La Toxica, the family-run Mexican taqueria in Montréal, serves al pastor tacos: marinated pork cooked on a trompo, a vertical rotating spit, and served on corn tortillas with pineapple. You can order them at our Villeray restaurant on Plaza Saint-Hubert and at our Chinatown Saint-Laurent location. Rosa Castellanos opened La Toxica in 2022, and while birria is our best-known dish, al pastor is the taco to try if you want something smoky, sweet and a little spicy.
Hungry for al pastor? Browse the La Toxica menu or compare it with our birria tacos in Montreal.
What does al pastor mean in tacos?
“Al pastor” means “shepherd style” in Spanish. The name points to the technique’s roots: Lebanese immigrants brought spit-roasted meat to Mexico, and local cooks adapted it with pork, dried chiles, achiote and pineapple. The result is a Mexican dish in its own right, even though its cooking method echoes shawarma.
Where does al pastor come from?
Al pastor developed in Mexico, where cooks swapped lamb for pork and replaced Middle Eastern spices with the flavours already central to the local kitchen. Dried chiles gave it colour and depth, achiote paste added earthiness, and pineapple brought sweetness and acidity. Today it is one of the most recognizable tacos in Mexican cooking.
How is al pastor made on a trompo?
A trompo is a vertical spit that turns beside a heat source. Cooks stack thin slices of marinated pork on it, usually crowned with a whole pineapple. As the spit rotates, the outside of the meat caramelizes and chars while the inside stays juicy. The cook then shaves thin pieces directly from the spit onto a tortilla.
What goes into the al pastor marinade?
The marinade is what separates al pastor from plain grilled pork. A traditional version combines several elements, though every kitchen has its own balance.
- Dried chiles such as guajillo and ancho add a smoky, earthy base.
- Achiote paste gives the pork its rust-red colour and a mild, nutty note.
- Pineapple adds sweetness and acidity, and helps tenderize the meat.
- Garlic, cumin and vinegar round out the flavour and add warmth.
Why is pineapple part of al pastor tacos?
The pineapple does two jobs. On the trompo, its juices run down the pork as it turns, adding a light glaze. On the taco, a piece of pineapple balances the richness of the meat and the heat of the chiles, so each bite tastes smoky, savoury and sweet at once.
Where can I eat al pastor tacos in Montreal?
La Toxica serves al pastor tacos at two restaurants, so you can choose the one closer to you.
- Plaza Saint-Hubert (Villeray): 7221 rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal QC H2R 2N2, near métro Jean-Talon. Call 514 277-1111. See the Plaza Saint-Hubert location page for details.
- Chinatown Saint-Laurent: 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal QC H2Z 1J6, with an upper-floor entrance separate from the ground floor, near métro Saint-Laurent and Place-d’Armes. Call 438 380-8995. See the Chinatown Saint-Laurent location page for details.
Street parking nearby is paid and limited, and there are paid lots in both neighbourhoods. If you cannot visit, our online ordering page is available, and we are also on Uber Eats and DoorDash.
What is the difference between al pastor and birria tacos?
Al pastor and birria are both Mexican taco traditions, but they differ in nearly every way, from the meat to the way you eat them.
- The meat: Al pastor is marinated pork. Birria is traditionally goat or beef.
- The cooking method: Al pastor roasts on a trompo and is shaved to order. Birria is slow-braised until the meat is tender.
- The serving style: Al pastor is served dry with pineapple, onion and cilantro. Birria comes with its consommé, the rich broth you dip the taco into.
- The flavour: Al pastor tastes smoky, sweet and bright. Birria tastes deep, warming and savoury.
La Toxica built its reputation on birria, made from Rosa’s grandmother’s recipe, which went viral in 2021. If you cannot decide, order one of each and compare. You can read more about Rosa Castellanos and the family behind La Toxica.
How should I order al pastor tacos at La Toxica?
Al pastor tacos are served on corn tortillas, which are the base of our tacos. Add fresh salsa to taste, since a little acidity and heat suit the sweet, smoky pork. Check the menu for the current taco lineup and sides.
Can I eat al pastor with allergies or gluten concerns?
Corn tortillas are the base, but our kitchen also handles wheat. Tell the staff about any allergy when you order so they can guide you. We cannot promise a gluten-free meal or the absence of cross-contamination.
Are there deals on tacos at La Toxica?
Our weekly promotions are for dine-in only, not delivery. On Tuesday and Wednesday, all-you-can-eat tacos are 25,99 $ per person. Thursday brings slush margaritas in strawberry, mango and lime, and Friday has shooters. Alcohol promotions are for guests 18 and over. See the current details on the promotions page.
When are the La Toxica restaurants open?
Plaza Saint-Hubert is open Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm. Chinatown Saint-Laurent is closed on Monday, open Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 pm to 9 pm, Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. To plan a group meal, use the online reservation page.
Frequently asked questions about al pastor tacos at La Toxica
Does La Toxica serve al pastor tacos in Montreal?
Yes, La Toxica serves al pastor tacos at its Plaza Saint-Hubert restaurant in Villeray and at its Chinatown Saint-Laurent location. Check the menu for the current taco lineup.
What is al pastor at La Toxica made of?
Al pastor is marinated pork, traditionally flavoured with dried chiles, achiote and pineapple and cooked on a trompo. It is served on a corn tortilla with pineapple, onion and cilantro.
Is La Toxica’s al pastor the same as birria?
No. Al pastor is spit-roasted pork served dry, while birria is slow-braised beef or goat served with consommé for dipping. La Toxica serves both, and birria is made from Rosa’s grandmother’s recipe.
Can I get La Toxica al pastor tacos delivered?
You can order through Uber Eats and DoorDash, or use the online ordering page on our site. The weekly promotions are dine-in only and do not apply to delivery.
Does La Toxica handle allergies when serving al pastor tacos?
La Toxica asks you to tell the staff about any allergy when you order. Corn tortillas are the base, but the kitchen handles wheat, so we cannot promise gluten-free or cross-contamination-free food.
Can La Toxica cater al pastor for an event in Montreal?
La Toxica offers catering (traiteur) with birria, al pastor, carnitas and vegetarian options for home, corporate and private events, and its food truck serves Greater Montréal. Use the quote form to confirm your menu and any allergies.
Planning a party or a work lunch? Tell us about your event through the La Toxica catering quote form and we will build a taco menu around it.
