MA' MONA

Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★★

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Standout Dishes: Al Pastor Vampiro Taco; Lengua Taco; Barbacoa Torta

Ma’ Mona translates to “my mother” in Spanish, and the name couldn’t be more fitting for this Omaha food truck. Because everything that comes out of the window is the creation of Margarita Gonzalez, the heart of the family that operates the truck and spreads their Jalisco culture.

And you’ll be hard-pressed to find better Mexican food anywhere in Omaha. The tacos coming off this truck (which parks of 36th & Q) have transportive powers, especially the viral Vampiro Tacos.

Ma’ Mona serves tacos, tortas, tamales, sopes, enchiladas, and more, but it’s calling card has become the Vampiro Taco. Two tortillas are fried to a perfect crispiness that elicits an audible crunch upon each bite. A melted, gooey cheese skirt adds a rich layer, with guacamole bringing a creamy, cooling element. Whatever protein you slide between the shells (it’s really more of a tortilla sandwich than a taco), you’re going to thoroughly enjoy this creation. It’s one of the best tacos in Omaha.

And it’s just one of the many dishes the Gonzalez family wanted to share with Omaha since they moved to the United States in 2010. Margarita has long wowed her family and friends with spectacular plates, and her husband, Manuel, encouraged her for years to share them with the general public. After finally figuring out the logistics, Ma’ Mona opened in 2023.

The first three months were painfully slow, and the Gonzalezes wondered if they made a mistake. But once Omaha discovered Ma’ Mona and word of these glorious tacos began to spread, business took off and the family hasn’t looked back since.

The menu has expanded over the years as customers have requested specific dishes. So while you’ll find a stable menu on the side of the truck, there are also a host of handwritten cards with other menu items plastered all over Ma’ Mona’s windows. Margarita’s culinary talent and passion for creating knows no bounds.

And it all starts with the meat, prepared fresh by Margarita each morning. Each protein has a distinct flavor profile and imparts whatever vehicle you choose with fantastic flavor:

Asada: the steak has a nice char, lending a smoky touch to its buttery, savory flavor.
Al Pastor: this tangy pork is succulent and vibrant, with a slight underlying sweetness.
Lengua: Don’t turn your nose up at beef tongue. It’s wonderful when prepared correctly, and Ma’ Mona showcases that. Cooked down over several hours, the meat is tender with a concentrated beef flavor.

Barbacoa: smoky, slightly spicy and just a little tangy, this shredded meat has a zesty finish.
Tinga: though the least flavorful of the proteins, this chicken has a nice subtle sweetness.

The tacos are of the street variety, so they’re relatively small, about 3-4 bites each. But they’re absolutely loaded with your protein of choice, along with crunchy fresh cut onions and a garden’s worth of cilantro.

The tortas are large sandwiches housed in soft telara bread that gets a nice crunch on the exterior. There’s plenty of meat loaded on, joined by creamy beans, melted cheese, avocados, tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream.

The sope starts with a small masa disc that’s deep fried to achieve a nice crispy texture, but still has a nice chewiness. That base is absolutely loaded with your protein, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a load of cotija cheese.

One of the most unique items Ma’ Mona offers are the Tacos Dorados de Papa. These fried tacos shells are filled with creamy potatoes and slathered in crema. The potato is well seasoned and has a great smooth texture, but there’s just not enough of it inside the taco. The crispy texture and creamy filling are perfect foils for each other; I just want more.

But that’s about the biggest complaint I have about Ma’ Mona; the food is so delicious that I just want more and more of it. Everything that comes off this truck, humble as it seems, is bursting with flavor. And when you meet the people behind it and see how much they care, it’s really no surprise this taco truck serves some of the best Mexican food in Omaha.