21+ Types of Mexican Tacos that You Need to Try (Local Guide)

Being a huge foodie, I am obsessed with Mexican tacos.

It is the perfect bite of soft, crunchy, and spice that is bursting with flavor. It is a known fact that Mexican cuisine has been delighting foodies around the world for centuries and one of their most popular dishes is tacos! 

From street carts to fancy restaurants, taco stands in Mexico offer an array of delicious and unique flavors.

We lived in Mexico for over a year and during that time we were lucky to get to try most of the different types of tacos Mexico has to offer.

We literally ate our way through Mexico and the extra few pounds in our belly can attest to that. It was literally taco Tuesday…every single day! 🙈

My aim with this post is to showcase the best Mexican tacos and to inspire you to try the different types during your travels. 

Yes, there’s a variety of tacos méxico that vary in taste, texture, as well as preparation.

So, grab your appetite (plus your passport) and get ready to explore some of the best tacos that Mexico has to offer!

Types of Mexican Street Tacos

1. Al Pastor Tacos

The first on the list is the famous Al Pastor Taco which is famous all over the world.

Al Pastor tacos are made with marinated pork, chopped pineapple, and onions. The pork is cooked on a spit like shawarma or gyros, then sliced off into thin pieces and served on a warm corn tortilla with salsa and cilantro. 

These tasty treats are usually topped with a wedge of lime for an extra zesty kick. Personally, this was my favorite taco when we lived in Mexico.

2. Barbacoa Tacos

Barbacoa is a beloved Mexican food that has been consumed for centuries! It may not be one of the most well-known tacos you can get from your local taco truck but it’s definitely worthy of recognition.

Barbacoa tacos are the perfect Mexican comfort food mainly because the slow-roasting of the meat for hours in an oven, adds extra deliciousness. 

Chunky pieces of meat are combined with seasonings like cumin and oregano, making sure there are plenty of flavors packed into every bite.

Enjoy this taco with some freshly chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, and all the classic toppings – it honestly doesn’t get any better!

3. Tacos Arabes

Tacos Arabes is a unique Mexican creation that shouldn’t be overlooked. This type of Mexican taco is a unique and delicious taco that originated in the city of Puebla in central Mexico.

 As the name suggests, they have their roots in Arab cuisine, brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century.

Tacos Arabes are made with thinly sliced pork that is marinated in a blend of spices such as cumin, garlic, and oregano. The meat is then skewered and roasted on a spit until it is tender and juicy, similar to shawarma. 

The meat is typically served on a warm corn tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and often accompanied by a creamy salsa made from avocado and lime juice.

What sets Tacos Arabes apart is the unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors. The marinade and spices used in the pork are similar to those used in Middle Eastern cuisine, while the use of tortillas and toppings such as cilantro and lime juice give the tacos a distinctly Mexican twist.

Tacos Arabes is a beloved dish in Puebla and can be found in many small taquerias and street stalls throughout the city. 

4. Chorizo Tacos

The chorizo taco is a popular and flavorful type of Mexican taco that is made with spiced ground pork sausage. It is often served with a corn tortilla and topped with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. 

The bold and spicy flavor of the chorizo pairs perfectly with the fresh toppings, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for any taco lover.

In Mexico, another name for a chorizo taco is Longaniza, and hands down, the best place to try this type of taco is in Valladolid where they hand-make the pork sausage.

5. Carnitas Tacos (Pork Tacos)

The carnitas taco is another beloved type of Mexican taco that is made with tender, slow-cooked pork that is typically seasoned with garlic, cumin, and other spices. 

The pork is then shredded and served on a warm tortilla, along with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of tangy salsa. 

The result is a delicious and savory taco with a rich and meaty flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Carnitas tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and are enjoyed by taco lovers around the world.

While there are many different variations of carnitas tacos, here are a few examples of the different types:

Michoacan-style carnitas tacos

Michoacan-style carnitas are typically made with pork shoulder or butt that is slow-cooked in lard until it is tender and crispy on the outside. The meat is then shredded and served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and some lime.

Sinaloa-style carnitas tacos

In Sinaloa, carnitas are often made with pork that is marinated in a blend of citrus juices and spices, giving the meat a tangy and savory flavor. The pork is then slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy and served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Guadalajara-style carnitas tacos

In Guadalajara, carnitas are often made with pork that is slow-cooked in a blend of beer and spices until it is tender and flavorful. The meat is then served on a warm corn tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

Each type of carnitas taco has its own unique preparation method and seasoning blend. Aside from this, when you go to some really local food stalls, you will also see that some might give you a choice on which part of the pork you want.

6. Lechon Tacos

Lechon tacos are a unique and delicious Mexican dish with some interesting origins. 

