can watch the taqueros at work, slicing meat and pressing fresh tortillas.
This no-frills approach actually adds to the authenticity—it's reminiscent of the straightforward taco joints you'd find on the streets of Mexico City. The place is small and often crowded, with a constant line during peak hours, but the turnover is quick. It's BYOB, adding to the casual, communal atmosphere as groups share beers and mezcal while waiting for their tacos.
The Tacos
La Chingada's tacos start with excellent corn tortillas made in-house daily. They're the perfect thickness—sturdy enough to hold the fillings without breaking, yet still tender and with that essential corn aroma that signals quality.
Suadero
The star of the show is undoubtedly the suadero—a cut from between the belly and leg of the cow that's rarely found in London. It's slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then crisped on the flat-top grill to order. The result is a perfect balance of texture: crispy edges with a soft, yielding center. Topped simply with onions, cilantro, and your choice of their house-made salsas, it's a masterclass in letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Carnitas
The carnitas are equally impressive—pork slow-cooked in its own fat until it develops a concentration of flavor that borders on the profound. The meat is pulled apart before serving, giving you a mix of tender morsels and crispy edges in each bite. A squeeze of lime and a spoonful of their roasted salsa verde creates a perfect harmony of rich, acidic, and spicy notes.
Cabeza
For the adventurous, the cabeza (beef head meat) offers an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor. This isn't a taco you'll find at most London Mexican spots, but it's a staple in authentic taquerias. The meat is supremely tender and packed with beefy flavor. If you've never tried it before, this is the place to take the plunge.
Salsas and Sides
The salsa bar is another highlight, offering several house-made options ranging from a mild pico de gallo to an incendiary habanero that's not for the faint-hearted. Each is freshly made and perfectly balanced, designed to complement rather than overwhelm the meat.
Don't miss the esquites—a cup of corn kernels mixed with mayo, cheese, chile, and lime. It's the perfect side dish to accompany your tacos, offering a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the savory meat fillings.
Drinks
As mentioned, La Chingada is BYOB, so bring your own beer or mezcal to enjoy with your meal. They do offer Mexican soft drinks, including the full range of Jarritos flavors and the cult favorite Coca-Cola from Mexico (made with cane sugar rather than corn syrup).
Final Thoughts
La Chingada earns our highest rating not by being the most innovative or the most polished taqueria in London, but by executing traditional Mexican tacos with uncompromising authenticity and skill. This is the real deal—a place run by Mexicans, for people who truly appreciate Mexican food.
The limited menu, casual setting, and occasional lines might deter some, but for taco enthusiasts seeking authenticity, these are small prices to pay for what are arguably the most faithful Mexico City-style tacos in London. La Chingada doesn't care about trends or Instagram; they care about honoring the traditions of Mexican street food, and it shows in every bite.
As part of our East London Taco Crawl, La Chingada serves as the gold standard against which other taquerias are measured. It's a reminder that sometimes the most unassuming places offer the most extraordinary food experiences. For anyone seeking to understand what real Mexican tacos are all about, La Chingada is an essential pilgrimage.
Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Monday: Closed