Ready to discover the best tacos of Mexico?
You’ve come to the right place, and the right guide! As I have lived in Mexico since 2018, you can imagine I’ve tried a whole lot of tacos from Mexico 🌮
I’ve been to more than half the states in the country, and picked up lots of knowledge about traditional Mexico tacos along the way — and I can’t wait to share it with you in this article.
In it, you’ll discover 31 unique types of tacos from Mexico that you’ve probably never heard of, each with different styles, preparations, textures and flavors.
Ready to discover the best, authentic Mexican tacos?! Then let’s get to this list of 31 types of tacos in Mexico already!
After you check out the list, don’t miss the Tacos From Mexico FAQ at the end of the article. It has all the taco knowledge every true taco lover needs to know about.
31 Best Types of Tacos from Mexico
1. Tacos al Pastor
WHAT IS TACOS AL PASTOR?
Tacos al pastor are the undisputed king of Mexico tacos, and the best pork tacos from Mexico.
They are the most-eaten tacos in Mexico City, where there’s an al pastor taco place on every street, but also all over the country.
Literally translated, tacos al pastor in English means “shepherd’s tacos,” “shepherd style taco,” or “pastor tacos,” as in a church pastor.
Funny enough, these tacos have Middle Eastern origins. When you see tacos al pastor meat cooking in Mexico, it is on what’s called a trompo.
This literally translates to “top,” as in a children’s top toy, and al pastor tacos are made on this Arabian-style vertical spit.
Here’s a fun fact about these particular tacos from Mexico:The country had a large influx of Middle Eastern (mostly Lebanese) immigrants from about 1880-1935.
They brought with them their design esthetic, architecture styles, social customs, and of course, cooking techniques.
🌮 The best place to try tacos al pastor is Mexico City. In fact, these are one of the best types of tacos in Mexico City.
Mexican Adaptations to the Gyro
Essentially, Mexican cooks took a gyro or shawarma, and made these adaptations to create the taco al pastor, the most popular of all taco meats:
The meat used in Mexico is pork, instead of beef, lamb or turkey, which is common in the Middle East
In Mexico, the spices used in tacos al pastor includes chile guajillo and chile de arbol (tree chili), among other local spices an chiles
The addition of pineapple, which you’ll see at the top of the trompo, dripping a bit of juice onto the meat as it cooks.
When discussing traditional tacos in Mexico, these are the hands-down favorite for so many. On any trip to Mexico, you have to eat tacos al pastor at least once!
Sometimes called tacos de adobada, tacos pastor are one of the most common street foods — but check these tips on how to pick the best street food in Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
2. Tacos Arabes (Arab Tacos)
WHAT ARE TACOS Árabes?
Tacos arabes meat is about the same as the tacos al pastor pork meat, but seasoned with different spices so it’s not red in color.
Like al pastor, these types of tacos are made on that same vertical spit that came by way of the Lebanese immigrants in Mexico.
Tacos arabes (Arabian tacos) traditionally come served on pan arabe (Arabian bread), a tortilla/pita bread hybrid, but you can order them with regular tortillas.
They are among the most popular types of street tacos in Mexico, and can be eaten on the go, like a gyro.
If taco al pastor are a Mexican-Middle Eastern hybrid, tacos arabes more closely resemble a true Middle Eastern gyro or shawarma.
Like pastor tacos, they are topped with diced white onions and cilantro, and each diner adds a squeeze of fresh lime and salsa to their taste.
Though different taqueros (taco chefs) prepare them differently, the vast majority of tacos arabes do not have pineapple like tacos al pastor do.
As they originated in the Puebla State, some call these the most authentic Puebla tacos.
🌮 The place to try the besttacos arabes in Mexico is in Mexico City and Puebla City, Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
3. Tacos de Cochinita (Cochinita Pibil Tacos)
WHAT IS COCHINITA PIBIL?
The word cochinita means “little pig,” and to make cochinita pibil, you’ll need a whole suckling pig.
It is traditionally slow cooked in an underground oven called a pib — hence the name cochinita pibil contains the word “pib.”
If pastor is the king of meats in Central Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s all about cochinita pibil.
In fact, many say it’s hard to get good cochinita pibil (pronounced co-chee-nee-tah pee-bill) outside of the Yucatan, as the ingredients only grow there locally.
This Yucatan food delicacy is both marinated and cooked in a mixture of naranja agria citrus juices, and a spice called achiote (known as annatto outside of Mexico).
Both achiote (pronounced ahh-she-oh-tay) and naranja agria (also called sour orange, bitter orange or Seville orange) are two flavors unique to the Yucatan Peninsula.
As with all slow-cooked meats, cochinita pibil comes out tender and juicy, and you can shred it easily for tacos.
Try your cochinita on a taco, or the more traditional panucho, a tortilla stuffed with refried black beans, or salbute (puffy, fried tortilla).
Cochinita pibil tacos, panuchos and salbutes are traditionally eaten topped with pickled red onions and (at least a little bit of) habanero salsa.
Want to try other tacos in Yucatan Mexico? Don’t miss tzic de venado tacos (shredded venison or deer leg meat), and poc chuc tacos (grilled pork fillet).
