Book a chef near you

Choose your preference:

4 Persons

Tracing Tacos – A Journey Through Time

Chicken Tacos

When thinking about famous foods from around the world, some key dishes come to mind. We’re willing to bet Mexican cuisine ranks high on many people’s lists, with tacos at the top. But, have you ever stopped to wonder how the tasty taco came to be?  

It turns out, the history of the taco is as colorful and varied as the taco fillings themselves.  

Tacos as we know them today were believed to have started in the 1800s as the humble lunch of Mexican silver miners. The word “taco” translates to “plug” or “wad” – reflecting the small sticks of dynamite used in the mines.  

There is evidence, however, that the taco’s origins began much earlier.  

It is believed that the Aztecs invented tortillas using masa cooked on hot stones. The Aztec emperor, Montezuma, used the tortillas like a spoon to scoop or hold food such as cochineal, beans, and chiles. The word “taco” stems from the Nahuatl word “tlahco,” meaning “half” or “in the middle” in reference to how it is formed. 

(Also ReadMade to Cook: The Cooking Hypothesis)

Early taco fillings were simple and reflected what was available, such as fishcooked organs, small insects, ants, locusts, and snails. It wasn’t until the 1500s, when Spanish soldiers arrived in Mexico with pigs from Cuba, that pork was introduced as a filling and served at large banquets (the first “taco parties” as documented in 1520 by Bernal Diaz del Castillo, a Spanish soldier sailing with Hernan Cortes). From here, the taco spread across the “New World” as a staple food 

Whether crediting the Aztecs or silver miners, the taco is a dish woven through the fabric of Mexican cuisine. 

Into America & Beyond 

Portable and easy to eat, tacos became a primary meal of the working class. In time, street food vendors filled soft corn tortillas with a simple, spicy filling to offer workers on their breaks. Around 1905, this delicious and practical meal crossed the border into the United States when Mexican laborers moved north to work on the railroads.  

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the traditional filling of organs was replaced by beef and chicken. In addition, lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese became standard fillings in America  this fusion brought forth by the availability of American ingredients and a more subtle palate.   

While some may prefer more traditional preparation, today, tacos in America include a vibrant blend of traditional Mexican flavors combined with new ingredients and influences from around the globe – a fusion of flavors to satiate a wide variety of tastes.  

Need further evidence of the taco’s cult-like following? In 2019, Netflix released the first season of Taco Chronicles, a docuseries that explores the rich histories of popular taco styles. From barbacoa to carnitas, cochinita to birria, and many others, watch this mouth-watering series on your next taco night.  

Whatever fillings you like, tacos are arguably one of the most-loved foods in the world. Whether you prefer vegetarian sweet potato and black bean, or chicken, pork or beef, CookinGenie offers fresh, authentic home-cooked Mexican-styled tacos to make every night taco night. We cook from scratch with wholesome ingredients, right in your kitchen. Whether meal prepping or organizing a small dinner party, our Genies can help create a taco bar like no other, connecting you back to hundreds of years of tradition and fusion of cultures through food.  

 

Sources 

You May Also Like

Eating with a Conscience Sustainable Seafood Choices

Feb 24, 2023

Eating with a Conscience: Sustainable Seafood Choices 

Seafood is a delicious and nutritious source of protein, but not all seafood is created equal. In fact, many species are being overfished, causing damage to our oceans and threatening...

Read More

ChickenPadThai -CookinGenie

Dec 23, 2020

Pad Thai: The Noodle Dish that Helped Build a Nation

For many people, pad Thai—the delectable sweet, sour, and spicy stir fry of rice noodles, tofu, eggs, veggies, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and an umami-rich sauce that can be found on the menu of virtually every Thai...

Read More

climate conscious eating

Mar 23, 2023

How Eating with the Climate in Mind Can Help You Live Longer and Healthier?

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices, with many people seeking ways to eat more sustainably. But the benefits of...

Read More

Sep 16, 2019

Eating healthy & fresh – challenges for a family

You already have a lot on your plate – juggling kids sports, school events, professional schedules, groceries, shopping, and kids’ homework.Exhausting? We think so. Add an early morning or a...

