Day in the Life of a Street Taco Vendor in LA

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Los Angeles, California - the land of a million taco shops and burrito spots. Within all of this Mexican food commotion however, is one family-run institution that has been serving up the best carnitas in LA for over 30 years.
Carnitas el Momo is headquartered in Boyle Heights, a hard-nosed neighborhood in East LA. If you're looking for the best authentic tacos in LA, look no further than this place.
I was lucky enough to spend the day with the family, and see how everything is done - from start to finish! It was such an honor and a privilege.
This is a Day in the Life of a Street Taco Vendor in LA!
Follow Carnitas El Momo on IG - / carnitaselmomo
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--- WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ---
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful Travel. I have spent the past 13+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
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#travel #travelvlog #garethleonard #traveldeeper #tacos #losangeles #garetheats #carnitas #streetfood #mexicanfood

[@GarethLeonard]

Thanks for watching! Choose your next adventure... 🌎 Learn a New Language ➙ try.lingoda.com/GarethLeonard 📬 Join My Travel Newsletter ➙ newsletter.garethleonard.com 🌮 Watch Must-Try LA Tacos ➙ kzbin.info/www/bejne/d16TnXpvacZ4orM

[@arnelnoelramos789]

God bless Gareth Leonard..

[@stevierubalcava5924]

Mucho gusto to the Momo familia. BORN in El Monte CA. RAISED in San Jose CA. Good shit on you for showcasing the Hispanic community.

[@HYDROPONIQ]

just subscribed I fuxx with this vid, ill make sure to check out the other bro,

[@Itsbuckjames]

Wgat is a libre and why is it $20?

[@eclipsemix]

Go to CEMITAS LOS CHIVOS in EAST LA. It is really popular

[@hefsterling]

Seeing people that work hard and not only don't complain about it but seem to enjoy it makes me happy

[@jesustovar784]

Viva mexican cabrones

[@Shel230]

That's like every immigrant in the usa

[@kaosaelee3146]

Complaining is an American culture.

[@Tairone1337]

@@Shel230exactly , it’s only rare for America to see anyone work to live because Americans are lazy af!

[@DanielPaulsen884]

They are aliens who should go back to where they came from.

[@ediroswell775]

As a born & raised Los Angeles Black man you have got to admire the Mexican people in this city

[@NagashiChidorii]

yeah you do. whats up with the black people in this city? they arent even close to hard working at all

[@GreNasX3]

@@NagashiChidoriiwhy mention that?

[@Brandonnnnnnnnnnn482]

@@GreNasX3because it’s true, i don’t think he was trying to come off as mean it’s just facts.

[@Travis3500]

@@NagashiChidoriithat’s a crazy generalization

[@NagashiChidorii]

@@Travis3500 its not. Look around. Hard working industries or jobs dont have a certain type of people. You rarely see asians or black in construction. Each for different reasons… yall keep denying reality lmao

[@juancarlosacosta7769]

Gracias G it was dope working with you ❤💯

[@MunnaHandLuke075]

Is it hard to get a job to work there

[@haseebsamaroo319]

@@MunnaHandLuke075they most likely only hire family members, friends of family, or close friends.

[@GreNasX3]

@@haseebsamaroo319and basically have to know spanish

[@fixed_geartv]

⁠@@GreNasX3 Bro are you serious… Honda, Toyota, BMW and other car manufacturers hire educated professionals with experience for a job that doesn’t require the company to go out of business because somebody the company hired doesn’t have the knowledge or skill set the companies have in place that make them stand out from other car manufacturers Same goes for family owned restaurants They wouldn’t allow somebody to come in and destroy what generations have built and establish themselves., That’s what hard work and determination accomplish

[@Gueritaesme]

Who’s the grandson tho

[@joetrujillo7419]

I was raised 3 blocks away from there the spot ! Really nice people, we got free tacos to try out. Gotta love the struggle and the determination. Hard place to grow up but you see the love in the neighborhood.

