Pop-Up Farmo’s Tacos Brings Nihari Birria Quesadillas to Suwanee This Weekend

Chef and dentist Farhan Momin (aka Chef Farmo) pops up this weekend serving Indo-Mexican dishes from his family’s Suwanee restaurant Atlanta Halal Meat & Food. The family also owned Tava Indian Bistro in Decatur until they sold the restaurant last year.

Momin, who runs recipe site and pop-up series Farmo Cooks, appeared as a contestant on Season 9 of “MasterChef” two years ago. That appearance lead to him participating in the Southern Foodways Alliance supper series Brown in the South, cooking alongside award-winning chefs like Asha Gomez, Meherwan Irani, and Maneet Chauhan.

For Momin, Farmo’s Tacos is meant to highlight the overlaps and similarities found between the ingredients and food cultures of Mexico and India. “Farmo Cooks celebrates the often surprising similarities between different cuisines,” Momin tells Eater. “The [Farmo’s Tacos] menu consists of Indian-inspired tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas, which retain their South Asian flavors within a more familiar form.”

Momin’s menu this weekend includes a taco featuring his popular karee (curry) fried chicken dusted with a chipotle-podi spice blend and a vegetarian taco with chorizo-spiced paneer. Tacos are served with a side of Desi slaw. A quesadilla comes stuffed with nihari birria mixed with jalapeños and ginger, while Malai chicken and roasted corn enchiladas are topped with coconut curry queso and pico de gallo. Desserts include a choice of either a classic saffron and cardamom malai kulfi (eggless ice cream) or spicy mango kulfi mixed with Kashmiri chile, lime, and salt.

“I want a larger audience to experience the flavors of South Asian food beyond just the standard fare. Each Farmo Cooks dinner has had a theme where I take familiar cuisines and infuse them with flavors of home,” Momin says of his pop-ups. “The halal aspect of things comes into play [with Farmo’s Tacos] because muslims cannot eat any of the beef, chicken or pork served on the menu at most Mexican restaurants. I’ve had to teach myself how to make all the classic Mexican dishes at home while using halal meat.”

Farmo’s Tacos kicks off on Saturday, September 19, at 12 p.m. and runs through Sunday, September 20. People can order their food in person or online for pick-up at the restaurant.

Take a look at the menu for Farmo’s Tacos:

Farmo’s Tacos, September 19 and September 20, 12 p.m. until sold out. Order online for takeout.

Atlanta Halal Meat & Food open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Order online for takeout.

3230 Caliber Street, #D107, Suwanee. atlhalal.com; farmocooks.com.