Tacos al Pastor: A History of the Iconic Mexican Street Food

The Origins of Tacos al Pastor

The history of tacos al pastor dates back to the 1920s in Mexico City. It was inspired by the shawarma-style spit-roasted meats that Lebanese immigrants brought to Mexico. Tacos al pastor consist of thin slices of marinated pork, shaved off of the spit and served on a tortilla with cilantro, onion, and pineapple.

Evolution of Tacos al Pastor

The original style of cooking pork on a spit was not practical for all taquerias, so they began to adapt their cooking method by using a vertical rotisserie to cook the pork. The pork was then seasoned with Mexican spices like chilies and achiote, and the pineapple was layered on top of the meat. This method allowed for easier preparation and made it possible for tacos al pastor to become more accessible.

Cultural Significance

Tacos al pastor quickly became a fan favorite in Mexico City and could be found on many street corners. Street vendors started setting up small grills filled with burning mesquite wood and began roasting the pork. Now, this tasty taco is enjoyed all over Mexico and the world. It was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mexico in 2010.

Tacos al pastor is more than just a tasty food, it is a symbol of Mexican culture and heritage. With its origins linked to Lebanese immigrants, it has become an essential part of Mexican cuisine and a worldwide phenomenon. Making tacos al pastor at home is an easy and fun experience that can bring people together. So the next time you're planning a taco night, make sure to include tacos al pastor.

Now that you know the history of tacos al pastor, why not doing a taco party? Take a picture of your homemade tacos al pastor and share it on your social media accounts using the hashtag #hiverecipes, so we can see your creations. You could even make a video of yourself making the tacos and we would be more than pleased to share it as well.