🌮 The place to try the best cochinita pibilin Mexico is in Mérida, Mexico — known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
4. Longaniza Tacos and Chorizo Tacos
WHAT IS LONGANIZA?
Longaniza is a type of chorizo (red sausage) — and some say it is the best preparation of chorizo sausage in Mexico.
It is commonly made in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially Valladoild, Mexico, where the longaniza de valladolid is a local specialty.
As chorizo is a common sausage eaten in many Latin American countries and the United States, let’s focus on longaniza specifically in this best Mexico tacos article.
🌮 The place to try the best longaniza tacos in Mexico is in Valladolid, Mexico, though you can find chorizo tacos all over the country.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHORIZO AND LONGANIZA?
What separates longaniza from regular chorizo (both Mexican chorizo and Spanish chorizo), is the way the meat is prepared.
The meat for standard chorizo and tacos de chorizo is ground by a machine, whereas longaniza meat is minced (chopped by hand).
While they’re both a form of pork sausage, longaniza is a longer, thinner shaped-sausage, and typically spicier than chorizo.
Besides tacos de longaniza, this Mexican sausage is also a popular breakfast food.
It is often served with scrambled eggs, and you’ll get tortillas on the side to make your own tacos.
If you love a good Mexican breakfast taco, be on the lookout for longaniza con huevo, or chorizo con huevo.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
5. Tacos de Suadero (Suadero Tacos)
WHAT IS SUADERO meat?
Suaderomeat can be from both a pig or cow, depending on where you are in Mexico.
It is essentially flank steak or beef brisket, and comes from the area between the leg and belly of the animal.
Tacos al suadero meat is cooked in plenty of lard for a yummy, greasy taco. They rank among the best Mexican street taco meats after a long night of drinking 🍻
In fact, Señor Anthony Bourdain (RIP) filmed an episode of his No Reservations show in Mexico City, and enjoyed some suadero tacos from Taquería Los Cocuyos in Centro Historico.
Tacos suaderos are a beloved Mexico City street food, especially as a late night taco (or a long night of drinking).
Some call suadero tacos the best tacos in Mexico City, and for foodies, they are a must-try when visiting Mexico City.
🌮 The place to try the best suadero tacos in Mexico is in Mexico City. I’ve tried them all over the country, and can confirm Mexico City suadero tacos are the best.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
6. Tacos de Carnitas (Carnitas Tacos)
WHAT IS CARNITAS meat made of?
Carnitas meat is essentially fried pork, and one of the most beloved types of taco meats.
Some call this the traditional Mexican food equivalent of pulled pork, as the meat is cooked in large chunks and then shredded.
Pork shoulder is the most used cut, prized for its higher fat content.
As mentioned, this preparation of fried pork is most associated with Mexico City’s neighboring state of Michoacan.
The best way to cook carnitas is in these large cazo de cobre copper pots over an open flame. Many say the hand-crafted pots from Michoacan enhance the flavor.
🌮 The place to try the best carnitas tacosis in Mexico is in Michoacan State, which includes the UNESCO World Heritage City of Morelia, Mexico.
🐷 Carnitas come in Different cuts
When you get a taco de carnitas, you choose the part(s) of the pig. There are many types of cuts and styles you can get when you order carnitas tacos, like these:
Maciza: Lean cuts of pork meat that are ideal for people who don’t love fatty meat
Costilla: Rib meat
Pancita: Pork belly meat
Espaldilla: Tender meat from the back or spine area (My personal favorite!)
Oreja: Pig ears
Cuero: Fried pork skin that is still somewhat chewy
Chamorro: Fatty parts of meat from the upper leg, ham hocks and shoulders
Nana: Pig uterus, which you won’t always find
Achicalada: Extra crispy pork scraps that fell to the bottom of the pot
Surtido: A mix of all the cuts, in a “you get what you get” kind of way
Types of Tacos From Mexico
7. Tacos de Chicharrón (Chicharron Tacos)
WHAT IS CHICHARRON?
Chicharron is fried pork skin, made fresh throughout Mexico but also available in the chip aisle of the grocery store — and known as pork rinds in the U.S.
If you can’t get a real taco, you can always eat some pork rinds to sneak in some Mexican taco flavors and textures.
There are several ways to serve tacos de chicharron, including drowned in salsa so it gets soft (ie. chicharron en salsa verde), and as fried skin with some meat attached, keeping the delicious crispy texture.
There’s also chicharron preparado, which is basically nachos made with chicharron instead of tortilla chips.
🌮 You can find chicharrónin Mexico all over the country, though there’s different preparations in different parts of Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
7. Tacos de Tasajo (Tasajo Tacos)
WHAT IS TASAJO?
Tasajo (pronounced tah-saa-hoe) is a salted, dried cut of pork meat — or basically, a thicker, juicier beef jerky.
It is similar to cecina, which comes from a cow, though tasajo is pork. Tacos de tasajo are mostly eaten in Oaxaca City and the rest of the state.
🌮 The place to try the best tasajo in Mexico is in Oaxaca State.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
8. Tacos de Lechon (Lechon Tacos)
WHAT IS LECHOn meat?
Lechon is slow roasted pork that’s very juicy, but also has a crispy skin.
Many love lechon because you get both the crispy skin on the outside, and the soft meat on the inside.
