Broke Boy to Auckland’s taco king | Best tacos in Auckland

Summary

In this engaging behind-the-scenes look at Broke Boy Taco in Auckland, founder Sean Yarborough shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Kentucky to creating a thriving taco business. Emphasizing his love for birria tacos, Sean discusses the unique flavors and personal touches that set his food apart, including his signature orange sauce. The conversation highlights his challenges and triumphs, including support from UFC star Israel Adesanya, who became a business partner. With a focus on authenticity and passion for Mexican cuisine, Sean invites viewers to experience the best birria tacos in New Zealand.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sean Yarborough, founder of Broke Boy Taco, moved from Kentucky to Auckland and embraced his background with the name 'Broke Boy'.
• 🌮 Broke Boy Taco specializes in birria tacos, traditionally made with slow-cooked beef or goat, flavored with a blend of spices and served with various toppings.
• 🍊 Sean has introduced a unique orange sauce to his birria tacos, setting his offerings apart from other places.
• 💼 The idea for Broke Boy Taco emerged from Sean cooking tacos for his boss, who encouraged him to sell them.
• 🍽️ Broke Boy Taco started as a pop-up and gained popularity through social media, particularly TikTok, which helped expand its audience.
• 🏆 Sean's dedication to perfecting his birria recipe has led to widespread acclaim and a loyal customer base.
• 🤝 UFC fighter Israel Adesanya invested in Broke Boy Taco, highlighting the business's growth and appeal.
• ❤️ Sean views his cooking as a 'love letter to Mexico', expressing his passion for authentic Mexican cuisine.
• 🎥 The video showcases the visually stunning and flavorful dishes, emphasizing the quality of the food served.
• 📈 Broke Boy Taco has grown from a single hot plate to a second shop, reflecting its success and Sean's culinary journey.

Q & A

What inspired Sean to name his taco business 'Broke Boy Taco'?

Sean chose the name 'Broke Boy Taco' to reflect his personal experiences of feeling out of place among wealthy people in Auckland. He embraced his humble background, growing up in one of the poorest states in America.

What are birria tacos, and how are they traditionally prepared?

Birria tacos consist of slow-cooked beef, lamb, or goat, traditionally made with goat meat. The meat is cooked in a blend of dried peppers and spices for about eight hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.

What unique twist does Sean add to his birria tacos?

Sean adds an orange sauce to his birria tacos, which is not traditionally included. This signature twist has become popular, with other places starting to adopt it after he introduced it.

How did Sean transition from cooking at a restaurant to starting his own taco business?

Sean was encouraged by his boss at Ralph's to start selling tacos after he showcased his cooking skills. He began operating on Sundays with a hot plate he bought for $200, sharing a portion of the profits with the restaurant.

What was Sean's initial menu like, and how did he decide to focus solely on birria?

Initially, Sean offered a variety of tacos, including chicken and vegetarian options. However, after developing a passion for birria and receiving positive feedback, he decided to specialize in birria tacos despite concerns from others.

What impact did social media have on Broke Boy Taco's popularity?

A TikTok video featuring Sean cooking birria tacos went viral, garnering over 250,000 views overnight. This surge in visibility led to long lines and increased demand for his tacos, establishing him as a local sensation.

How did Israel Adesanya become involved with Broke Boy Taco?

Israel Adesanya was a customer who enjoyed Sean's food. After connecting, he offered to invest in the business when Sean planned to expand, becoming a supportive partner in the venture.

What does Sean consider to be the hallmark of his tacos?

Sean believes the quality and richness of the birria meat, combined with the perfect balance of toppings and sauces, are key to making the best tacos. He emphasizes using fresh ingredients and creating a flavorful experience.

How does Sean respond to criticism about his interpretation of Mexican food?

Sean views his tacos as a love letter to Mexican cuisine, made with respect for the traditions while incorporating his unique style. He focuses on creating delicious food that he enjoys making and sharing.

What elements make the dining experience at Broke Boy Taco special?

The experience at Broke Boy Taco is enhanced by the vibrant flavors of the food, the visually appealing presentation, and Sean's passion for cooking. Customers can enjoy a range of delicious options, including tacos and birria ramen, in a welcoming atmosphere.