[@mitchellvillareal2066]

Learn more from growing up in that environment than you ever would in a ritzy wealthy neighborhood. The street smarts and life skills you learn are invaluable.

[@YourForkSave]

The family can be my neighbor any time they want. Nice, hard working, respectful people who love the Lord and their family.

[@MunnaHandLuke075]

Is it hard to get a job for them if u not familia????

[@user-hw4cd6ks2q]

Wow really lucky u

[@dumontrider1000]

What streets is the original spot in bro?

[@reportthejuice]

Hard working Family. I cried tears for pops. He was raised differently. He built a billion dollar dream for his family and the legacy keeps on. Very admiral

[@saucy1017]

Fs they got it tho I can see it

[@NagashiChidorii]

billion? open your eyes. if it was a billion they wouldnt be using makeshift kitchens. Its enough for all of them to live in LA though which is still pretty good!

[@reportthejuice]

@@NagashiChidorii you're not thinking big enough. A billion in his family being good for life! Not the money amount. The fact he got all his family working together and being together for the cause. It's rare that family even sticks together these days

[@vickycash1643]

@@NagashiChidoriiHe said billion dollar dream, meaning a good dream to have for his family.

[@bobbyj1917]

@@reportthejuiceare you from that area ? Because the one are or know the area know the family sticks together till the end

[@cristianchavez1699]

im a chef, I worked mostly in fine dining but since covid I branched out and started a business, I work for myself. Watching this, I have tears in my eyes man. Its just so beautiful to see the support from the family, the customers and the internet. As you can see, this type of work is not easy and like the son said at the beginning "its all about consistency".. I couldnt agree more that is what its all about when it comes to selling/serving food and it is also the hardest part about doing this work. Anyone can cook great food once, but doing it every single day, day after day is not easy, not one bit. My respects to the whole family, this the shtt right here

[@stevendominguez5517]

Thanks for sharing this man! Really cool to read.

[@tamay101]

Amazing. God's speed 🙏🏾

[@whoswhowho4872]

Kind words Christian. Best blessings to you.

[@Milkyway109]

Spot on chef

[@Thorlando]

Holy! Now that's a REAL family business. The whole crew is legit family, beautiful to see. Inspiring honestly.

[@martymartinez737]

When he talked about his grandfather's cooking being, "One next level." That's how I feel about my grandmother's tortillas. Hers was just on another level.

[@ProgramTheVoid]

dude i know exactly what you mean !! you almost want to grasp the secrets in their love flavors so you’ll never have to miss it when they’re gone ❤️

[@alexandercampos-ec4os]

We remember my grandmas tortillas and beans as the best we've ever had. Shes still alive but too old to cook these days so we've tried to replicate her beans (she says she just used lard) and her flour tortillas but man, as good as they are, theyre just not as delicious as I remember my grandmas. I used to eat 15 bean burritos in one sitting I kid you not.

[@303GMAILCOM]

@@alexandercampos-ec4os📲😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnb7046]

@@alexandercampos-ec4os Try a bit of the manteca in the flour tortillas?

[@steveo3831]

Grandfather had decades to perfect. The experience cannot be replaced. However, the learning process can be accelerated. Now, It takes only a few months to cook and prepare like the legendaries

[@kevkoudela]

This is the true American Dream. Not just the food, but the fact that their entire family being involved in it, and the love, respect, and reverence they all have for those who have come before them. Very touching.

[@BartzabelAlgol]

Man I love Mexicans!, they bless and enrich this our common experience!. Grandpa sits like a contented Buddha with a most infectious smile that shines!

[@russelljenkins4660]

I’m from New Zealand and lived in LA for nearly ten years Man do I miss the taco joints, bringing back some good memories 😊

[@Somewondude]

they get better and better. now birria is a huge hit.

[@mr.kojack1295]

Best tacos outside of Mexico.

