A folded corn tortilla stuffed with meats such as chicken or beef or beans.

The taco is most simply defined as a “tortilla with something wrapped inside.” The taco originated in Mexico before the Spanish conquest. It has evolved, but always remained a central part of the Mexican diet.  In Northern Mexico, grilled meat is wrapped in a flour tortilla, while the south continues with the traditional corn. Considered “‘the most democratic of Mexican foods,’” the taco is sold by street vendors all over Mexico, just like the hot dog of New York City, and is a quick and accessible snack to all social classes. Tacos normally come in an order of 2-3, topped with various salsas, green onions, cucumbers, radishes, and the juice from lime wedges (“Wrap It Up”).

The taco made its way into America in Los Angeles and San Bernardino, two cities in California. It was sold, as is still is, out of trucks (Arellano, 54-57). Glen Bell, created the hard shell taco, created Taco Bell, and revolutionized Mexican fast food (“Where Did the Taco Come From?”). Americans now associate tacos with hard shells, something that is completely American (Arellano, 64). Taco trucks remain a common entity across America, as they are crucial to the mobilizing and spreading of this cuisine (Arellano, 163).

Lexicographer: Genevieve Resnick, Tulane University