It is essentially the same slow cooked pig dish which you’d find at a luau in Hawaii or in popular Filipino dishes like lechon kawali.
Though lechon isn’t a Mexico food preparation per se, you will only find it in taco form as tacos de lechon in Mexico. You may also see lechon called “cochito” in Mexico.
This type of taco is very popular in the Yucatan Peninsula, which borders the Caribbean Sea, as lechon is also made on Caribbean Islands like Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
You can find it throughout the Yucatan in tortas de lechon (lechon sandwiches). These are often eaten as a grab and go breakfast food from a street food vendor.
Tacos de lechoncito are also eaten for lunch, though you likely won’t find them as a dinner item everywhere you go.
🌮 The place to try the best lechonin Mexico is in the Yucatan Peninsula, but make sure you also try the similar tacos de castacán (pork belly tacos).
Types of Tacos From Mexico
9. Tacos de Barbacoa (Barbacoa Tacos)
What is barbacoa?
Barbacoa in English translates to barbecue, and you’ll use this slow-cooked BBQ meat to make tacos de barbacoa.
While barbacoa in Mexico differs from American BBQ, it is taken just as seriously as the BBQ in places like Texas and Kansas City.
Tacos from Mexico are incredibly regional, and vary from state to state. The place most associated with barbacoa is Hidalgo State, located next to Mexico City.
However, different variations are made all over the country, including the beef barbacoa in Chiapas State and barbacoa de chivo (goat barbacoa) in Oaxaca State.
The type of meat used differs from region to region, but Hidalgo style barbacoa is made from borrego (sheep).
Depending on where you are in Mexico, barbacoa can be made with sheep, goat, lamb or beef.
No matter the meat used, these are among the most beloved and best meat tacos from Mexico.
🌮 The place to try the best barbacoain Mexico is in Mexico City and Hidalgo State — where you’ll find the famous Las Grutas Tolantongo Mexico hot springs.
WHEN IS BARBACOA EATEN?
In Mexico, barbacoa (meaning “barbecue) is traditionally a weekend food — much like the BBQ in the U.S.
This doesn’t just mean something eaten on the weekends, but also that it’s often only available on weekends, as barbacoa takes nearly all week to prepare and cook.
Barbacoa tacos are traditionally eaten with a side of consome (consommé, or soup broth).
It is also more of a morning food or lunch food, and most barbacoa sellers usually close up shop around 2pm.
In fact, many eat barbacoa tacos and consome for breakfast, as it’s a known hangover cure.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
10. Tacos de Birria (Birria Tacos)
WHAT IS BIRRIA?
In Mexican slang, birria loosely translates to something of low value. However, when you eat birria tacos, you know they definitely aren’t!
In fact, these are among the most comforting of all tacos in Mexico, and some of the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other places in Jalisco State.
Birria stew is traditionally made with goat, though the birria meat type can vary, and it’s sometimes beef.
It often comes served in a bowl with corn tortillas on the side to make your own taco de birria — but make sure to get consommé (soup broth) to dip it in.
The birria is slow-cooked in adobo, a popular Mexican spice, as well as other spices, onion and garlic.
They can also come served as an actual taco, with meat, diced white onion and cilantro.
If so, the tortilla is first dipped in the red-colored stew liquid, then heated before serving. This turns the tortilla red, and is why birria tacos are sometimes called “red tacos.”
Tacos de birria have long been a Central Mexican favorite. In recent years, the quesabirria has become popular in the U.S., thanks to Teddy’s Red Tacos in LA.
Their Instagram worthy quesabirria is a birria taco with melted cheese and a side of consome (broth) for dipping.
🌮 The place to try the best birria tacos in Mexico is in Jalisco State, which includes the cities of Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Tequila, Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
11. Tacos de Bistec (Steak Tacos)
WHAT IS BISTEC?
Bistec translates to “beef” or “steak,” but this isn’t exactly a fancy steak, as it can come from many different parts of the cow.
There are basically three main beef tacos of Mexico: arrachera (flank steak), carne asada (meat cooked over charcoal), and bistec.
Of the three, bistec tacos are the most “basic” — and they are quite simply meat tacos made with the less-expensive parts of the cow.
🌮 The place to try the best bistec tacosin Mexico is really anywhere, though Northern Mexico is known to have the best beef in Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
12. Tacos de Carne Asada (Carne Asada Tacos)
WHAT IS CARNE ASADA?
Carne asada in English means “roasted meat.”
Tacos carne asada are made with cow meat, which is why this type of taco is much more common in northern Mexico — where cow is eaten more than pork.
Unlike other types of beef tacos, carne asada is cooked over charcoal, which imparts a delicious, smoky flavor into the meat.
As asada is common in the north part of the country, you’ll find both carne asada burritos and tacos — as burritos are also a North Mexico specialty.
🌮 The place to try the best carne asada tacosin Mexico is in northern Mexico, including the cities of Monterrey and Creel, Mexico.
Pasillo de Humo: Oaxaca’s Smoke alley
For a unique experience, head to the Pasillo de Humo in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Pasillo de Humo translates to “Smoke Corridor” or “Smoke Alley.”
