Eastern Ottawa's Taco Scene Shines with Authentic Mexican Flavors
Food critic Peter Hum has long faced playful criticism for a perceived bias toward Ottawa's western neighborhoods in his restaurant reviews. Readers have jested about his ventures east of Bank Street, with one quipping, "Geez, you actually found your way east of Bank Street. Wow. You must have gotten lost." Another remarked, "I guess the world falls off east of the Vanier Parkway." Hum acknowledges this tendency, noting his west-of-downtown residence influences his reporting radius, such as when he proclaimed Kanata as Ottawa's most delicious suburb, a claim less relevant for residents in Orléans.
Redemption Through Tacos: Two Eastern Eateries Take Center Stage
In a move toward culinary redemption, Hum now highlights two exceptional taco spots in Ottawa's east end, offering a flavorful counterpoint to his previous westerly focus. The spotlight falls on Ay Wey! Mexican Street Tacos, a vibrant establishment that opened less than five months ago on McArthur Avenue in Vanier. The name "Ay Wey!" is Mexican slang often interpreted as "Holy crap!"—a fitting exclamation for the delicious creations served here.
Chef-owner Juan Carlos Domínguez and his wife Beatriz Delgado bring decades of culinary expertise to Ay Wey!. Domínguez, trained as a chef in Mexico, moved to Ottawa in 1995 and has worked as executive chef at the embassies of Mexico and Algeria, as well as at Les Moulins de Provence in the ByWard Market. Currently, he also serves as chef at the Canadian Blood Services' corporate office cafeteria. With his sons now older, Domínguez seized the opportunity to open Ay Wey! to showcase his homeland's cuisine, introducing dishes previously unavailable in Ottawa.
Tacos al Pastor: A Mexican Street Food Specialty
The star attraction at Ay Wey! is the tacos al pastor, featuring marinated, slow-roasted pork carved from a vertical, rotating spit known as a trompo (Spanish for "spinning top"). Domínguez imported his trompo from his hometown, Mexico City, ensuring authenticity. This dish has historical roots, believed to have been inspired by Lebanese immigrants who brought shawarma to Mexico, leading to a fusion that delights palates today.
Ay Wey! offers four variations of al pastor tacos, each garnished with pineapple and house-made salsa. The basic version, topped with onion and cilantro, is a crowd-pleaser. The "negro" edition, marinated with black chiles, delivers a smoky, intriguing flavor profile. For cheese enthusiasts, the "con costra de queso" adds griddled cheese, while a vegan option features annatto- and guajillo pepper-infused soy product, praised by vegan friends as a standout.
Beyond Tacos: A Commitment to Full-Flavored Authenticity
Alongside Ay Wey!, Hum also mentions Tortilla Maker, another easterly taco joint striving for full-flavored authenticity. Both establishments are celebrated for offering tasty dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in the city, enriching Ottawa's culinary landscape. Domínguez's dedication extends to beverages, with in-house fermented pineapple drink tepache complementing the meal.
This exploration not only addresses past biases but also underscores the vibrant food culture thriving in Ottawa's east end. For taco aficionados seeking genuine Mexican street food, heading east proves to be excellent advice, with Ay Wey! and Tortilla Maker leading the charge in flavor and authenticity.