[@thenomenclature7243]

You can always come back, you'll be welcomed with open arms 😂

[@jesustovar784]

Was thinking of starting a business out there I know yall don’t have that out there could be a big hit !

[@jeffpark4003]

I don't know how you didn't end up with a wife, I've been blessed to travel the US and Mexico as a guy from the farmlands of Pennsylvania and I'm here to say I've never been more loved and appreciated by a Mexican American woman. I understand that I came from a completely different area almost world but, learning the language I found out how much I had in common. Beautiful people and stunning women who are godly that appreciate family. God bless the working class

[@MR35_]

20:20. When you asked what their dreams are. That young man came out and smiled. He's ain't done dreaming 😢

[@MarkK01]

You can see so much pride in everyone. Every single family member does this for their Grand Parents. This is one hell of a awesome story.

[@brandonmoore2237]

This is such a fantastic episode, man. Love seeing the behind-the-scenes of a family business like this and the way they make the food with love. You're such a master at showcasing these stories. Great to see you back!

[@spkymessage7346]

True Americans. Working hard & keep grinding with no complaints. 👏🏽

[@rmp5s]

100%...you wanna come be an American? Contribute to society? I'll welcome you with open arms.

[@VccTn]

@@rmp5sno one cares about you welcoming them lol who are you

[@rmp5s]

@@VccTn I am an American that swore an oath to defend this country. Who the fuck are you?

[@RSVD84]

It’s awesome to see a young generation to continue a tradition. These men your recording are a definition of real men working hard and carrying a tradition. And even the younger men are out there helping out. Now and days it’s hard getting teens out of bed because online devices. These guys are doing something right for the future

[@kawi2144]

Ive watched every show/documentary of this family. This was my favorite, you captured the family better than the rest.

[@ryanjones9705]

Seeing an entire family put in the work to make dreams come true is unbelievable. Made me tear up when talking with the parents and how proud of their kids and grandkids they were. Truly an American dream come true with hard work.

[@estevanrodriguez7181]

Carnitas El Momo is Legendary!! I live in Stockton California, I ALWAYS STOP BY TO THEIR ORIGINAL LOCATION EVERYTIME IM IN SOCAL 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🔥

[@wayne6386]

Where is the original location? Got an address or cross street?

[@estevanrodriguez7181]

@@wayne6386 yea it’s on Fairmount st in LA Boyle heights

[@itsgee21]

Traveling from Chicago soon to try these amazing looking tacos and support this beautiful family business. Great video and story.

[@MunnaHandLuke075]

I stay in Chicago and real talk bro the market had Lil village 26th street vibes I would move out there

[@geogent6655]

I grew up in Santa Barbara and my Dad would come down to LA to teach English to the workers in the garment district and at the Firestone Tire Plant. He would bring back carnitas he got from Sēnor Acosta almost every time. I still make the trip to El Tacos Momo whenever I can. The best and the chicharron is #1... Great vlog, can't wait for more!!! 👍👍👍

[@Test-nr3cd]

Listening to Billy talk about what he's done and he's doing in such a humble way is inspiring. Hearing him talk about the dificulties in having the right mind set and pressing through with a clear objective is also very motivational. Best of luck and much success.

[@scottmcwave9479]

Tacos are life! Great story, thanks for sharing! 🌮

[@Shel230]

Ur not eating tacos everyday lol you will br overweight and dead by 40 or 35

[@Shel230]

But there's lots of different immigrant food in America with african and Asian being the healthiest idk why alot of Americans don't like eating healthy

[@lucyherrera2641]

@@Shel230 What's so unhealthy about Tacos? There's plenty of healthy Mexican food. Nopales, beans, salsas, guacamole, chicken soup etc.....

[@James_Edward59]

⁠​⁠@@Shel230There is a way to eat healthy Mexican food and people prefer Mexican food because it tastes better to the majority of people. That’s why there is Mexican markets and taco trucks and taquerias on every single corner. There are a decent amount of Asian spots too though but not as many and as far as African places, I’ve never seen one of those in California for the most part.