This is an entire section of Oaxaca’s Mercado 20 de Noviembre, one of the best Oaxaca markets, that sells only asada meats and veggies.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
13. Tacos de Arrachera (Steak Arrachera Tacos)
WHAT IS ARRACHERA?
Arrachera is basically the hanger cut, and a type of flank steak, or skirt steak.
It is one of the most famous cuts of beef in Mexico, and usually the most expensive cut on any restaurant menu.
As one of the finer cuts, it’s not uncommon to see arrachera as a simple preparation. It’s usually just grilled and served, and unless you specify, often cooked medium.
Similar to other tacos in North Mexico, many prefer their tacos de arrachera with fresh flour tortillas. Of course, you can get them with corn tortillas as well.
Oftentimes, when you order tacos arrachera, you’ll get a full plate of meat along with sautéed onions, peppers and melted cheese, with tortillas on the side to make your own tacos.
🌮 The place to try the best arrachera tacos in Mexico is in Northern Mexico cities like Tijuana and Monterrey, where they eat a lot more cattle and the best beef.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
14. Tacos de Cabrito (Goat Cabrito Tacos)
WHAT IS CABRITO?
Tacos de cabrito are essentially roasted goat tacos, where the goat is slow-cooked on a stand-up spit.
They’re seldom found outside of North Mexico — so make sure to try these if you’re visiting the north, especially the city of Monterrey or the nearby Santiago pueblo magico (magic town).
🌮 The place to try the best cabrito tacosin Mexico is in Monterrey, Mexico, and other cities in the northpart of the country.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
15. Tacos de Cecina (Cecina Tacos)
We round out this list of the Top 15 types of tacos you need to try with cecina, a classic taco from the central region of Mexico.
WHAT IS CECINA meat?
Cecina is a dried, salted cow meat, with a texture that’s a mix between a flank steak and beef jerky.
The best tacos de cecina come from Morelos State, though you’ll find cecina throughout Central Mexico.
You’ll also enjoy the unique tacos acorazados, or “battleship tacos,” in Morelos.
🌮 The place to try the best cecina in Mexico is in Morelos State, especially the town of Yecapixtla Morelos, which is considered the birthplace of Mexican cecina.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
16. Tacos de Tinga (Chicken Tinga Tacos)
WHAT IS TINGA meat?
Mexican tinga is made with torn or shredded chicken cooked in a tomato, onion and chipotle peppers sauce. It is similar to American BBQ sauce in flavor.
The most common Mexican tinga recipe is tinga de pollo tacos (chicken tinga tacos).
Tinga in English means “torn,” which is how this beloved shredded meat recipe got its name.
Chicken is one of the lesser-used Mexican meats for tacos, so for those who don’t eat red meat, be on the lookout for chicken tinga tacos.
When it comes to getting tacos de pollo in Mexico (authentic chicken tacos), tinga is your best bet.
There’s even a delicious vegan tinga version you can find made with shredded carrots and cooked in the same sauce. I’m not vegan, and I really loved these.
🌮 The place to try the best tinga in Mexico is in the state of Puebla, Mexico, though you can find it in many other places.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
17. Tacos de Machaca (Meat Machaca Tacos)
WHAT IS MACHACA meat?
Machaca is a salted, dried meat or pork that gets re-hydrated before it’s cooked.
The machaca preparation comes from the North Mexico state of Chihuahua.
You can get it as tacos de machaca, or as a sort of breakfast hash in machaca con huevo (egg with machaca).
🌮 The place to try the best machaca in Mexico is in the the north part of the country, like Creel pueblo magico (magic town) in the state of Chihuahua.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
18. Tacos de Mixiote (Mixiote Tacos)
WHAT IS MIXIOTE?
Mixiote is very similar to barbacoa, though instead of one type of meat, it’s a mix of several meats including lamb, beef, mutton/sheep and pork.
Mixiote in English translates to “mix,” and mixiote is pronounced as mish-she-oh-tay (the “x” is an “sh” sound).
The meat is slow cooked in its own juice, which imparts a lot of flavor and also gives you a very tender, juicy meat.
It may come served inside a tortilla as tacos de mixiote, or in a little pouch, similar so you get all the yummy juice to add to your tacos.
🌮 The place to try the best mixiote in Mexico is in places throughout Central Mexico, including Hidalgo State, Mexico City and Guerrero State.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
19. Tacos de Pescado (Fish Tacos)
You’ll find all the best Mexico fish tacos in coastal towns and beach towns in Mexico, which all make their fish tacos a different way.
While most places in the U.S. that advertise “Mexican fish tacos” mean fried fish tacos (pescado empanizado), there is much more variation in Mexico.
While you can find fried fish tacos made similar to fried shrimp tacos de camaron, there’s also delicious smoked marlin tacos (marlin ahumado), atún (tuna), pulpo (octopus), and jaiba (soft-shell crab).
🌮 Baja Fish Tacos: The standard fried fish pescado tacos are found on the Baja California Peninsula on the west coast of Mexico.
These are known as Estilo Baja, or Baja style tacos, and popular in Southern California.
🌮 Sinaloa Fish Tacos: In Sinaloa state, home to the famous Mexico beach town of Mazatlan, Mexico, don’t miss the tacos gobernador (shrimp covered in melted cheese and poblano chili peppers).
