I have always enjoyed eating tacos but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I began to really learn about the world of tacos, and the multiple types that there are. That was all brought on by a trip to Mexico with I took with my buddy Matthew Boente, which we did in order to research more about this delicious dish, as we planned to open a food trick when we got back. The world f tacos is certainly a big one, and for me these are the 5 which you must try if you have the option.
Barbacoa
This particular taco is from the state of Hidalgo in Mexico but eaten throughout the country and it is a staple of weekend eating on the streets of Mexico. The filling is slow cooked sheep or goat and usually the meat will be cooked in a traditional earth oven, which is essentially an oven in the ground. The meat is soft and tasty and is great in a taco.
Tacos al Pastor
This is one of the most commonly eaten tacos in Mexico, a simple and cheap taco which people go wild for. This is pork meat which is heavily marinated in a mixtures of spices and then layered on a spike, which forms a kebab style shape. The meat is then spit roasted and shaved off into tortillas, served with a touch of pineapple.
White Fish Tacos
There are many fish which can be used in tacos but for me the best is some white fish, it just goes so well with the flavorings and the tortillas. If you can find cod tacos then dive right in for those, sometimes you may even find these with the same marinate that they use for the tacos al pastor. Fish just adds another dimension to tacos and they are a real favorite in our restaurant.
Beef Tongue
Something which the Mexicans do far better than many other nations is to enjoy the whole animal and finds ways to cook each part for a different dish. One example of that would be beef tongue, which they like to put in tacos, and so do we. Beef tongue, or Ox tongue specifically has been used in soups for many years, but the tacos really add another level to enjoy this tasty food. In order to enjoy this taco the most, you have to eat it fresh and hot, if you wait then the tongue can become slightly chewy.
Carnitas
Carnitas literally means ‘little meat’ and it is the perfect word used to sum up this taco type. The filling is slow cooked pork which is then sliced up into tiny cubes, and they taste delicious. The pork takes on the cilantro and the spicy sauce so well and they are a great lunchtime taco, filling but not too heavy.
These are just 5 of the many types of tacos which you will find, but they are the 5 which I would recommend that you try out.