The History of the Taco
The taco to the Mexican is what the sandwich is to your fellow Brit. From food carts to lavish five star Michelin restaurants, the development and evolution of the taco has been both bold and significant. Let’s take a dive into the story of the taco.
Where Did The Taco Come From?
Although the precise origin of the taco isn’t known for sure, it is believed that the first people to create it were the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, they are thought to have filled tortillas with a large variety of ingredients such as beans and agave worms as well as other local delicacies.
One thing of note however is that nowhere amongst these early tacos would you see a hard-shelled variety, as these Tex-Mex recipes were popularised later on when the taco became prevalent in the United States.
Spanish Influence On The Taco
When the Spanish conquistadors came, they introduced the use of wheat flour, which in turn developed the soft and mailable tortillas we know and love today. As new ingredients were introduced the taco evolved, from corn and beans to the addition of meats and cheese. This sparked a new culinary phenomenon and throughout the 19th century, many food vendors populated the streets of Mexican cities - serving a fast and affordable meal to passers-by.
Grilled meats such as beef and steak quickly became all the rage in the northern regions of Mexico accompanied with local chillies to create spicy sauces and carne asada (grilled beef) came to be a staple in many Mexican restaurants.
North American Influence On The Taco
Migrants to America from Mexico in the 19th century brought with them their culinary know-how and soon the Americanisation of the taco became apparent with many Tex-Mex style restaurants popularised north of the border. New Americanised recipes included the newly invented chilli-powder and other ingredients such as iceberg lettuce and cheddar cheese.
Once we began to enter the 20th century, it was apparent that an increasing number of fast food chains were incorporating tacos into their menu, solidifying their status as a culinary icon. This was followed up by the move towards globalisation in the 1960s, aiding the introduction of tacos to a new audience. Brands like Taco Bell seized the moment, becoming a fast food giant - all on the back of the humble taco.
The Taco Today
Tacos have become both more refined and experimental in the modern day, finding ways to incorporate different ingredients from all corners of the world. Modern taco dishes usually include a fusion of both traditional and new flavours, and fusion tacos often incorporate elements from different cuisines around the world. These include Mexican, American and even Korean! Some notable examples of this include grilled avocado (perfect for vegan diners) and Korean BBQ tacos for that authentic asian feel.
Today, tacos continue to be a staple of both the Mexican and American diets and are enjoyed throughout the world as a cultural icon and symbol of rich heritage. It’s also celebrated in food festivals and gourmet restaurants, paying spectacular homage to this beloved dish.