🌮 Nayarit Fish Tacos: In Nayarit state, which has the famous Mexico surf town of Sayulita, Mexico, don’t miss the tacos de pescado zarandeado (BBQ fish tacos).
🌮 Yucatan Peninsula Fish Tacos: In some places throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find tacos de pescado tikinxik (pronounced teek-in-sheek).
This fish is cooked in an achiote sauce, also known as annatto. I tried tikinxic tacos once in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and they were SO delicious.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
20. Tacos de Cazon (Pan de Cazon)
WHAT ARE TACOS DE CAZON?
Cazón in English means “dogfish,” though it’s actually a small shark (sometimes called tiburoncito).
It is available in a taco or empanada, though more popular as a dish called pan de cazon.
WHAT IS PAN DE CAZON?
Pan de cazón in English means “dogfish bread,” and it’s sort of a Mexican lasagne.
It’s made with alternating layers of fried corn tortillas and flaked dogfish, then smothered in a red tomato sauce.
🌮 The place to try the best cazon tacosin Mexico is in Veracruz State or the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, this is a regional delicacy, which you likely won’t find outside of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
21. Tacos de Camarón Estilo Baja California (Baja Shrimp Tacos)
WHAT ARE BAJA SHRIMP TACOS?
These tacos de camarones consist of fried shrimp with a fresh cabbage slaw on top, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
They are served with fresh limes and salsa, which each diner can add to their taste.
Tacos estilo baja (Baja style) are one of the tacos of Mexico many Americans are familiar with.
In fact, when you go to a Mexican restaurant and order shrimp tacos, you’ll very likely get baja shrimp tacos.
You can find them all over the Baja California Peninsula on the country’s west coast, though they are said to have been invented in the Mexican beach town of Ensenada.
Ensenada is located only a few hours from San Diego, and a popular Mexican cruise port and party town.
Many visitors from the U.S. drive to Mexico when they visit Ensenada.
While here, you can also get the famous Baja fish tacos in Mexico. These are the same as the Mexican Baja shrimp tacos, but using fried fish instead of fried shrimp.
🌮 The place to try the best shrimp tacos in Mexico is the city of Ensenada, located in the Baja California Peninsula.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
21. Tacos de Lengua (Tongue Tacos)
WHAT ARE LENGUA TACOS?
Lengua in English means “tongue” — and yes, these are cow tongue tacos.
You can find them all over the country, though they are very popular in Mexico City, as well as many offal or organ meat tacos.
Tongue tacos have a bit of a chewy texture, similar to that of a hot dog, even though the meat is thinly sliced for these tacos.
Though many can’t get past the eating a tongue thing, street food chefs in Mexico have perfected how to perfectly cook this often undervalued organ meat.
🌮 The place to try the best lengua tacos in Mexico is in Mexico City. However, you can find great beef tongue tacos in other parts of the country as well.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
22. Tacos de Cabeza (Cow’s Head Tacos)
WHAT ARE CABEZA TACOS?
Cabeza in English means “head” — and yes, these are cow’s head tacos or pig’s head tacos (depending on where you are).
On a personal note, these organ meat tacos are some of my absolute favorite tacos of Mexico, as the cabeza meat is some of the softest meat you’ll ever eat in your life.
The taco de cabeza will contain all parts of the cow’s head, from cheeks to ears, though not the tongue, which is saved for tacos de lengua.
The entire head is slow-cooked in a giant pot with different spices and aromatics, then chopped up and put into the tortillas to be enjoyed.
You can find them all over the country, though they are very popular in Mexico City, as well as many offal or organ meat tacos.
When visiting, be on the lookout for a large pot of meat stewing, and that taquería (taco shop or taco stand) will likely have tacos de cabeza.
🌮 The place to try the best cabeza tacosin Mexico is in Mexico City. However, you can find great tacos de cabeza in other parts of the country as well.
If you want to try other organ meat tacos from Mexico, buche tacos are made with pig stomach that’s been slow-stewed and is similar to tripa tacos (tripe).
Types of Tacos From Mexico
23. Tacos de Chapulines (Grasshopper Tacos)
WHAT ARE CHAPULINES?
Chapulines are a type of small grasshopper, eaten throughout Central Mexico, though many consider them a Oaxaca food.
The chapulín grasshopper offers a fat-free, high protein food source, and these insects have been eaten for centuries by the Aztecs and other pre-hispanic civilizations.
Nowadays, you can find tacos de chapulines (grasshopper tacos), but they are also eaten as a pizza topping, and served on top of guacamole for a crunchy texture.
If you want to try other insects in Mexican cuisine besides tacos de chapulín, there’s also tacos de chicatanas (winged ant tacos).
However, the most popular type of insect tacos from Mexico will always include chapuline grasshoppers.
🌮 The place to try the best chapulines in Mexico and the best insect tacos is in Mexico City or Oaxaca State.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
24. Tacos de Guisados (Guisado Stew Tacos)
WHAT ARE GUISADO TACOS?
Guisado translates to “stew” in English, and tacos guisados are basically the home cookin’ style tacos you’d find in someone’s home.
