Hometown Cuisine of a Taiwanese-Mexican Girl: Signature Mexican Beef Tacos

Text & photos /Shadow

We don’t know many Mexican restaurants in Kaohsiung, but there’s one — “MICASITA 米卡希达” tucked away in an alley next to Xinguang Road near the 85 Sky Tower. This hidden gem is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The owner, Ya You, has Taiwanese-Mexican heritage. Her father, a Taiwanese sailor, met a Mexican girl while sailing and eventually married her after years at sea. Ya You frequently traveled between Taiwan and Mexico during her elementary school years. During her time in Mexico, she was taken care of by her grandmother, who often cooked traditional Mexican dishes for them. Little did she know, these hometown recipes would later inspire her dream of opening a restaurant.　

In middle school, Ya You’s parents divorced, and she never returned to Mexico afterward. Years later, her desire to open a restaurant was partly inspired by those childhood memories of her grandmother’s cooking. The flavors of Mexican food she tasted as a child resurfaced through her memories. In the blink of an eye, the restaurant has been open for several years. The name “米卡希达” (MICASITA) means “home,” reflecting how much Ya You misses her family in Mexico.

Besides offering restaurant dishes, the shop also imports some food items from Mexico, such as Mexican chili sauces, which are available here.

The exotic-themed restaurant occasionally sees foreigners gathering for meals or events, giving off a warm and lively atmosphere.

The restaurant provides chilled lemon water for every table. Utensils and sauces are placed on the shelf near the entrance for customers to help themselves.

We were quite unfamiliar with Mexican cuisine, but the staff’s explanations helped us understand a bit more. The dining style is self-service: you check off your choices on the MENU, then order and pay at the counter.

Seafood Medley Cheese Quesadilla – NT$248

Fresh shrimp are grilled to release a rich aroma. The thin tortilla also hides potatoes inside for added texture. The accompanying salsa not only has the familiar tangy tomato flavor but also a hint of spice, making it even tastier when paired with the cheese quesadilla.

Pork and Vegetable Casserole – NT$198 / with rice

The broth is made by simmering vegetables, then cooking a whole piece of pork loin until it melts into the soup. Pork slices and Mexican corn kernels are added, resulting in a rich meaty flavor. The usual way to enjoy it is by pouring the soup over stir-fried rice.

To enhance the texture of the rice, Taiwanese long-grain rice is used — it’s fluffy yet not sticky.

Luxury Seafood Paella – NT$248

This dish includes shrimp, mussels, and squid. The rice base is cooked with tomatoes, giving the paella a slightly tangy flavor that some may find appealing.

Mexican Beef Tacos – NT$238 / with fries

Tacos refer to the Mexican corn tortillas, the most basic and iconic food in Mexico.

This is a popular item on the menu — tortillas filled with beef, salsa, and plenty of fresh vegetables, offering a refreshing taste.

Nacho Balls – NT$188

A classic Mexican snack made with fried tortilla chips topped with minced pork and salsa. The minced pork is stir-fried separately, giving it a particularly fragrant taste. Paired with the chips and salsa, it’s delicious.

Jade Green Tea – NT$60 (left), Fresh Milk Tea – NT$90 (right)

Check out the in-store activities ↑

Ya You has put a lot of thought into the restaurant — it’s not just a tribute to her grandmother and family, but also a way to help Taiwanese friends better understand home-style Mexican cuisine. Mexican food makes extensive use of tomatoes and chili peppers, especially condiments like salsa, which give the dishes a naturally fresh and appetizing taste rather than being as salty or spicy as commonly perceived. For those wanting to try authentic Mexican cuisine, MICASITA is a great choice — recommended for anyone who loves international flavors.

MICASITA 米卡希达
Address: No. 39, Lane 140, Xinguang Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-2691433
Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:30–21:00
Closed on Tuesdays

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