Taco Bell

Yeah_Jackie · 08-07-2013, 19:10

Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK?

I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on.

As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK.

Why haven't they caught on?

stud u like · 08-07-2013, 19:15

I suppose they are easy enough to make at home.

whitecliffe · 08-07-2013, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by stud u like

I suppose they are easy enough to make at home.

Unlike pizza's and burgers then!

Jol44 · 08-07-2013, 19:45

They don't look too appealing to me to be honest.

I guess part of it might be that we don't have a high population with Mexican/South American heritage, as they do in the US.

shmisk · 08-07-2013, 19:57

I was excited to go to Taco Bell when I went to Florida last year

I was so disappointed

Microkorg · 08-07-2013, 19:59

Used to be one in Leicester Square back in the 80's, long gone.
The food was great IMHO

Yeah_Jackie · 08-07-2013, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microkorg

Used to be one in Leicester Square back in the 80's, long gone.
The food was great IMHO

I have only had them a couple of times in the States but I thought they were a great alternative to the usual fare we get here as fast food.

jaymmu · 08-07-2013, 21:22

Been to the Manchester one a couple of times and the food is just cheap, over-processed rubbish. The fries and sauces in the sachets were quite nice though

mrkite77 · 08-07-2013, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmisk

I was excited to go to Taco Bell when I went to Florida last year

I was so disappointed

Try it again when it's 3am and you're drunk. That's what Taco Bell is for.

alcockell · 08-07-2013, 23:21

Might the Mission chain be more acceptable to the UK?

mrkite77 · 08-07-2013, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcockell

Might the Mission chain be more acceptable to the UK?

I'd recommend something like Filibertos. It's a pretty good mexican fast food chain all over the US southwest. (There are similar places all over, called Los Betos, Robertos, Albertos, etc)

Here's a video from inside the kitchen of a Filibertos in Arizona, it's en espanol but you get the idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUf6P7YhnLU

flower faerie · 10-07-2013, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaymmu

Been to the Manchester one a couple of times and the food is just cheap, over-processed rubbish. The fries and sauces in the sachets were quite nice though

They have fries at the UK Taco Bells? Are they just regular french fries or different?

I eat at Taco Bell a few times a year. They're nothing special but every now and then I get a craving for cheap fake "Mexican food".

SHAFT · 10-07-2013, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie

Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK?

I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on.

As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK.

Why haven't they caught on?

Because they are basically the tex mex equivalent of McDonalds. Sub standard processed crap (with added horse meat). Even chains like Chiquitos serve much better food.

Try Wahaca for some decent Mexican food.

Yeah_Jackie · 10-07-2013, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHAFT

Because they are basically the tex mex equivalent of McDonalds. Sub standard processed crap (with added horse meat). Even chains like Chiquitos serve much better food.

Try Wahaca for some decent Mexican food.

I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards.

Not that I have this kind of crap very often but sometimes you know, you just crave stuff.

SHAFT · 11-07-2013, 16:38

Edible is debatable. Aside from the horsemeat scandal most of Taco Bells food looks like someone has already eaten it.

Jakone-Bee · 11-07-2013, 16:41

Mexican food just isn't popular here. There's even very few Mexican restaurants.

walterwhite · 11-07-2013, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jol44

They don't look too appealing to me to be honest.

I guess part of it might be that we don't have a high population with Mexican/South American heritage, as they do in the US.

Do Mexicans eat at Taco Bell? Really?

gdjman68wasdigi · 30-07-2014, 08:13

Old El Paso tacos are ok, I sometimes make them

gashead · 30-07-2014, 10:48

Never seen the appeal of tacos. Are they supposed to be crispy, or is that just how El Paso and Chiquitos and the like make them, perhaps thinking that's what we like? You've got this crispy, crunchy shell, into which you put all manner of moist fillings, so one of two things happens when you try to eat it. Either it's got soggy, giving it the texture and taste of cardboard, or it crumbles when you take the first bite. The Mexicans perfected their cuisine with the burrito. Practically waterproof and you have to wrap both hands around it. No way that filling's escaping.

walterwhite · 30-07-2014, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by gashead

Never seen the appeal of tacos. Are they supposed to be crispy, or is that just how El Paso and Chiquitos and the like make them, perhaps thinking that's what we like? You've got this crispy, crunchy shell, into which you put all manner of moist fillings, so one of two things happens when you try to eat it. Either it's got soggy, giving it the texture and taste of cardboard, or it crumbles when you take the first bite. The Mexicans perfected their cuisine with the burrito. Practically waterproof and you have to wrap both hands around it. No way that filling's escaping.