Taking a page from the traditional Filipino lechon, this dish is made by roasting suckling pigs over an open flame or inside an oven until it gets crispy. (side note: Lechon is a favorite of mine and is something I grew up eating in the Philippines)

This roasted pork is then expertly shredded and filled into tacos along with other flavorful ingredients such as onions, limes, cilantro, garlic, and lots of spicy salsa. 

The tacos have a juicy, smoky flavor that will leave your taste buds hungry for more.

These tacos are particularly popular in Mexico City and can easily be found in many local street market stalls. 

7. Fish Tacos (Tacos de Pescado)

Fish tacos, otherwise known as tacos de Pescado in Mexico, are commonly served in beachside eateries throughout the nation.

If you’re looking for amazing tacos, Ensenada and Rosarito Beach are great places to start. 

But don’t limit yourself to just these popular spots – there are plenty of other lesser-known spots along the Pacific and Gulf Coastlines that have superb taquerias as well.

Unknown to many, depending on where you are in Mexico, the type of fish taco will vary and as will the toppings. Some versions top it with just a salsa while others add a sour cream topping.

Here are a few examples of different types of fish tacos according to their region:

Baja-style fish tacos

This type of fish taco originated in the Baja California region and is typically made with battered and fried fish, shredded cabbage, and a creamy white sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. 

Due to its proximity to the US, Baja-style fish tacos are the most popular and are the type that is known worldwide.

Sinaloa-style fish tacos

In the Sinaloa region, fish tacos are often made with grilled or fried fish that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and spices. They are typically served with a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

Yucatan-style fish tacos

In the Yucatan region, fish tacos are often made with grilled or fried fish that is marinated in a mixture of orange juice and achiote paste, which gives the fish a bright orange color and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. They are typically served with pickled red onions and habanero salsa. Some also serve it with cotija cheese and pico de gallo.

When we lived in the Yucatan region, this type of fish taco was what we would eat and it was always so light and refreshing. 

Sonora-style fish tacos

In the Sonora region, fish tacos are often made with lightly battered and fried fish that is served on a flour tortilla with a variety of toppings such as shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado salsa.

These are just a few examples of the different types of fish tacos you can find in Mexico, each with its own unique flavor profile and preparation methods.

While not as common as fish tacos, another type of tacos de pescado (seafood tacos), are shrimp tacos or tacos de camarones.

8. Machaca Tacos

Not many tacos can lay claim to having ancestral roots in the North Mexico state of Chihuahua.

Machaca tacos stand out as a tasty, unique example – these tacos have been a staple of Mexican cuisine since the time of the Aztecs. 

Machaca tacos are made with salted and dried meat or pork which is then rehydrated before it’s cooked. This creates a rich flavor bursting with traditional Mexican flavors.

It’s important to know machaca tacos aren’t just for lunch: you can also serve up machaca con huevos for a filling breakfast that is sure to pack some punch! Whatever your dining-time craving may be, machaca tacos are sure to bring traditional Mexican taste straight to your plate.

9. Suadero Tacos

Mexico City is the place to be when it comes to tacos suaderos. Not only is it the birthplace of tacos suaderos, but it also serves as the mecca for all taco connoisseurs seeking out a truly unique culinary experience. 

Typically enjoyed late at night (or after long nights of drinking!), tacos suaderos pack a punch – both in flavor and texture – that leaves taco lovers wanting more.

Suadero tacos are a mouthwatering and popular type of Mexican taco that originated in the central region of the country. 

They are made with thin slices of beef cut from the lower part of the belly, which is known for its rich and flavorful marbling. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and juicy and then served on a warm corn tortilla with a variety of toppings.

What sets Suadero tacos apart is the unique texture of the meat, which is both tender and slightly chewy due to the marbling. 

The beef is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, garlic, and chili powder, which adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the tacos.

Suadero tacos are a popular street food in Mexico and are often served from small taco stands or food trucks. 

10. Cochinita Pibil Tacos

Cochinita pibil tacos are a delicious and aromatic type of Mexican taco that originated in the Yucatan region of Mexico. 

This particular Mexican food is made with marinated and slow-cooked pork that is seasoned with achiote paste, orange juice, garlic, and other spices, giving the meat a vibrant red color and a rich, smoky flavor.

Traditionally, the pork is slow-cooked in a pit or wrapped in banana leaves and roasted until it is tender and juicy. The meat is then shredded and served on a corn tortilla with toppings such as pickled red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

What sets Cochinita Pibil tacos apart is the unique combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in the meat. 

The achiote paste and orange juice give the pork a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, while the slow cooking process creates a smoky and tender texture.

As mentioned, during our time in the Yucatan, this type of taco was a street food staple that we absolutely loved.

11. Tacos de Chicharron

Tacos de chicharron is a popular type of Mexican taco that is made with crispy fried pork skin, also known as pork rinds or chicharrones. 

