“One taco a day is the key to joy.” – Rico Rico Taco

One of my vegan gal pals recently shared a photo of tacos enveloped in hot pink tortillas, and I immediately made it my mission to try them! Rico Rico Vegano is a new sister restaurant to the famed Rico Rico Taco in Oakland, California. Rico Rico Taco was created after two taco truck successors fell in love, married, and opened their own restaurant combining the two families’ cuisines. Flash forward to 2023, and we have a new VEGAN version of Rico Rico, bound to reach unparalleled heights.

I was in the East Bay for my day job, so I scheduled a date for 1 at Rico Rico Vegano. Ordering at an all-vegan establishment is always tricky, as I want to try everything! I asked my hostess which were their favorites and ordered a Taco de Soyrizo, Taco de Camaron, Chips and Guacamole, and their pink Agua Fresca (Strawberry). My entree of two tacos also came with rice and beans, making a filling meal that I could not finish in one sitting. The Taco de Camaron is filled with battered vegan shrimp that is made in-house. The shrimp is made from konjac (root vegetable) and is juicy on the inside with a crispy outer coating, seasoned with a kick of heat. The shrimp is paired with cabbage, pico de gallo, pickled onions, and light chipotle crema. This was my favorite, as the crema and veggies, in combination with the spicy and crunchy shrimp, make for flavorful and balanced bites. The Taco de Soyrizo is just that- a taco with soyrizo that is housemade, tender, and not too hot. This taco was served traditionally with onion and cilantro, and a side of salsa and lime. All tacos are served with freshly made, HOT PINK Pitaya Tortillas (dragonfruit) that are as delectable as they are insta-worthy! The agua fresca, rice, beans, chips, and guacamole were all delicious but I was most impressed with their tacos (and not only because they were pink ;).

Rico Rico Vegano is just around the corner from its flagship restaurant Rico Rico Taco, just off Lakeshore Avenue. I love that this restaurant is directly across the street from the Oakland LGBTQ Center! I sat out front to eat and was able to think about my late brother who used to volunteer at the center regularly as a member of the board. I had a beautiful experience and would recommend Rico Rico Vegano to those looking for fresh vegan options in the East Bay, and especially to those on the fence about plant-based. This will make them a believer!

Just a note that this location has minimal seating that is all outdoors, and the restroom is located at the original Rico Rico Taco, so plan accordingly!

Have you visited Rico Rico Vegano, and are you as obsessed with their hot pink tortillas as myself?

Rico Rico Vegano Location: 677 Rand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Rico Rico Vegano Menu

Rico Rico Vegano on Instagram

RicoRicoTaco.com (not exclusively vegan, but their flagship restaurant)