A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. Tacos can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, cheese, beans, and more. There are countless variations of tacos found all over Mexico and beyond. Two of the most popular types are street tacos and regular tacos. While quite similar, there are some key differences between these two taco styles.
Street tacos are small, simply made tacos that are traditionally sold by street vendors in Mexico. They were originally associated with lower income and working class neighborhoods. The street taco has spread in popularity across Mexico, into the United States, and around the world. Regular tacos are typically larger tacos with more complex fillings and toppings served at restaurants and fast food chains.
This article will compare and contrast street tacos vs regular tacos by examining their ingredients, assembly methods, origins and history, popularity, and cultural significance. Understanding the nuances between these two beloved taco varieties can help you better appreciate the diversity within Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
The core ingredients that go into a street taco vs a regular taco are largely the same, but there are some variations.
Tortilla
Both street tacos and regular tacos start with a tortilla. This is the essential wrap or shell that encases the taco fillings.
Street taco tortillas are usually smaller, around 4 to 6 inches, and made of corn. The corn tortillas have a rustic, authentic texture and flavor. They are sometimes cooked on a hot griddle or pan for a lightly charred taste.
Regular taco tortillas are often larger, from 6 to 10 inches, and made of either corn or flour. Flour tortillas have a softer, more pliable texture that works well for making crisp or puffy taco shells.
Fillings
The fillings in both street tacos and regular tacos can vary widely, but street tacos focus on simple, traditional ingredients. Common proteins are grilled meats like carne asada (grilled beef), al pastor (spiced pork), chorizo (Mexican sausage), chicken, or cecina (thinly sliced salted beef). Everyday fillings like potatoes, beans, nopales (cactus), and eggs are also popular. The meats are usually marinated and grilled over an open flame.
Regular taco fillings encompass all the classics like ground beef, chicken, steak, pork, but can also feature more elaborate options like fish, shrimp, duck, lamb, and more. The meats may be braised, roasted, breaded, or loaded with extra ingredients and toppings.
Toppings
Street taco toppings are minimal, letting the flavor of the meat and tortilla shine. A squeeze of lime juice, diced onions, cilantro, and salsa are standard. Tacos al pastor usually have pineapple tidbits. Other simple toppings include radishes, chopped tomatoes, guacamole, and crumbled Mexican cheese.
Regular tacos allow for greater creativity and combinations for toppings. Popular options include lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, shredded cabbage, guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, and many other ingredients.
Salsa
With street tacos, salsas are typically served on the side so each person can control the amount of heat and flavor. They may be made fresh daily and feature ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, pineapple, avocado, and more.
Regular tacos may incorporate salsas directly into the dish, like a creamy chipotle sauce. Packaged salsas from jars are also common.
| Ingredient | Street Taco | Regular Taco |
|---|---|---|
| Tortilla | Small corn tortilla | Larger corn or flour tortilla |
| Fillings | Simple grilled meats, everyday ingredients | All classic meats plus creative options |
| Toppings | Minimal – onions, cilantro, salsa | Lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, beans, rice, etc. |
| Salsa | Fresh, served on the side | Incorporated into dish or from jar |
Assembly Method
There are some differences in how street tacos and regular tacos are assembled and served.
Street tacos are made to order in an efficient assembly line style. The tortilla is heated on a griddle, then filled with meat and desired toppings. Common steps include:
– Heating the tortilla
– Adding the protein
– Topping with onions and cilantro
– Serving with salsa on the side
– Squeezing over lime juice to finish
The tacos are served immediately after assembling so the tortilla maintains its softness and integrity. 2-3 tacos are typical for a single order. Street tacos are meant to be picked up and eaten by hand.
Regular tacos have more versatility in their serving styles:
– Hard shell tacos are filled with ingredients then often popped open into a crispy U-shape for loading on toppings.
– Soft taco shells may be warmed then filled.
– Tacos with fillings like ground beef may be cooked together then wrapped.
– Individual components may be layered or mixed to each customer’s preferences.
Regular tacos are commonly served open on a plate or in a takeout box container. Speciality tacos at restaurants may be served in many creative ways meant for knife and fork eating.
Origins and History
Both street tacos and regular tacos have origins dating back hundreds of years in Mexico, but took different paths to gaining popularity.
Street Taco History
The simplicity of the street taco traces back centuries to pre-Hispanic times when indigenous peoples in Mexico ate corn tortillas wrapped around small fish or food bits. Tacos traditionally were peasant food and a quick, cheap street food. They were sold at local markets and by street vendors who set up grills and carts in towns.
