BALAM Mexican Kitchen

Omg, this is one of those small, amazing restaurants 😍 that you have to check out. My friend dragged me here and was so happy she did that she did the food was amazing. We had 7 different tacos, each with amazing ingredients and flavors. If you are in the area, you must stop by this place will not disappoint.

My family loves this place and I come here every time I'm home. Tacos al pastor are my favorite but I've never had a bad meal here. Anything you order will be delicious. Plus I love their patio.

I've been coming here for some time and have been lagging it on a review. Well, this spot is definitely a gem serving great authentic Mexican food. I went for a quick bite, grabbed a horchata, 2 Korean asada tacos, 1 al pastor, 1 chicken tinga, and 1 Barbacoa taco. Horchata is on the sweet side, but it is damn good. From least to best, barbacoa was my least favorite, but it's because I hardly ever have it. Slow braised beef, pickled onion, and cilantro. Regardless, it was juicy, cilantro, and pickled onions, give it a great flavor al throughout, I added some lime and fuego. Al pastor taco consists of marinated pork loin, white onions, pastor sauce, and cilantro. Everything in this taco was on point. Meat was juicy, onions, and cilantro give that vibrant taste. Pastor sauce gives extra pastor flavor. Pineapple would be the best, but still great taco. Chicken Tinga Taco has pulled chicken breast, chipotle sauce, cilantro, and pickled onions. I love me some tinga, and this taco doesn't disappoint flavorful chicken in Chipotle sauce, gives you kicks of spiciness to your mouth, cilantro and pickled onions battle it out for control of flavor but everything goes so well and balanced together, love it. My favorite is Korean Asada Taco, marinated sliced beef, slaw, and chipotle sauce. This taco is so fire 🔥 it is a Mexican Asian fusion that will blow your mind. The marinated beef has a slight sweet ginger flavor that gives those Asian vibes and goes well with the slaw, then you get the chipotle to kick it up some spice, pairing heat with sweet you won't want it to end. Great menu, clean restaurant, and fast service. Definitely recommend it. I will keep coming back. 5 stars, hands down🤚

We was so glad to find this little gem for some authentic Mexican food and we was not disappointed. The food came out in good time and came out hot too. The food was full of flavour and generous portions too. If I lived in LA I’d always be eating out at this place but I advise you, if your passing through, stop here and try what you can while your here.

Wow! What an incredible meal!!!
Absolutely worth the drive from … wherever you are!!

I got the coconut shrimp taco, the baja fish taco and those were some of the most unique, detailed, just spectacular tacos I’ve had.

Such a wonderful ambience (plants everywhere!) and bright menu.

Boyfriend got the pork burrito and said it’s the best burrito he’s ever had.
Will absolutely be back!! 💗💗

Had the breakfast burrito w Korean asada today, it was delicious! I would give the food a 9/10. The only missing piece was the size of the burrito. Aside from that, this place rules. Really wonderful staff and great environment! Need to come back soon:)

I'll be the latest person to call BALAM a gem! I've been impressed by the quality of food and friendliness of service each time I've stopped by over the past year or so. Whether it's the great fusion menu (all available as tacos, burritos, bowls, etc.) or the daily specials (the pozole verde really hit the spot on a rainy day), you can't go wrong. Make sure to bring cash for a tip!

Amazing food, even better micheladas, and really cool owner.

I've ate Balam a few times and it never dissapoints. I have tried their tacos, bowls and menudo. Their agua de limon and chia is so delicious. The place is always so chill and service is always friendly!

Amazing diverse menu. Very unique especially to the area. Lots of colorful, diverse fresh delicious items especially the tacos which I think is their speciality. If you're from Compton , LA, Long Beach area this is a must try. You will love it.

Very friendly staff and helpful if you're unsure what to try. I ordered Pastor and La Paz tacos, which is a battered fish taco. By far, the best taco place I've been to. Their tortillas vary depending on the taco you get. It's colorful and delicious. I hear it gets crowded, but we went around 12 noon and it was not crowded. I recommend to anyone to try it out!

Oh man, I’m glad I decided to stop by on my way home.

If you are open minded and love combination of flavors, I would stop by.

I got two Korean asada tacos
One chicken masala taco
And one fish taco

My tastebuds went crazy with all those flavors. the atmosphere is lovely and reminds me of a botanic garden 😌 Ima have to come back to enjoy a beer!
They also have they’re own specious parking lot.

Thank you for the Excellent customer service Paola
10 stars

Going home happy

Great food. Specially the people. I'm not gonna lie the front of the place looks a little rought but everything else is on point. Highly recommended.

The best tacos I have ever had! I do mean ever!!

Try the Korean Asada or the Tropical T. Everything form Tacos, quesadillas, or burritos, you can't go wrong..

Don't forget to grab a Large cup of their homemade Horchata.

Let’s be honest here, when it comes to finding good food within a couple of miles of this location, you won’t find anything better than mediocre food spots. Your list of options are extremely narrow which is all the more reason why Balam feels like such in a gem in a part of SoCal where fast-food chains and mediocre Mexican food can be found everywhere. The food is not only beautiful in presentation, but also to-the-point delicious AND healthy at the same time.

I live on the east coast where the Mexican food can be a bit lacking. Getting a nice plate of tacos or burritos is the first think I do when I visit California. I went to Balam right after arriving in LA, and it did not disappoint! The portions were large, the food was fresh, and the hot sauces (which seemed homemade) were the star of the show! Service was awesome too. I loved the little outdoor courtyard and the festive music.

If you are looking to have Mexican food, try this place! The tortillas are made fresh. The combination of the cabbage, meat of your choice, and chipotle sauce is great. The food isn't spicy . I don't live in Lynwood anymore but excited for this little spot to make its mark. Off the 105 fwy exit Long Beach! It is a fusion of flavors❣

I don’t do a ton of reviews but this spot deserves one. The pozole verde hit the spot! Just the right amount of everything and the cacahuatzintle was super tender. I will be back.

I came to Balam on a Friday night to support local clothing lines & artist. That same Friday was lent Friday so I couldn't eat any type of meat! Luckily Balam had alot of other options & I went with this awesome mushroom taco. I don't know the exact name of the taco but it was delicious & packed with flavor. The horchata here is awesome too! Sadly I forgot to snap a pic

great customer service. Tacos were served quick & fresh. Each had a unique flavor.Outdoor seating is peaceful with a twist exotic.