This particular type of taco will have hearty stewed meats and veggies that get wrapped in a tortilla, instead of eaten with a fork.
You’ll know a traditional tacos guisado restaurant in Mexico because they will have all their different taco fillings in a cazuela (casserole dish).
These are the terra cotta-colored earthenware clay pots that the guisado is both cooked in, and also served in.
There are a few standard guisados used as taco fillings, like chicharron prensado (fried pork in green salsa), mole (one of the best Oaxaca foods) and tinga de pollo (BBQ shredded chicken).
However, creative tacos guisados sellers throughout Mexico might also offer up their own unique recipes and unique taco meat options.
🌮 The place to try the best guisado tacos in Mexico is in Mexico City or Puebla State, but you can find them all over the country.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
25. Tacos Campechanos (Mixed Meat Tacos)
WHAT ARE CAMPECHANO TACOS?
Originating in the Mexico state of Campeche — hence the name, campechano — the original tacos campechanoswere a mixture of beef and chorizo sausage.
Nowadays, these tacos can be a combination of any two different meats combined, not just beef and sausage or beef and pork.
🌮 The place to try the best campechano tacos in Mexico is in Campeche City, Mexico or Tabasco State. However, you can find them in Mexico City and other places as well.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
26. Tacos de Canasta (Basket Tacos)
WHAT is a TACO DE CANASTA?
Tacos de canasta in English means “basket tacos.”
As the name states, they are carried around in a basket and sold on the street — making them one of the original Mexican street foods.
Canasta basket tacos come in many varieties, with the most popular being chorizo con papa (sausage and potato), frijoles (beans) and chicharrón (fried pork skin).
You’ll see sellers with large baskets biking around Mexico City, pausing at certain spots to sell their basket tacos for a short time, before biking to the next spot.
They tend to follow the flow of foot traffic, or just set up at busy bus stops and outside of Mexico City Metro entrances.
Nowadays, the more well known tacos canasta vendors are in brick and mortar shops, or they station their basket in the same place each day.
However, if you’re in Mexico City and see someone on a bike with a large basket and containers of salsa strapped to the sides of the bikes — try to grab some tacos de canasta from them.
🌮 The place to try the best canasta tacos in Mexico is Mexico City or Tlaxcala, the smallest state in Mexico. Tacos de canasta actually originated in Tlaxcala Mexico.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
27. Tacos Veganos (Vegan Tacos)
In Mexico, pork and beef are undeniably staple foods in the local cuisine.
However, as a country with so much fresh produce that grows year-round, the Mexico vegan scene is challenging the culinary status quo.
Now, if you’re visiting Mexican pueblos (small towns), it’s honestly not easy to eat vegan in Mexico.
In large and medium-sized cities, you’ll find several vegan restaurants and cafes to choose from — particularly in Mexico City, Tulum and Guadalajara.
The one thing you always have to ask is whether the ingredients are cooked in asiento (pork lard). In Mexico, many things are, so make sure to double check!
If you know they aren’t, these are some of the best vegan tacos in Mexico include:
Jamaica tacos: Hibiscus flowers
Flor de calabaza tacos: Zucchini flowers (sometimes called calabacitas)
Tacos de nopales: Cactus
Tacos de hongos: Mushroom
Tacos de rajas: Roasted poblano peppers
🌮 The places to try the best vegan tacos in Mexico include Tulum, and any large city, like Guadalajara, Merida and Mexico City.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
28. Tacos de Huitlacoche (Huitlacoche Tacos)
WHAT IS HUITLACOCHE?
Huitlacoche (pronounced wheat-la-co-chay) is corn smut, or a natural fungus that grows on the side of corn.
It is a fermented food similar to kimchi in Korean cuisine, in that it’s chock full of antioxidants.
It has an earthy taste that’s also a bit smoky and a bit sweet, and is sometimes called “corn mushroom” or “Mexican truffles.”
Huitlacoche tacos are common in Central Mexico, but you can find it in other places during the Mexico rainy season months from approx. June to October.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
29. Tacos Potosinos (Tacos Rojos)
WHAT ARE POTOSINO TACOS?
The central Mexico state of San Luis Potosí has its unique and delicious taco version in tacos potosinos.
Though enchiladas potosinas are more common than tacos, you can get the same preparation in taco form.
Potosino enchiladas and tacos are usually stuffed with shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots and cheese.
After plating, they are smothered in a special red salsa, and topped with shredded lettuce, crema and cheese.
Because of all the red salsa they use, tacos potosinos are sometimes called tacos rojos or tacos camila.
If these sound yummy to you, you’ll also love the tacos de nata from Guanajuato State.
These are similar to potosino tacos, but come smothered in a mild, creamy tomato sauce.
🌮 The place to try the best potosino tacos in Mexico is in San Luis Potosi State, where you’ll find the beautiful Huasteca Potosina.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
30. Organ Meat Tacos
You may see the phrase carne de res tacos use as an interchangeable term for all types of beef tacos. However, it also indicates offal, or organ meat tacos.
In Mexico, they eat all parts of the animal. Carne de res tacos and offal tacos can include so many cuts, from the brisket and ribs, to the eyeballs and inner ears.
They are usually cooked in fat (confitado), or steamed (al vapor).
