Where did tacos al pastor come from?
Tacos al pastor were inspired by Lebanese immigrants in Mexico, who brought the vertical spit-roasting technique used for shawarma.
Where does the word "taco" come from?
Food historian Jeffrey Pilcher suggests that the word "taco" may have come from Mexican silver miners, who called small paper-wrapped gunpowder charges "tacos."
When was Taco Bell founded?
Glen Bell opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California, in 1962.
Who patented the hard taco shell fryer?
Mexican restaurant owner Juvencio Maldonado patented a device for frying U-shaped hard taco shells in 1950, helping make the crunchy American taco possible.
When is National Taco Day?
National Taco Day is celebrated in the US on October 4.
What is nixtamalization?
Corn tortillas are made using nixtamalization, an ancient Mesoamerican method of soaking corn in an alkaline solution that makes it more nutritious and easier to grind.
Who owned the "Taco Tuesday" trademark?
Taco John's held the "Taco Tuesday" trademark in most of the US for decades, but gave it up in 2023 after Taco Bell challenged it.
Has a taco stand ever earned a Michelin star?
In 2024, Taquería El Califa de León in Mexico City became the first taco stand to earn a Michelin star.
Where do fish tacos come from?
Fish tacos come from Baja California in Mexico, especially coastal towns like Ensenada.
What are birria tacos?
Birria tacos come from Jalisco, Mexico, and are made with slow-stewed meat served with a rich broth for dipping.