The pork skin is typically seasoned with spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic, giving it a savory and slightly spicy flavor. The chicharrones are then chopped or ground and served on a warm corn tortilla with toppings such as salsa, diced onions, and cilantro.

What sets tacos de chicharron apart is the unique texture of the pork skin, which is both crispy and slightly chewy. The combination of the crunchy chicharrones and the fresh toppings creates a delicious and satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.

Tacos de chicharron is a staple of Mexican street food and are often served from small taco stands or food trucks.

We’ve had plenty of Chicharron tacos and love the contrast in texture between the pork rind and the soft taco.

12. Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos are some of the most flavorful (and greasiest taco) out there. Despite this, it is one of those tacos that I constantly crave and is one of my favorite Mexican food!

Birria tacos are a delicious and savory type of Mexican taco that originated in the state of Jalisco. 

This authentic Mexican taco is made with tender, slow-cooked beef that is marinated in a mixture of chilies, spices, and herbs, giving the meat a rich and flavorful taste. The beef is typically shredded and served on a corn tortilla, along with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a side of flavorful broth for dipping.

What sets birria tacos apart is the unique blend of spices and the cooking method, which involves slow-cooking the meat until it is tender and flavorful. 

The broth or the Consommé is often made from the same flavorful spices and herbs and is served alongside the tacos for dipping, creating a delicious and satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Think a french dip sandwich, taco style! Honestly, I have never had a Birria Taco that I didn’t enjoy. This was a staple when we were traveling around Mexico.

13. Carne de Res Tacos (Beef Tacos)

Arrachera, bistec, and carne asada tacos are three delicious and popular types of beef tacos that are enjoyed throughout Mexico and beyond. Carne asada is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is one of my favorites!

While they are all made with beef, they each have their own unique flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Arrachera tacos

Arrachera is a type of marinated beef that is typically cut from the skirt steak. The meat is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and other spices, giving it a tangy and savory flavor. Arrachera is the most common type of steak taco.

In this steak taco, the beef is grilled or seared and served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Bistec tacos

Bistec is a type of beef that is typically cut from the sirloin or flank steak. It is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic, and is grilled or seared until it is tender and juicy. 

Bistec tacos are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Carne Asada tacos

Carne Asada is a type of beef that is typically cut from the skirt steak or flank steak. The meat in Carne Asada is often seasoned with a blend of spices and the main difference is that Asada tacos are grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky and charred flavor. 

Tacos de Carne asada are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Funny enough, Carne asada just literally translates to “grilled beef.”

Ultimately each of these beef tacos has its own unique preparation method, seasoning blend, and flavor profile that is worth trying. Some Carne Asada tacos (especially the Westernized version) can also be topped with sour cream.

When you look at the types of authentic Mexican tacos, you won’t really find ground beef tacos! This is a “Westernized” version of the taco and is often topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, placed on top of flour tortillas.

Ground beef tacos are seasoned with taco seasoning (combination of different herbs) and is often found in chain restaurants in the US.

14. Cabrito Tacos

Cabrito tacos are a delicious and unique type of Mexican taco that are made with tender, slow-cooked goat meat. 

The meat is typically marinated in a blend of citrus juices, spices, and herbs, giving it a tangy and savory flavor. It is then slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy, and served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

What sets cabrito tacos apart is the unique flavor and texture of the goat meat. It has a slightly gamey flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet, and the slow cooking process creates a tender and juicy texture that is perfect for tacos.

Cabrito tacos are a traditional dish in Northern Mexico, where goat meat is commonly used in a variety of dishes.

15. Campechano Tacos

If you’re looking for something unique to try, look for the Campechano taco which hails from the town of Campeche.

Campechano tacos are a delicious and satisfying type of Mexican taco that is made with a combination of different meats, typically beef and chorizo. 

The meats are typically grilled or seared until it is tender and juicy, and served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

What sets Campechano tacos apart is the unique combination of flavors and textures from the different meats. 

The beef adds a rich and savory flavor, while the chorizo adds a bold and spicy kick. The result is a delicious and hearty taco that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

16. Cecina de Yecapixtla Tacos

Cecina de Yecapixtla tacos are a delicious and unique type of Mexican taco that originated in the town of Yecapixtla in the state of Morelos. 

They are made with thinly sliced and marinated beef that is typically air-dried in the sun for several days, giving it a slightly chewy texture and a rich, savory flavor.

The beef is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and then grilled or seared until it is tender and juicy. 

It is served on a warm corn tortilla with the usual toppings of diced onions, cilantro, and lime.

What sets Cecina de Yecapixtla tacos apart is the unique flavor and texture of the beef. 