Taco's can be crispy or soft. But I agree, the crispy ones are almost impossible to eat.

Matthew_Howarth · 31-07-2014, 02:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie

Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK?

I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on.

As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK.

Why haven't they caught on?

Used to love going to Taco Bell when I visited the States - a long time ago now - thanks to the OP for raising the subject.

If I ever go there again - would certainly go to one again, definitely.

My mum is over in the US now - i should perhaps suggest for her to go to one, really.

Thanks to the OP for raising it - its a good question as to why there aren't more (or indeed any here) - there certainly should be. Probably haven't caught on, as yet.

Moggio · 02-08-2014, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie

Why haven't they caught on?

Probably because it is a terrible chain that serves awful food.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie

I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards.

Not that I have this kind of crap very often but sometimes you know, you just crave stuff.

There's Tortilla. Not sure if there's any chains near you though.

Aftershow · 02-08-2014, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moggio

Probably because it is a terrible chain that serves awful food.

This. They are dreadful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie

I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards.

Mexican 'fast food' can be done a lot better than Taco Bell.

walterwhite · 03-08-2014, 10:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aftershow

This. They are dreadful.

Mexican 'fast food' can be done a lot better than Taco Bell.

And Burgers can be done lots better than McDonalds, chicken lots better than KFC etc etc.

Matthew_Howarth · 04-08-2014, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aftershow

This. They are dreadful.

Well done on your 6K posts btw, Aftershow.

08-07-2013, 19:10	#1
Yeah_Jackie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Jackie's World Posts: 15,321	Taco Bell Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK? I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on. As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK. Why haven't they caught on?

08-07-2013, 19:15	#2
stud u like Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Sunny Side Of The Street Posts: 40,105	I suppose they are easy enough to make at home.

08-07-2013, 19:29	#3
whitecliffe Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bored with Digital Spy Yawn Posts: 3,676	Quote: Originally Posted by stud u like I suppose they are easy enough to make at home. Unlike pizza's and burgers then!

08-07-2013, 19:45	#4
Jol44 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 20,783	They don't look too appealing to me to be honest. I guess part of it might be that we don't have a high population with Mexican/South American heritage, as they do in the US.

08-07-2013, 19:57	#5
shmisk Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 7,333	I was excited to go to Taco Bell when I went to Florida last year I was so disappointed

08-07-2013, 19:59	#6
Microkorg Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sussex Posts: 2,341	Used to be one in Leicester Square back in the 80's, long gone. The food was great IMHO

08-07-2013, 20:29	#7
Yeah_Jackie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Jackie's World Posts: 15,321	Quote: Originally Posted by Microkorg Used to be one in Leicester Square back in the 80's, long gone. The food was great IMHO I have only had them a couple of times in the States but I thought they were a great alternative to the usual fare we get here as fast food.

08-07-2013, 21:22	#8
jaymmu Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 56	Been to the Manchester one a couple of times and the food is just cheap, over-processed rubbish. The fries and sauces in the sachets were quite nice though

08-07-2013, 22:54	#9
mrkite77 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 5,220	Quote: Originally Posted by shmisk I was excited to go to Taco Bell when I went to Florida last year I was so disappointed Try it again when it's 3am and you're drunk. That's what Taco Bell is for.

08-07-2013, 23:21	#10
alcockell Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 23,357	Might the Mission chain be more acceptable to the UK?

08-07-2013, 23:56	#11
mrkite77 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: arizona Posts: 5,220	Quote: Originally Posted by alcockell Might the Mission chain be more acceptable to the UK? I'd recommend something like Filibertos. It's a pretty good mexican fast food chain all over the US southwest. (There are similar places all over, called Los Betos, Robertos, Albertos, etc) Here's a video from inside the kitchen of a Filibertos in Arizona, it's en espanol but you get the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUf6P7YhnLU

10-07-2013, 00:06	#12
flower faerie Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 379	Quote: Originally Posted by jaymmu Been to the Manchester one a couple of times and the food is just cheap, over-processed rubbish. The fries and sauces in the sachets were quite nice though They have fries at the UK Taco Bells? Are they just regular french fries or different? I eat at Taco Bell a few times a year. They're nothing special but every now and then I get a craving for cheap fake "Mexican food".

