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Taquería El Primo, by Mexican-born chef Jonathan Colin, opened its doors just a week ago in the heart of Al Wasl, offering a no-frills, honest street food experience to Dubai.
A Mexico City native, Jon grew up surrounded by his grandmother, mother and aunts who cooked with their hearts in the household. His professional career was spent working in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens, including Zuma Abu Dhabi and La Petite Maison (LPM) Dubai, London and Hong Kong. His stints at these restaurants played an important role in his evolution as a chef, leading him to create K’IIN Supper Club in 2022 and build a community of curious food lovers who are connected by their shared experiences of Jon’s intimate, storytelling Mexican dinner tables.
Now, Jon begins the next chapter of his journey with Taquería El Primo, where his childhood, career and love for Mexican culture come together. Inspired by the tacos Jon grew up eating, El Primo brings traditional dishes to our plates. Guests will find timeless classics such as Tacos al Pastor, featuring achiote and pineapple-marinated fillings inspired by traditional street-style preparation in Mexico, alongside Suadero-style tacos with slow-cooked elements and rich, comforting flavours that honour the essence of the original. Alongside these, you’ll find a selection of Baja-style fish tacos, as well as vegetarian options like mushroom birria and Baja-style tofu tacos.
El Primo also offers classic refreshments, “Aguas Frescas” served ice-cold, like Horchata and Jamaica. For dessert, Chef Jon’s Vanilla Cheesecake, a light, creamy showstopper and crowd favourite from K’IIN Supperclub, makes a return on the El Primo menu, with a hint of tropical passion fruit for a fresh new take.
“Through El Primo, I want to tell the stories of Mexican culture, our land, and our people,” says Jon. “Every taco on the menu brings back the smells and flavours of Mexico City’s street food that I grew up with, and there’s no better place to share these memories than the city I’ve called home for the last decade.”’
With a laid-back vibe reminiscent of an 80’s-style taquería in México, showcased by its red-and- white tiling and heart-warming dishes, El Primo is a neighbourhood spot that offers an exceptional and fun experience. It’s casual yet full of character, the kind of place where food is meant to be shared, stories are welcome, and a salsa selection awaits.
Guests can enjoy a range of salsas designed to add depth, heat, and personality to every bite, including salsa macha, salsa árbol, habanero salsa, tomatillo tatemado, and avocado salsa, always served on the house, the true Mexican way.