A render of the new Capital Food Market precinct, where the new Jarochos site will open later this year. Photo: Elanor Investors Group.
The Jarochos food truck has become a common sight around town, making regular appearances in Braddon, Dunlop, by the lake and at festivals all over Canberra like Enlighten, The Forage and Beerfest.
Fans of the authentic Mexican tacos will be excited to hear that owner Cesar Corripio will be setting up a permanent location in the new Capital Food Market development in Belconnen.
Formerly Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, the Capital Food Market is slated to open its brand new building in November, and Jarochos will be one of many food vendors at the new site. There will be over 40 fresh food providores and casual dining options in the new space, which has taken inspiration from the food halls of Europe.
Cult favourite Jarochos make some of the best authentic Mexican tacos in Canberra. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The Belconnen markets have been supporting independent market traders since 1976, and this new development seeks to capitalise on the rapid growth of the area.
A new residential development called The Markets broke ground in April and is due to deliver 313 apartments right next door to the Capital Food Market site, delivering a ready-made audience for the new foodie precinct.
Cesar said he was attracted to the new development for a few different reasons. As a Belconnen resident, he was excited to have an opportunity close to his family. But he said he also liked the design of the space.
“It’s a good place for the way I want to grow the business. I like the outdoor areas with grass and a nice place for people to have a drink and some food,” he told Region.
Jarochos will have an expanded menu at the new Belconnen location. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Jarochos’ menu has previously been limited to a handful of taco flavours due to the space and resources of the food truck, but the new shop will give Cesar the opportunity to flex his creative muscles and make more of his ingredients from scratch.
“I’m planning to bring a machine to make fresh corn tortillas,” Cesar said.
“I think this will suit the fresh food market, and I can use them for myself but people can buy them to take home also.”
Cesar is full of ideas about the potential for the business: selling fresh corn tortillas, bottling his delicious hot sauces, and even serving cocktails. One of the biggest changes will be the number of dishes he’s able to serve.
“I’m gonna do a three-course menu! It’s going to be nice, authentic Mexican dishes: not just tacos.”
One of Jarochos’ most popular menu items is the adobada taco, which features spiced pork and pineapple. Cesar explained that, traditionally, the pork for this taco would be grilled with a whole pineapple. In the food truck, Cesar has had to replicate this process using a barbecue and chopped pineapple pieces, but he’s hoping that he’ll be able to showcase the traditional technique in the new location.
Cesar Corripio (R) with his mum, who has helped him out in the van at Jarochos. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The building is still under construction, so he’s waiting to see exactly what space and equipment he’ll be able to set up. And he’s also on the lookout for staff to help him with the shop.
Cesar said the food truck will continue to operate even after the new location opens, and you can find his green truck around town to get your fix of tacos in the meantime.
Current traders at the Capital Food Market are located in a temporary market shed, open from 8 am to 6 pm Wednesday to Sunday. The new development is due to open in November 2023. Visit the Capital Food Market website for more information, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Visit the Jarochos website for more details, and follow Jarochos on Facebook or Instagram to see where the food truck is parked each week and to find out when they open the new store.
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