Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, colorful presentations, and variety of dishes. When many people think of Mexican food, some classic dishes come to mind like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and guacamole. But there is one iconic Mexican dish that stands out above the rest in popularity and fame around the world – tacos.
What are tacos?
Tacos are a traditional Mexican food consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. The tortilla forms a cylindrical shape around the savory filling and is commonly eaten by hand. Typical taco fillings include protein options like shredded beef, pork carnitas, chicken, or fish along with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, and Mexican crema or sour cream. Tacos can be served soft with fresh tortillas or crispy when the tortillas are fried. There are many varieties of tacos but the most common are:
- Tacos al pastor – filled with spit-roasted pork and pineapple
- Tacos de carne asada – grilled steak tacos
- Tacos de pescado – fish or shrimp tacos
- Tacos de pollo – shredded chicken tacos
- Tacos de lengua – beef tongue tacos
Street tacos in Mexico are usually small, with just a simple filling of meat and onions, cilantro, and salsa. Garnishes like lime, radish, avocado, and salsa add extra flavor. Tacos in Mexico are typically eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Popularity of Tacos
Tacos are the most well-known Mexican food globally. They have become an international sensation and a favorite Mexican import around the world. Here are some reasons for the huge popularity and fame of tacos:
- Portability – Tacos are a convenient handheld food perfect for snacking on-the-go.
- Customization – There are endless filling possibilities to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs.
- Flavor – The zesty flavors of Mexican tacos appeal to worldwide palates.
- Versatility – Tacos can be eaten any time of day from breakfast to late night snacks.
- Simplicity – Tacos have a simple assembly with just a tortilla and filling.
- Street food heritage – Tacos are an affordable and accessible street food in Mexico.
- Comfort food – The warm tortilla and savory filling is satisfying comfort food.
Global Appeal
Tacos have spread far beyond Mexico to become popular around the world. People love the customizable and crave-worthy flavors of tacos. According to a 2022 survey by Chef’s Pencil, the countries that eat the most tacos worldwide are:
| Country | Tacos Eaten Per Capita |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.5 billion tacos per year |
| Mexico | 1.5 billion tacos per year |
| United Kingdom | 170 million tacos per year |
| Japan | 160 million tacos per year |
| Australia | 68 million tacos per year |
Mexican restaurants can be found in most major cities around the world. Taco trucks, taco stands, and taquerias are also gaining popularity globally as people seek an authentic taco experience. Major fast food chains like Taco Bell have spread the availability and familiarity of tacos worldwide. While Taco Bell offers Americanized Tex-Mex style tacos, people still get a taste for the concept of the quintessential Mexican taco.
National Dish of Mexico
The taco is considered the national dish of Mexico. It originated in Mexico and features prominently in Mexican cuisine. According to legend, the first taco was created by miners in Mexico in the 18th century as a quick meal that could be easily assembled and eaten by hand. While the origins are uncertain, tacos quickly became popular street food and a staple of Mexican culinary culture.
Mexicans consume tacos in huge quantities. It is one of the most common foods eaten daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in homes across Mexico. Tacos are also frequently sold at street food stalls and restaurants. They are an affordable food accessible to all socioeconomic levels.
Many regions in Mexico have their own taco styles and specialties based on local ingredients and cooking methods. But no matter what part of Mexico you visit, you can always find tacos being served. The popularity of tacos has spread the cuisine of Mexico worldwide and brought a tasty piece of Mexican culture to people everywhere.
Global Variations
While the classic Mexican taco remains the most popular, each country has put their own spin on tacos. Here are some of the regional taco variations from around the world:
United States
American tacos are usually larger and more packed with toppings. Popular variations include:
- Hard shell ground beef tacos
- Steak fajita tacos
- Shredded chicken tacos
- Breakfast tacos – with scrambled eggs, bacon, potato
- California fish tacos – fried fish, cabbage slaw
Japan
Japanese variations include:
- Tempura fried fish or shrimp tacos
- Yakitori chicken tacos
- Bulgogi Korean beef tacos
- Teriyaki chicken tacos
- Okonomiyaki Japanese pancake tacos
Korea
In Korea, tacos are often called “Mexican rice cakes” and popular options include:
- Bulgogi beef tacos
- Bibimbap tacos – rice, vegetables, egg
- Kimchi fried rice tacos
- Spicy pork tacos
China
Chinese tacos reflect local flavors like:
- Smoked duck tacos
- Peking duck tacos
- Char siu BBQ pork tacos
- Szechuan chili chicken tacos
- Mapo tofu tacos
India
Indian fusion tacos incorporate curries, chutneys, and Indian spices:
- Butter chicken tacos
- Tandoori chicken tacos
- Samosa tacos – potato and pea filling
- Chutney tacos – mint, tamarind, or mango chutney
Australia
Popular tacos in Australia include:
- Beer-battered fish tacos
- Shrimp and avocado tacos
- Pulled pork and slaw tacos
- Grilled chicken Caesar tacos
- Outback steak tacos
Conclusion
Without a doubt, tacos are the most famous food representing Mexican cuisine globally. The classic tacos originating in Mexico have become an international food sensation adapted to local flavors everywhere. But no matter how tacos evolve around the world, they remain a symbol of Mexico’s culinary gift to the global palate. The irresistible combo of a warm tortilla stuffed with savory meats, salsa, and fresh garnishes continues to satisfy taco lovers universally. The portability, customization, flavors, and comfort of tacos fuel their unmatched popularity outside of Mexico and their enduring status as the nation’s quintessential street food within its borders. For all these reasons and more, tacos have earned their reputation as the most well known Mexican dish worldwide.