10-07-2013, 08:33	#13
SHAFT Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 4,252	Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK? I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on. As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK. Why haven't they caught on? Because they are basically the tex mex equivalent of McDonalds. Sub standard processed crap (with added horse meat). Even chains like Chiquitos serve much better food. Try Wahaca for some decent Mexican food.

10-07-2013, 13:33	#14
Yeah_Jackie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Jackie's World Posts: 15,321	Quote: Originally Posted by SHAFT Because they are basically the tex mex equivalent of McDonalds. Sub standard processed crap (with added horse meat). Even chains like Chiquitos serve much better food. Try Wahaca for some decent Mexican food. I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards. Not that I have this kind of crap very often but sometimes you know, you just crave stuff.

11-07-2013, 16:38	#15
SHAFT Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 4,252	Edible is debatable. Aside from the horsemeat scandal most of Taco Bells food looks like someone has already eaten it.

11-07-2013, 16:41	#16
Jakone-Bee Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,644	Mexican food just isn't popular here. There's even very few Mexican restaurants.

11-07-2013, 18:39	#17
walterwhite Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21,729	Quote: Originally Posted by Jol44 They don't look too appealing to me to be honest. I guess part of it might be that we don't have a high population with Mexican/South American heritage, as they do in the US. Do Mexicans eat at Taco Bell? Really?

30-07-2014, 08:13	#18
gdjman68wasdigi Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Liverpool/sarf London. Posts: 11,759	Old El Paso tacos are ok, I sometimes make them

30-07-2014, 10:48	#19
gashead Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 9,439	Never seen the appeal of tacos. Are they supposed to be crispy, or is that just how El Paso and Chiquitos and the like make them, perhaps thinking that's what we like? You've got this crispy, crunchy shell, into which you put all manner of moist fillings, so one of two things happens when you try to eat it. Either it's got soggy, giving it the texture and taste of cardboard, or it crumbles when you take the first bite. The Mexicans perfected their cuisine with the burrito. Practically waterproof and you have to wrap both hands around it. No way that filling's escaping.

30-07-2014, 13:01	#20
walterwhite Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21,729	Quote: Originally Posted by gashead Never seen the appeal of tacos. Are they supposed to be crispy, or is that just how El Paso and Chiquitos and the like make them, perhaps thinking that's what we like? You've got this crispy, crunchy shell, into which you put all manner of moist fillings, so one of two things happens when you try to eat it. Either it's got soggy, giving it the texture and taste of cardboard, or it crumbles when you take the first bite. The Mexicans perfected their cuisine with the burrito. Practically waterproof and you have to wrap both hands around it. No way that filling's escaping. Taco's can be crispy or soft. But I agree, the crispy ones are almost impossible to eat.

31-07-2014, 02:03	#21
Matthew_Howarth Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 8,515	Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie Does anyone know why there are so few here in the UK? I think they are a great alternative to burgers, kebabs, fried chicken and so on. As far as I know there are only 2 or 3 of these across the UK. Why haven't they caught on? Used to love going to Taco Bell when I visited the States - a long time ago now - thanks to the OP for raising the subject. If I ever go there again - would certainly go to one again, definitely. My mum is over in the US now - i should perhaps suggest for her to go to one, really. Thanks to the OP for raising it - its a good question as to why there aren't more (or indeed any here) - there certainly should be. Probably haven't caught on, as yet.

DS Forums

Taco Bell

02-08-2014, 16:45	#22
Moggio Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 4,096	Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie Why haven't they caught on? Probably because it is a terrible chain that serves awful food. Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards. Not that I have this kind of crap very often but sometimes you know, you just crave stuff. There's Tortilla. Not sure if there's any chains near you though.

02-08-2014, 19:51	#23
Aftershow Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,568	Quote: Originally Posted by Moggio Probably because it is a terrible chain that serves awful food. This. They are dreadful. Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah_Jackie I'm not looking for "decent" Mexican food. I am looking for perfectly edible McDonald's equivalent, fast Mexican food as an alternative to the usual fried chicken, fried chicken, fried chicken shop every 5 yards. Mexican 'fast food' can be done a lot better than Taco Bell.

03-08-2014, 10:00	#24
walterwhite Forum Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 21,729	Quote: Originally Posted by Aftershow This. They are dreadful. Mexican 'fast food' can be done a lot better than Taco Bell. And Burgers can be done lots better than McDonalds, chicken lots better than KFC etc etc.

04-08-2014, 06:41	#25
Matthew_Howarth Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 8,515	Quote: Originally Posted by Aftershow This. They are dreadful. Well done on your 6K posts btw, Aftershow.