Here are some of the most common cuts and organ meats you will see at any good carne de res taqueria in Mexico:
Suadero: Flank steak or brisket that comes from the area between the leg and belly
Cabeza: Steamed meat from the head
Tripas: Tripe is the stomach or intestine of the cow or pig
Lengua: Tongue
Maciza: Lean cuts, like the shank
Tronco de oreja: Ear cartilage
Cachete: Cheeks
Molleja: Sweetbreads, particularly the thymus gland
Ojo: Eyes
Sesos: Brain; usually cow brains
Surtida: A mix of all the cuts, in a “you get what you get” kind of way
Types of Tacos From Mexico
31. Tacos Dorados (Fried Tacos)
WHAT ARE DORADOS TACOS?
Tacos dorados refer to any kind of Mexican fried tacos that are rolled, and they are found all over Mexico.
They are prepared, then rolled up like a cigar, and ultimately, deep fried. They are then topped with sour cream, shredded lettuce and cheese before being served.
Depending on where you’re eating them, you might see other names of tacos dorados used, like taquitos, golden tacos, fritanga tacos, and flautas.
Tacos dorados vs Flautas: What’s the difference?
If you’re now wondering, OK then what are flautas?, since they’re both deep fried tacos — let’s try to clear up the confusion.
The word flauta means flute, as these use long or large tortillas that get rolled like a flute. Using a large tortilla, flautas are often bigger than tacos dorados.
Tacos From Mexico FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What are tacos?
Tortilla + filling + salsa = Taco! Though we all think we know what a taco is, to make an authentic Mexican taco, you need to have these exact three things.
If you were wondering, What qualifies as a taco? — you now know that you only need three things for any authentic Mexico tacos recipe.
Beyond the basic anatomy of tacos (tortilla, filling and salsa), many people add in toppings, though they’re optional.
Some of the most popular taco toppings are crema(sour cream), lime juice, beans (usually pinto beans or refried beans), cheese, rice, diced white onion, and cilantro.
However, most tacos from Mexico are just served with the tortilla and meat.
As salsa adds the “heat” element, the salsa is left off so each diner can use the type at the spice level they prefer.
There’s usually at least two types of salsa available: salsa roja (red salsa) and salsa verde (green salsa). However, some taquerías (taco shops) have additional options.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
Why are tacos the perfect meal?
There are several reasons why tacos are a popular food all over the world, including that they’re easy to make, have a lot of variety, and of course, they’re delicious.
Tacos are both easy to assemble, and easy to eat quickly if you’re in a hurry.
They’re small enough that you can eat a few, and have several different types of tacos in one meal.
They come in many different flavors and textures, so it’s easy to please many different palates.
The real reason tacos are the ultimate food is because they’re SO GOOD 🌮
Types of Tacos From Mexico
How do I choose the best Mexico street tacos?
As many people are wondering how to NOT get sick in Mexico, picking the right Mexican street tacos is a good place to start.
Now, don’t take this as medical advice — rather, suggestions from a longtime Mexico expat who’s eaten her fair share of tacos without incident.
Here are four tips that will help you pick the best street tacos from Mexico:
Look for long lines: Yes, lines suck! However, in a country like Mexico, with taquerías on every block, only the best places survive. If you see a long line, it’s usually a good sign.
Look for taxi drivers: As a cab driver’s office is their car, they can eat anywhere in town they want. If you see a lot of taxis outside of a taquería it usually means the palace is both good — and cheap!
Look for two employees: There should be one person cooking the food, and another who handles the money.
Look for hand sanitizer: If you don’t see a giant Costco-sized bottle of hand sanitizer at that taco stand, that means their employees likely aren’t using any.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
Where did tacos come from?
Wondering, Who invented tacos? It was Mexico, of course — and it’s why Mexico has the best tacos in the world.
Tacos are said to have been eaten by pre-hispanic civilizations, long before the Spanish arrived.
There is anthropological evidence that the indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico (Central Mexico) traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish.
If you never knew the answer to Are tacos Mexican food? — you now know they’re the ultimate Mexican food.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What are fried tacos called?
Mexican fried tacos go by several names, including tacos dorados, flautas, taquitos and/or fritanga tacos.
What tacos are made with grilled meat?
Carne asada tacos — Known as tacos de carne asada in Mexico, these are made on a charcoal grill (known as “al carbón” cooking).
While those are that most popular, there are other grilled meat tacos you can make. In fact, anything labeled tacos al carbón means you’re getting grilled taco meats.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What’s the best types of meat in Mexican tacos?
In Central Mexico and Southern Mexico, the most popular meat in Mexican tacos is pork meat.
However, in Northern Mexico, you’ll also find seafood, beef and goat meat.
While many think of traditional Mexican food as a monolith, it is highly regional.
In short, there are actually many different types of Mexican meat for tacos used throughout the country.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What’s more authentic: Corn tortillas or flour tortillas?
It depends — The types of tacos shells used depends on the type of taco you’re about to eat, as there are authentic types of tacos that use both.
With so many types of tacos made in Mexico, there just isn’t a “this type is the most authentic” answer to the tacos in Mexico vs America debate.
Though some foodies and, ahem, taco snobs, will say corn tortillas are used in the more authentic types of Mexican tacos — that’s simply not true.