The air-drying process gives the meat a rich and intense flavor, while the spices add a savory and slightly spicy kick. The slightly chewy texture of the beef is also unique and adds to the overall experience of eating these delicious tacos.

17.  Tacos de Canasta

Tacos de Canasta, also known as “basket tacos,” is a popular type of Mexican taco that is typically sold by street vendors or small taco shops. 

These tacos are made by steaming small, soft tortillas and filling them with various ingredients such as frijoles (beans), papas (potato), and a variety of meats like chicharron or adobo.

The tortillas are typically placed in a basket or canasta, hence the name, and kept warm and moist with a damp cloth. This method of preparation keeps the tacos soft and pliable, making them easy to fold and eat on the go.

The fillings are typically seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, giving them a savory and delicious flavor.

These tacos are a popular and affordable option for people on the go and are often sold by vendors on bicycles or small carts.

18. Tinga Tacos

Tinga tacos are a delicious and flavorful type of Mexican taco that is made with shredded chicken that is simmered in a spicy and smoky tomato sauce. It originally hails from the town of Guadalajara.

The chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, and is slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy.

Once the chicken is cooked, it is shredded and mixed with the spicy tomato sauce, creating a delicious and flavorful filling for the tacos. The tinga is typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

The unique combination of flavors and textures in the chicken filling is what makes this particular taco so interesting. The spicy and smoky tomato sauce adds a bold and savory flavor, while the tender and juicy chicken creates a satisfying and hearty texture.

19.  Mixiote Taco

Mixiote tacos are a delicious and flavorful type of Mexican taco that originated in central Mexico.

The term “mixiote” refers to the cooking method in which meat, typically lamb, rabbit, pork, chicken, or beef, is marinated and wrapped in a maguey leaf and slow-cooked until tender and flavorful.

The marination process typically involves a blend of spices such as cumin, garlic, and chili powder, as well as other ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and chilies, giving the meat a bold and savory flavor. 

The maguey leaf, which is similar to a banana leaf, helps to seal in the flavors and juices of the meat, creating a tender and juicy texture.

Once the meat is cooked, it is typically shredded and then served in a little pouch, giving you a ton of flavor and juice. You can then open it and eat it with a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. 

20. Lengua Taco

Personally, this isn’t a favorite of mine but is still a well-loved taco throughout Mexico City.

Lengua tacos are made with tender and flavorful beef tongues. 

The tongue is typically slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy, and then sliced or chopped into small pieces for use in the tacos.

The flavor of lengua is rich and savory, with a slightly gamey taste and chewy texture. While the idea of eating beef tongue may seem unusual to some, as mentioned, they are enjoyed by many people around the world. 

21. Vegetarian Tacos

While traditional Mexican street tacos often have meat, there are several traditional vegetarian tacos. Before you eat any tacos, do ask what type of oil they fry their protein in as most use pork lard.

Here are some examples of vegetarian tacos:

Rajas tacos

These tacos are made with grilled or roasted strips of poblano peppers and onions, seasoned with garlic and spices. They are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as cotija cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice.

Mushroom tacos

These tacos are made with sautéed or grilled mushrooms, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder. They are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Bean tacos (friolles)

These tacos are made with refried or whole beans, seasoned with spices such as cumin and chili powder. They are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.

Nopales tacos

These tacos are made with grilled or sautéed cactus paddles, which have a slightly tangy and slightly crunchy texture. They are typically served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.

Huitlacoche tacos

Huitlacoche is a unique type of Mexican taco that is made with huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn. Huitlacoche, has a distinctive earthy and savory flavor that is often compared to truffles or mushrooms.

To make huitlacoche tacos, the fungus is typically sautéed with onions and garlic and then served on a warm tortilla with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious vegetarian tacos that can be found in Mexican cuisine. 

Tacos México: Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of Mexican cuisine offers a vast array of delicious and unique taco types, each with its own distinctive flavor and texture. 

From the tender and flavorful Cochinita Pibil to the savory and spicy Tinga, there is truly a taco for every palate.

We explored the delicious flavors of carnitas, lengua, birria, and Campechano tacos, as well as the unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors in Tacos Arabes. 

We also delved into the mouth-watering world of beef tacos, including Arrachera, Bistec, and Asada, and discovered the deliciousness of Mixiote and Cecina de Yecapixtla tacos.

Whether you love meat, seafood, or veggies, there is a taco type out there that will satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more. The variety and diversity of Mexican tacos are a testament to the rich and vibrant culture of Mexico and the delicious flavors that it has to offer. 

So make sure you add taco tasting to your must-do list when visiting Mexico – you won’t regret it!

FAQ on Tacos México

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Check out these posts for more Mexican food articles:

• Best Mexican Food
• Isla Mujeres Restaurants
• Holbox Restaurants

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