[@Shel230]

@@James_Edward59 no they just get the same thing every time tacos or enchiladas most Americans aren't eating authentic Mexican food and definitely not healthy Mexican food and there's a reason why the obesity rate and colon cancer rate is sky rocketing in mexico and America

[@christyanroberto]

Gareth, I don't comment very much on videos, but I must say, sharing the stories of people in this way is very moving and genuine. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@PEPPERJET7]

These people are the true American Dreamers ❤❤❤ Hard workers, Loving people and they are NOT cry babies ❤ God bless all of you and many blessings to your families ❤

[@clarefarrar2059]

This was beautiful to watch! So cool to see the love and dedication that goes into it. I’ll be checking out tacos el momo tomorrow for sure!. Grandpa is so sweet 🥹

[@bluewhaleadventures152]

The moment with the grandparents at about 21:00 was amazing. You did such a thoughtful and respectful job of drawing out their story. That will stick with me for a very long time. Bravo! ❤

[@david7O7]

It really makes me happy to see all them working as a family to run there business Wishing them all the best ❤️

[@AnthonyGarcia-ko8zj]

Please do more episodes like this there are many more stories that need to be heard

[@sonnywhite1717]

From going door to door selling carnitas to having the customers come to you is an impressive and inspiring story. Definitely something to be proud of but at 21:20 when you mentioned his loved ones and he smiled ear to ear you can tell that's what's its all about for him 😊

[@ForeverChanged7]

Gareth, what an awesome family story. Something about family working together and carrying on the legacy their Grandfather and great grandfather before worked so hard to be a success. Tacos El MoMo. Praying that the beautiful Father recovers completely. His wife is soò sweet. The Mexican market loked like TJ. I lived in TJ back in the day. Loved it and we are going to try Tacos El MoMo on our way down south to retire. Good to see you doing well Gareth. Thanks for this incredible blog. Se you next time.🎉🎉😂

[@9teen96]

this whole film was a mood. love when my people get the chance to tell their story. earned a new sub

[@zachsos5533]

Another excellent vlog Gareth!!! Watching your vlogs and your positive interaction with others are always a gem within your vlogs👍

[@lindablossom4710]

What a hard working dedicated family ! Loved the behind the scene look... need to make it to LA !

[@ga3906]

I had the pleasure to try the carnitas in 2020 at their original location and it was a great experience. The family is very nice and super hardworking.the carnitas were one of the best I have tried and not overcharged like most places. If I ever go back to LA I would def stop by again.i wish them all the success because they truly deserve it.

[@violetgutierrez5315]

Gareth your time with the parents was so special. You have a beautiful way of connecting with people with love and respect😊

[@jesseortiz8506]

Nothing better than being 💯 mexicano!!! Es un orgullo!!

[@mynameisearl7537]

I'm of an Italian father and and mexican mother and I think that beats being full on mexican to be real I wish i was full on Italian

[@ladyalexander1897]

@@mynameisearl7537 why even reply? You are NOT part of this!! Dude or duddette no disrespect but you REALLY need a brush up on social cues. Please 🙏🏽 get help. Stay off the raza comments! Love is thicker than blood 🩸 but some of us are proud of both. Just shhhhh

[@James_Edward59]

@@mynameisearl7537Nothing wrong with having pride in your ethnicity, I don’t blame you for taking pride in being Italian and wanting to be more Italian because that’s how I feel about being Mexican. I love being Mexican especially because we have Mexico right next door and especially here in CA, our culture is on every single street.

[@steviealvaalbany2730]

@@mynameisearl7537Pinche Ginny

[@dannyjeffers]

wtf are you talking about lol

[@mryankeefan931]

Im from the East Coast and after wacthing and understanding the rich history of this family business, I defitinely wanna support that. Plus the Little Mexico market looks dope.

