5 Best Creative Tacos

1. Kimchi Falafel Tacos

The Wheelhouse, 1670 E. Saint Louis St., Springfield, 417-351-5220, wheelhousefood.com

A recurring special, these Kimchi Falafel Tacos are the stuff of fusion cuisine dreams. Homemade corn tortillas barely contain the crunchy, flavorful falafel; tangy, organic kimchi; and house-made Thai hot sauce. Top it off with some guac—it’s extra, but you’ll be glad you splurged.

Also try: The Peanut Chicken Tacos. Shredded chicken meets salty Thai peanut sauce in a perfect Thai-Mexican combo.

2. Hawaiian Chicken Taco

Great American Taco Co., 2915 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-315-8745; 2150 W. Republic Road, Springfield

Great American Taco Co. is known for its menu full of inventive recipes, and few are as delicious as its Hawaiian Chicken Taco. Juicy citrus-marinated chicken is topped with sweet chili sauce, pineapple pico, bacon, cabbage, feta and cilantro sour cream. It’s not overly sweet and certainly jam-packed with flavor. 

Also try: A Caprese Chicken Taco. If you love the salad, you’ll dig the taco version, too.

3. Fu Yu Taco

Tinga Tacos, 308 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-831-8007, facebook.com/tingatacos

Tofu on a taco sounds like a weird combination, but Tinga Tacos has perfected the mix in its vegan Fu Yu Taco. Firm tofu joins mango habanero syrup, cabbage, cilantro and pickled carrots and onions. Bonus: All tacos come with your choice of flour, corn or crunchy shells.

Also try: A Fruity Piggles Taco. Habenero fig jam on a pork taco? Yes, please.

4. Yin Yang Taco

Not’cho Ordinary Taco, Parked at Aldrich Road and Springfield Ave., Bolivar, 417-399-1101, facebook.com/notchoordinarytaco

Honey Sriracha–glazed shrimp pack heat into this unusual taco served with teriyaki slaw and pineapple chutney that adds a hint of sweetness. Did we mention the sinful fried wonton shell?

Also try: A Neverfake Cheesesteak Taco. The traditional sandwich fixings join jalapeño cream cheese, cilantro, chipotle aioli, tomato and lettuce.

5. Machaca con Huevo a la Mexicana

Tortilleria Perches, 1601 W. Sunshine St., Suite M, Springfield, 417-864-8195

What’s better than a taco? A breakfast taco. Tortilleria Perches serves several on its breakfast menu. Our favorite is the Machaca Con Huevo a La Mexicana. Tender barbacoa scrambled in eggs and wrapped in a homemade flour or white corn tortilla is just what your morning needs.

Also try: A Chorizo Con Huevo y Papas Taco. Swap the barbacoa for chorizo and add in potatoes.