Read More

travel around the culinary world with CookinGenie

May 19, 2021

Take Your Taste buds Around The World With CookinGenie

In my time as a chef, I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world and immerse myself in different cultures and cuisines. I’ve learned from amazing local chefs how...

Read More

Benefits of Sustainable Cooking 

Apr 05, 2023

Tips for Sustainable Cooking- Techniques and Benefits

Are you tired of cooking the same old meals every day and looking for ways to make your cooking more sustainable? Look no further. Sustainable cooking is a cooking approach...

Read More

Everything about Charcuterie boards_ What is it, what it contains, trends, and more

Jan 28, 2023

Everything about Charcuterie boards: What is it, what it contains, trends, and more

Are you looking to elevate your next party or get-together with something new, delicious, and Insta-worthy? Enter: Charcuterie boards. Charcuterie boards are seeing a massive boom in popularity right now...

Read More

How to Emulsify Anything

Jan 31, 2023

The Secret to Creating Perfect Emulsions Every Time  

Ready to conquer the culinary challenge of emulsifying seemingly incompatible liquids? Whether you’re trying to add oil to a vinaigrette dressing, combine cream and stock for a luxurious soup, or...

Read More

Guests with Food - CookinGenie

Sep 28, 2021

How to Cook for Guests with Food Allergies

Cooking for someone with a severe food allergy can be intimidating. And with food allergies on the rise, it’s becoming more common than ever. You want people to enjoy your...

Read More

Book A Personal Chef

Don't settle for ordinary, elevate your event with a personal chef

You May Also Like

How to Reduce the Burn of Spiciness

Apr 24, 2023

How to Reduce the Burn of Spiciness

For many people, the heat of spiciness in food can be both thrilling and overwhelming. The burning sensation of spicy food is often the result of a compound called capsaicin,...

Read More

Techniques for Using Oil and Vinegar

Feb 06, 2023

Unlock Deliciousness: Using Oil and Vinegar for Optimal Emulsion 

Oil and vinegar emulsion is a sauce commonly used to dress salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. This versatile sauce has been around for hundreds of years, but its recent popularity...

Read More

Personal Chefs in Cincinnati

May 15, 2023

Feast Like a Celebrity: Personal Chefs in Cincinnati Are Not Just for the Elites

For years, a veil of luxury and exclusivity shrouded the world of personal chef experiences. It was a treat reserved for the affluent and famous, with lavish lifestyles and wallets...

Read More

National Food Safety Month— Keys for Cooking and Serving Food Safely

Sep 24, 2021

September is National Food Safety Month – Here are Some Keys for Cooking and Serving Food Safely

Cooking for friends and family is one of the great joys in life. But without practicing proper food safety, cooking can make your loved ones sick, or in extreme cases,...

Read More

baby shower blog image

Aug 29, 2022

Planning a Baby Shower? Here is Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Baby Shower

A baby shower is planned for a pregnant woman, typically by her friends or family, to celebrate the child’s birth. Usually, a host organizes the baby shower before the baby...

Read More

Independence Day in Columbus

Aug 28, 2023

The Best Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Columbus

The 4th of July, America’s Independence Day, is a time for celebration, patriotism, and family fun. In Columbus, Ohio, the festivities take on a radiant journey, with various events and...

Read More

Corporate Gift Ideas in Cleveland

Sep 19, 2023

7 Black Friday Corporate Gifts to Buy in Cleveland

As the leaves turn golden and the air begins to chill, an undeniable buzz sweeps across Cleveland and the nation: Black Friday is on the horizon. Synonymous with jaw-dropping deals...

Read More

Take Control of Your Health by Lowering Sodium and Sugar Intake

Feb 10, 2023

Take Control of Your Health by Lowering Sodium and Sugar Intake

You know what they say: you are what you eat. But sometimes, the foods we crave and enjoy aren’t necessarily the best for us. That’s especially true when it comes...

Read More

Oct 26, 2019

Healthy ingredients – Lentils

Lentils are one of the staple ingredients of Indian (& middle eastern) cuisine and with good reason. Lentils, often referred to as Dal are really any type of split pulses...

Read More