If you’re a foodie looking to explore the world of Mexican street tacos, you’ve come to the right place. Street tacos are a Mexican staple, and with this Ultimate Foodie Guide to Street Tacos in Mexico, you can experience the incredible flavors and textures that each type of taco has to offer. From delicious al pastor tacos to crunchy tacos dorados, we will cover everything there is to know about these tasty treats.
You can discover more in our country guide to Mexico. Not only do we cover food and drinks but you'll also be able to navigate this country with ease.
Are you a taco lover who wants to learn more about the different types of tortillas used in Mexico? Look no further! There are several varieties of taco tortillas, but the most common types are flour and corn. Flour tortillas have a soft texture with a mild, sweet taste that pairs well with savory fillings such as grilled meats or vegetables. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, have a slightly nutty flavor and are perfect for tacos filled with spicy salsas and sauces.
But wait, there's more! Have you heard of dorado and blanco tortillas? Dorado means "golden" in Spanish, which perfectly describes this variety of fried corn tortilla that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Blanco tortillas are made from white corn masa and have a slightly sweeter taste than their yellow counterparts.
Tortilla de mais - corn tortilla
Tortilla de harina - flour tortilla
Dorado taco - soft white flour tortilla, deep-fried and then topped with a choice of ingredients
Blanco taco - which feature white corn soft tortillas.
Its always nice to know what you're getting yourself into if you've never ordered tacos before in Mexico. So, before we get started, lets take a look at some of the meats that you can find in Mexican tacos.
- Carnitas - are made from slow-cooked pork shoulder, and the perfect balance between juicy and crispy make them one of the most popular types of tacos!
- Carne Asada - is always a crowd favorite; it typically involves marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection for flavor and tenderness.
- Cabeza tacos - a unique type of taco meat made from cooked cow’s head and gives off a distinctively nutty flavor and texture.
- Al Pastor - another tasty option, loaded with succulent spicy spit-roasted pork, pineapple and onion, giving an incredible flavor combination
- Lengua - Don't forget about the tongue! Its tender, succulent texture adds an extra level of satisfaction to taco night.
- Deshebrada - is shredded beef simmered in tomato sauce until succulent and ready to devour!
- Pollo Asado - made up of roasted chicken that adds a different layer of juiciness to your taco experience.
- Chorizo tacos - combines fresh and fried pork sausages, which makes it an easy way to get some quick spice and smokiness in your taco.
- Adobada tacos - made with marinated pork that has been cooked until browned and crisp.
- Suadero tacos - these are similar to Asada tacos but feature veal instead of beef.
- Buche tacos - feature fried pork stomach, giving them a unique and savory flavor.
- Barbacoa tacos - use steamed or roasted meats such as lamb, goat, or mutton.
- Tasajo tacos - come from Oaxaca and are made from dry beef.
- Higado tacos - made with beef liver and other ingredients such as onions and cilantro.
- Labio tacos - made with the beef lips. Very soft and tasty.
- Tripa tacos - also known as 'guts' tacos always make for a memorable feast as they are prepared with small pieces of fried pork intestines.
- Birria tacos - made with mutton, a regional delicacy in Jalisco state.
- Sesos tacos - features fried sheep brains, for the adventurous.
- Pescado - fresh seafood such as cod, mackerel or salmon
- Camarón - shrimp taco. Whether you order them deep-fried or grilled, these tacos are always delicious and juicy.
When it comes to the price of street tacos, you will likely find them around 18-22 pesos. If you are dining in a restaurant or a storefront on the street you will be able to find prices in the range of $20-$24 pesos. Of course more established restaurants will have higher prices and usually better quality meats. I have seen some tacos that cost upwards of MEX$60. With that in mind, tacos are generally cheap and a great way to grab a quick but tasty bite to eat.
Now that you know what to order, its time to learn how to order street tacos in Mexico.
With most street carts, there will be a list of the meats available on the cart, normally outside the front. You will likely need to either take a number or give your order to the person running the register/collecting the money. Usually you take the number and when they call it, you go up to the cook and let them know what you want.
If you are an restaurant, you can ask for a menu or there will be a big sign with what is available hanging on a wall (usually near the counter). With a restaurant you will have server that will take your order and they'll likely bring the salsas to the table if they're not already on there.
👉 Pro Foodie Tip here. If you want to find the best tacos in a neighborhood, I would suggest starting at a nearby church. Some of the best foods I have had have been right across the street of a church. It kind of makes sense in a way, good food will be where people congregate. Another tip is looking for a place with a line. In the picture above, we generally have to wait at least 15 minutes to order our tacos because it always has customers.
"Me puedas dar dos tacos de buche" - Can you give me 2 buche tacos
"Para aqui" (pa-ra ah-key) - For here
"Para llevar" (pa-ra jay-var) - To go
"Quiero... " - I want...
"Necesito..." - I need...
"Tienes..." - Do you have...
In conclusion, street tacos in Mexico are a delicious way to experience the culture of the country. The variety of flavors and ingredients available make this food a must-try for anyone visiting the country. Not only are these tacos tasty, but they are also relatively inexpensive, making them an ideal snack or meal for all budgets. The array of spices and sauces used can make each bite something special, and you won't regret trying out these amazing tacos.
So there you have it; our Ultimate Foodie Guide to Street Tacos in Mexico. Whether you're looking for delicious and nutritious tacos for a quick bite on the go, or want some unforgettable Mexican dining experience, we hope that this guide will help lead the way.
Learn more about ordering a beer in Mexico here.
Want to learn more about Mexican cuisine? Check out this article I've written an article discussing the different flavors of Mexico.
I won't come home till after I shaken hands with native lands and kissed the old friends back there - Swim, Ambulance Ltd
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