Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and street food culture. With countless variations and regional styles, there is an ongoing debate around what constitutes an “authentic” taco. The use of cheese, in particular, is a contentious topic among taco purists. This article will examine the history of tacos, regional differences, and arguments surrounding cheese to answer the question: do real street tacos have cheese?
The History of Tacos in Mexico
Tacos have a long history in Mexico, dating back hundreds of years. They originated as street food in busy markets and stalls, where cooks would quickly fry up small corn or wheat tortillas filled with meat, beans, and salsa. The word “taco” first appeared in Spanish dictionaries in the late 18th century, deriving from the Nahuatl word “tlahco” meaning “half” or “in the middle.” This likely referred to how tacos were typically eaten folded in half.
Early tacos would have been relatively simple, consisting of just a tortilla and a small amount of filling. They were an inexpensive, hot meal for laborers and urban workers. From street stalls, tacos eventually made their way into more established Mexican restaurants and cafes by the early 1900s. Regional variations started to develop with differences in fillings, salsas, and garnishes.
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that tacos started to become popular in the United States. Hard shell tacos made from fried corn tortillas first appeared on menus in the 1940s and 1950s. The crispy shell made them easier to eat with your hands. From there, American-style tacos diverged with creative fillings and fusion flavors while also popularizing additions like cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
Regional Styles of Tacos in Mexico
There are several distinct regional styles of tacos found throughout Mexico:
Northern Mexico
Northern Mexico is known for:
- Small soft corn tortillas
- Meat fillings like grilled beef, goat, or lamb
- Onions, cilantro, lime
- Salsa verde or roasted chile salsa
Mexico City
Mexico City tacos feature:
- Small soft corn tortillas
- Thinly sliced beefsteak, chorizo, chicken, pork
- Onions, cilantro
- Salsa verde, salsa roja
Western Mexico
Western Mexico has tacos with:
- Large griddled corn tortillas
- Shredded meat like beef, pork, chicken
- Guacamole, chopped onions, cilantro
- Tomatillo or roasted chile salsa
As you can see, there are some commonalities between the styles but also regional differences in the tortillas, meats, salsas, and condiments.
The Debate Over Cheese
When it comes to cheese on tacos, there is disagreement over what is considered authentic:
- No cheese: Tacos at street stalls or small taco restaurants in Mexico generally do not include grated cheese as a topping. The textures and flavors of the meats, tortillas, salsas, and condiments are able to stand on their own without cheese according to purists.
- Some cheese: Certain regional styles, like Northern Mexico, may use small amounts of crumbled cheese like queso fresco or cotija. This lends a mild, salty flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Loaded with cheese: American-style tacos tend to pile on the shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, or Mexican-style blends. The melted cheese provides additional flavor and textures for American consumers who seem to expect it on tacos.
Those arguing for “authentic” street tacos believe the addition of cheese is moreTex-Mex fusion than true Mexican street food. The excessive cheese distracts from the complex balance of flavors in a traditional taco in their view. However, others counter that there’s room for creativity and innovation even with traditional dishes over time. The boundaries of what is considered “authentic” are constantly evolving.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer to whether real street tacos contain cheese or not. Given the long history and regional diversity of tacos in Mexico, both cheese and cheese-less tacos have their merits in different contexts.
Traditional street stall tacos are more likely to skip the cheese, letting the meats and salsas speak for themselves. A modest sprinkle of crumbled cheese may make appearances in some regional styles. Tacos with generous piles of melted cheese are more common in Americanized versions.
So in the debate over authenticity, perhaps there’s room for both approaches. The essence of a great taco is the interplay of soft tortilla, juicy filling, and bright flavors. With or without cheese, tacos are an iconic Mexican street food to be enjoyed in all their forms.