Shiprock Frybread Pop-Up Dinner

The Shiprock Pop-Up is bringing Philly its [most-likely] first experience with Frybread Tacos. Frybread or Navajo Tacos are a roadside/street food popular in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. It’s described as an “awesome fusion of Navajo, Mexican and state fair Tex-Mex cusine, rarely (if ever) found in this part of the country.”

Shiprock is a joint effort between locals Marcos Espinoza (aka blogger Fidel Gastro, founder of Side Project Jerky) whose family owns Navajo Hogan, a legit Frybread Taco joint in Utah; Lucio Palazzo, chef of La Calaca Feliz and Hawk Krall, blogger and illustrator.

“Every Navajo taco starts with a base of fried dough, most commonly topped with chili beans, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and fresh salsas. Many variations exist ranging from stewed mutton to vegetarian and dessert styles.” says Krall.

The Pop-Up is happening tonight, at 12 Steps Down, near the Italian Market starting at 9pm until midnight or whenever they run out of food. These three gentlemen will be selling 3 different kinds of tacos plus a dessert variation. It’s first come/first serve, with no reservations. Marcos’ mother will even be in the kitchen along with them to ensure their tacos live up to the authentic Utah standard.

Shiprock Pop-Up
Mon, Jan 21st 9pm – ??

12 Steps Down
831 Christian St (9th & Christian)
Philadelphia, PA

Limited-edition Navajo Frybread Taco prints are also available, masterfully crafted by Mr. Krall himself. Recognize his artwork? You should. His work has appeared in SeriousEats numerous times and can also be found at local establishments such as Hot Diggity and Pizza Brain. Prints can be purchased for $25 ($31 shipped) from Hawk’s website.