[@_A4A]

I had to save this video to my "Happy Favorites" Library here on YT!... I felt so in the moment, so into the mix, part of the grind and definitely one of the family!... Such an awesome video Bruh and I truly admire & respect everyone in it!... 💯💯💯

[@TheHolyMattress]

Much respect brotha, keep the family spirit growing and flowing!! Make sure you have fun, remember that it’s your life and keep shinning.

[@michaeltruong2308]

Strokes are the heart wrenching. It's hard seeing your loved ones lose who they are and become children again.

[@clarissagonzalez5969]

loved this video itself but also enjoyed seeing such hardworking ppl that keep it pushing!!

[@Enjoythejourney15]

This is awesome. And listening to Rosie and then the grandparents tell the story. Water works crying everywhere. Family is super important and this shows it. Thank you so much. ❤

[@sydneybarbour]

Such an incredible episode 🙌🏻❤️

[@phisiks]

Solid episode! this family and those who help/work for them deserve all the blessings. not many can work this hard consistently and excel.

[@gman5410]

I'm from San Antonio and I will take a trip to try this out. The success is in that family sticking together, their foundation was established by their grandfather who loves that family more than we know! Such a Beautiful, Beautiful story!! 🙏❤🙏

[@aripezcynthia]

Great episode. Thank you for sharing!

[@mohrevel]

So much love and commitment. Tears in my eyes. Bravo, family.

[@josechepe2218]

QUE SIGAN LOS EXITOS A TODA LA FAMILIA EL MOMO Y ARRIBA GUANAJUATO DON BILLY....LLUVIA DE BENDICIONES 🙏👍

[@marissacaines7482]

Great to see another video from you

[@FATHERKNOSEBEST]

This wonderful familia makes me feel good! Great video Gareth. I enjoy all your videos and the connection these people have with their family and neighbors is priceless! I was born in LA in 58 but we moved to Chula Vista in 1962. I'm old now but I'm going up there soon! I gotta see these fine people and enjoy their tacos. My wife Juanita love buches so it's a must go trip! Muchisimas Gracias!

[@ArmandoDy]

Awesome video Gareth, thank you 😮👍

[@TheEnnisfan]

Thanks for the video, Gareth. And good to see you doing well, bro.

[@pattishome6285]

I'm so glad I found your channel. This was so wonderful! Thank you 🎉🎉🎉

[@kookooo16]

Wow congratulations Beautiful powerful family . Thank you for opening up your hearts to us

[@chrisp1355]

OMG the tacos look delicious! Blessings to the wonderful family!❤

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

Great documentary Gareth. Very refreshing to see this and all the hard work behind the scenes. Never imagined how much time goes into it!

[@gmobb2k]

Great piece! Enjoyed every min of it!

[@kelliekresse5710]

This was so awesome! I look forward to watching your other videos.

[@kevinsit963]

That's a real family, they all help each other to accomplish on goal.💙

[@lorenl9262]

Great video and a very humble family who works together and produces great food!!! :)-

[@Latnman101]

Muchas gracias Gareth, loved this vid. My tios used to have this type of business in LA also.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Food brings people together, and can make families stronger. Incredible story for this family.

[@dextersmithbsee]

Gareth, it's so great to see you thriving. What a great group of people you're showcasing. I have an infinite amount of respect for these hard working Mexicans. They don't cry and blame - they get up, dust off yesterday and take on the day with gusto. Family is everything.🙏👏👏👍👍

[@DanielPaulsen884]

East L.A. is an absolute сessрool. Those сreatцres bring their Stone Age culture and way of life to 🇺🇲 , making it dirтieя and рoorer.

[@mojojim6458]

I really like the intro shot appearing at about :41. We see a shrine to Jesus and ancient warriors and heroes, next to some the practical supplies. And a bouquet, to honor it all.