In Central and Southern Mexico, they use mostly corn tortillas. However, in the north and on the west coast, flour is more common, as well as hard some shell taco options.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What’s more authentic: Soft shell tacos or hard shell tacos?
As far as soft shell tortillas vs hard shell tortillas, this depends on where the taco is from, and what type of taco it is.
Throughout most of Mexico, you’ll see BOTH soft shell corn and flour tortillas for tacos used in tacos and other dishes — like the gringas tacos that use flour tortillas.
However, Mexican states and towns that border the U.S. do use hard shell tacos more than you’ll find in Mexico.
With this cross-border fusion, we get the famed Tex-Mex Cuisine. Of course, some Tex-Mex tacos are also using soft tortillas, like the puffy taco in San Antonio.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What is the most popular taco in Mexico?
It depends on who you ask, but tacos al pastor, tacos de barbacoa, and cochinita pibil tacos are some of the ones you can get all over the country.
However, in coastal areas, seafood reigns supreme. On Mexico beaches, tacos de pescado (also known as fish tacos) are the most common.
In truth, the taco scene is super varied across the country. There are different tacos you can find in different areas, so there’s no such thing as a real Mexican taco.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
What are the most popular Mexican street tacos?
It depends on where you are in the country, as the most popular tacos vary by region, but tacos al canasta (basket tacos) are very popular Mexico street food tacos.
However, there are so many different types of tacos across the country and regional specialities that it’s impossible to give a definitive answer.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
Where are the best tacos from Mexico?
The most common types of traditional tacos in Mexico include tacos al pastor, tacos suaderos, tacos de barbacoa, tacos de cabeza, and cochinita pibil tacos — but there are many more taco types!
As you know, the “best” of anything is subjective. In short, there’s no official best tacos in Mexico; there is only “your” best taco in Mexico.
While tacos in the U.S. are pretty standard: hard shell, grilled chicken or ground beef, lettuce, tomato and cheese — in Mexico, there is so much more variety.
Above, you’ve discovered 31 distinct types of tacos from Mexico. These different tacos are usually associated with only one region, state, or city or town in Mexico.
Some tacos might be familiar, but you’ve likely discovered many new ones — and of those, one might become your best taco.
Types of Tacos From Mexico
Are tacos popular in Mexico?
Yes — They are VERY popular in Mexico, and one of the most-consumed foods in the country.
Some Mexicans even have a funny saying that they have to get their daily dose of Vitamin T — the “T” of course stands for tacos (as well as tortas and tamales).
Types of Tacos From Mexico
How much are tacos in Mexico?
There’s no set tacos in Mexico price for all tacos across the board.
Street tacos in Mexico are the least expensive, and can cost anywhere from $10 pesos per taco ($0.60 USD) to $100 pesos per taco (about $6 USD).
In restaurants, tacos often cost much more. Depending on how nice of a restaurant it is, they may cost $100-$300 MXN pesos per taco (about $6-18 USD).
Types of Tacos from Mexico
Is there Taco Bell in Mexico?
No — Throughout the years, a few locations have opened, but then promptly closed.
However, you may find knock off Taco Bells in Mexico that are unrelated to the large U.S. chain, which locals have named in tribute (or maybe as a joke 😆).
While there are so many different kinds of tacos in Mexico, there aren’t any Mexican Taco Bells to try them in.
Final Thoughts: Best Types of Tacos From Mexico
Though this was a long list, it’s still not exhaustive of all the traditional Mexican tacos and different Mexican meats for tacos that you’ll find throughout the country.
As creative chefs keep innovating with fusion tacos that go beyond the best traditional tacos from Mexico — no list can cover all the different types of tacos in Mexico today.
In cities and pueblos (small towns) throughout the 32 states in Mexico, there are local and regional specialities, and types of tacos Mexico has that you’ll only get in one specific area.
In fact, here are a few more types of tacos names you’ve probably never come across, as they’re most of them are regional delicacies:
Tacos mineros: Tacos stuffed with potato, pork and beans that come from Aguascalientes State
Taco envenenado: The “poisoned taco” from Zacatecas State (one of the coolest Mexican tacos names)
Tacos gobernador: Shrimp and melted cheese tacos from Sinaloa State
Tacos cueritos/Tacos de cuerito: Pickled pig skin that’s marinated in chilis and spices
Tacos buche: Pork belly tacos (also called hog maws)
Tacos de cazo: Named for the method of cooking, tacos de cazo are made with meats that get deep fried in hot lard inside a large bucket called a cazo
Tacos sudados or tacos vapores: These “sweaty tacos” are kept in a basket covered with a cloth in order to keep them warm and moist all day
Tacos alambre: A large plate of sautéed or grilled meat, peppers, onions and melted cheese with tortillas on the side so you can make your own tacos
For those who visit Mexico, you won’t be disappointed by any of the different kinds of tacos you try.
While different places have special tacos, true taco fanatics can’t go wrong with a trip to Mexico City, where you’ll find the most variety among all these best Mexico City tacos.
After your visit, you’ll want to buy this types of tacos poster so you remember every yummy bite, or learn to cook an authentic Mexican street tacos recipe.
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