Street tacos became most closely associated with Mexico City and central Mexico. Eating from street stalls under the open air was part of the cultural fabric. Tacos were accessible to all economic levels of society. They were the ideal fast meal for workers with limited time.
Regular Taco History
In Northern Mexico, a flour tortilla tradition developed, eventually leading to the invention of the modern fried taco shell. Refried beans and cheese were incorporated as taco fillings. Ground beef emerged as a popular protein after the American introduction of beef cattle to Mexico.
In the US, Glen Bell founded the first Taco Bell in 1962, helping launch tex-mex taco variations into the American mainstream. The fast food crunchy taco shell became an icon. As Mexican food proliferated across America in the 1970s and beyond, tacos were regularly found in family restaurants.
While American-style hard shell tacos diverged from street taco roots, Mexican immigrants still maintained street taco traditions. Trends like fish tacos and Baja-style tacos kept influences flowing between Mexico and the US.
Popularity and Trends
Both street tacos and regular tacos have seen surges in popularity over recent decades, especially in the United States.
Street Taco Popularity
Authentic Mexican street taco culture used to be confined to the American southwest. But street tacos have expanded across the US, gaining broader appeal through food trucks, street festivals, and trendy restaurants.
Some factors driving street taco popularity include:
– Foodie interest in authentic international street foods
– Appreciation for real Mexican flavors and traditions
– Focus on fresh, quality ingredients
– New US hubs like Austin embracing food truck culture
– Top chefs opening taquerias focusing on perfecting tacos
Many big cities now have hip street taco hot spots, often with late night hours. Street tacos are celebrated for their simplicity and originality compared to Tex-Mex variations.
Regular Taco Popularity
Regular Americanized tacos have become completely embedded in U.S. cuisine. Taco Bell serves over 2 billion tacos per year. Tacos are on the menus of all kinds of restaurants from diners to bars to fast casual spots.
Factors behind ongoing regular taco popularity:
– Nostalgia and comfort food appeal
– Crunchy taco shells remain iconic
– Familiarity of common fillings like ground beef
– Customizability with countless toppings
– Part of Tex-Mex/Mexican restaurant staples
– Staple food for college students and 20-somethings
– Kid-friendly food
While street tacos continue gaining ground, regular tacos are still the default taco variety known to mainstream America. Their versatility ensures tacos in this style remain popular.
Cultural Significance
Both street tacos and regular tacos hold cultural significance in Mexican and Mexican-American traditions, but in different ways.
Street Taco Cultural Significance
In Mexico, street tacos represent a long-standing, authentic food tradition. They are a beloved comfort food integrated into daily life and rituals. Serving street tacos at family gatherings and celebrations maintains cultural customs.
For Mexican-Americans, street tacos may signify a connection to their roots. Taquerias focusing on perfecting traditional tacos help preserve cooking methods, ingredients, and flavors from past generations. Food media spotlighting street tacos sustains interest in this regional style.
Globally, street tacos symbolize the growing appreciation for Mexican culture and pride in Mexican heritage. As street tacos spread around the world, they act as cultural ambassadors.
Regular Taco Cultural Significance
In areas like California, Texas, and the Southwest, American-style tacos are simply part of the local culture. They represent a fusion of Mexican and American tastes into an iconic regional food. Taco nights, taco trucks, and taco bars are traditions binding communities together.
For Americans nationwide, regular tacos are a tasty introduction to Mexican flavors. They are a gateway to exploring Tex-Mex cuisines anderest in Latin culture. Taco-focused fast food chains like Taco Bell are nostalgic icons. Taco emojis and Taco Tuesday celebrations show how tacos are engrained in mainstream culture.
Among Mexican-Americans, both traditional and Americanized tacos can represent cultural identity, shared community, and memories of family cooking.
Conclusion
Street tacos and regular tacos have distinct origins, ingredients, assembly methods, and cultural significance. But they share an overall place of importance in Mexican food culture.
Key differences include:
– Street tacos use simple corn tortillas grilled to order in an efficient assembly line. Regular tacos use flour or crispy shells and allow for layered ingredients.
– Street taco fillings and toppings are minimal, letting the flavors speak for themselves. Regular tacos are highly customizable with countless combinations.
– Street tacos are an authentic tradition with peasant roots, symbolizing heritage. Regular tacos are an Americanized fusion food representing widespread popularity.
But the two varieties ultimately both provide an enjoyable taco experience. Tacos are celebrated for their versatility in globally adapting across cultures while retaining tradition. Whether you prefer the purist simplicity of a street taco or the crunchy familiarity of a regular taco, both offer great flavors. The popularity of tacos overall shows the significance of this iconic Mexican dish.