[@jeremy9K]

Lets go!! always excited to watch your videos when they pop up, love your content bro

[@Bri4nG]

I am proud to be Mexican. Seeing my heritage work as hard as they do to be successful makes me so proud. Thank you so much for sharing their story. I hope one day, I get to faste their delicious food. May GOD continue to bless them. Sending Love & Light. Gracias por enseñar su historia.

[@matthewchunk3689]

In a day and age of hustle culture, working hard to provide a good honest product is so rare. Building up a business over generations, putting people over profit. It's special

[@brucekrause2801]

Best people ever, so much love, dedication, and hard work. ❤

[@dospacshakur2809]

Best vlog documentary ever 🙏🏼🩶 god bless this family man

[@moshea8296]

I nominate this video for an Emmy!

[@sixoneninesixsixfour8729]

I’m happy that your back on your channel

[@pennywise804]

As someone that was born and raised in the USA, I would give my shirt off my back for this family.....Good people and good food = Happiness....Thanks for sharing!

[@bc3nt]

Abuela gave a beautiful expression of the significance of all this

[@gupsdhamrait]

One of the best episodes by Gareth. Great job and great family ❤

[@joesides18]

I love being in a Mexican family. This family has so much love and past and future, so much love it brings tears to your eyes.

[@DynaHogg]

I moved to Ireland 2 1/2 years ago from California and this is just making me miss tacos even more these look beautiful

[@user-hi3kv7bk2n]

Congratulations to the Family

[@davidhwang3064]

Truthfully the best vlog ever for this channel period

[@freddie__tc]

I grew up 2 blocks away. Been watching your videos for over two years now, great video on great food. Boyle Heights East of the river!

[@franciscogarcia6180]

AWESOME VIDEO. GARETH GOOD TO SEE YOU DOING BETTER.👍👍

[@chuck51561]

LOVE THIS...HARD WORKING PEOPLE...NO SLEEPNG IN THIS FAMILY....GOD BLESS..

[@felippuente1909]

I'm being followed you for a good while. This is your # 1 video so far.

[@chepe7603]

Good to see you are doing good!!!

[@mackiemccauley4647]

What an absolutely outstanding family. Their dedication and work ethic is second to none and I wish them continued success, happiness and health. May the young ones grow up understanding what a gift is being handed down.🙏🏻 God bless them all.

[@reginaldnand2235]

Love the concept of the video and I hope you have more!

[@jenniferrodriguez314]

I love this video 🇲🇽 💪🏽

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Ay ay ay Gareth, it is 8am, and I am watching you eat those tacos.🤤🤤🤤Great content. Abrazos!🙌

[@laMeloHolic]

I wish I could experience this and by this I mean all of the food, drink, family, dedication and love. This is inspiring!!

[@MrDavidPartida]

Beautiful story, Gareth. Thank you for sharing. 🤙🏼

[@markg3025]

Gareth Great to see you producing a new video. Wife and I will be in San Diego the week of April 23 what do you recommend?

[@sherrydavis301]

That is a beautiful story ❤... I need to move to Cali for these Carnitas 😋🫶

[@davidalvarez7657]

Great video Gareth keep up the great content.

[@Jimbeaux71]

Wow i just happen to see this clip and I love it! Listening to the interview you had with the parents brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful story. And I"m not even in California, I'm in Texas. But I still thank you for sharing this with us. New suscriber now.

[@kimberlyg123]

I need more tacos 🌮 in my life.

[@MrCoors68]

your grandfather gave you the ultimate gold mine, keep harvesting those nuggets....

[@jessefugate8154]

Such strong hard workers who have such love and pride for their carnitas and especially each other! No words! Just awesome! They work so hard and have a strong bond

[@manuelgem449]

Wow.. just wow.. awesome video gareth, keep em coming! 👏 👍👏👍

[@bobbybj69231]

Cooking lard and butt in the early morning. Mmmm. Great to see you G!

[@tylerway9076]

This video is pretty awesome! Thanks for sharing the story! I’d love to see more like this!