If you are a taco lover (and who isn’t?!) you have probably wondered at some point or another what goes in a traditional taco. In today’s post, we answer this question and provide some surprising tips to enjoy your tacos.
What Goes in a Traditional Taco?
Before we explain what goes in a traditional taco, we have to define what a traditional taco is. If by “traditional” you mean “the most common,” then there are a handful of fillings you can find at almost any Mexican taco stand:
- Al pastor
- Chicken
- Birria
- Barbacoa
- Beans
- Fish
- Chorizo
- Carnitas
But, as you probably know, a great taco is more than a tasty filling. Any taco worth its salt needs one or two high-quality toppings, such as:
- Cilantro
- Chopped onions
- Roasted onions
- Avocado
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Lime
- Radish
Finally, you’ll need a savory salsa as the final touch that ties it all together. In most cases, you have two versions of every type of salsa: spicy and non-spicy. If you are not a fan of setting your tastebuds aflame, be sure to ask for non-spicy salsa (salsa que no pica).
- Red salsa
- Green salsa
- Pico de gallo
With Tacos, Anything Goes
With all that being said, you have to keep in mind that the history of Mexican food tells us that the only rule about tacos is that there are no rules.
Mexicans put almost anything they like in a tortilla, call it a taco, and nobody bats an eye.
For example, did you know that spaghetti tacos are common in Mexico? Also, tacos de chapulines (roasted grasshopper tacos) are a delicacy typical of some Southern states of Mexico.
There are literally no limits. Some people in Mexico love cajeta tacos, that is, tacos filled with soft toffee. It makes sense: after all, that’s the same concept behind French crepes!
So, while it’s normal to wonder what constitutes an authentic traditional taco, you’re probably better off by doing like the Mexicans do and enjoy any taco you like without thinking too much about it.
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic tacos? At El Pollo Norteño we’ve got you covered!
Visit any of our five locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Lake Forest), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!