Taco - culinary pride and symbol of unity for Mexican people

On every street corner, from small, shabby shops to luxury restaurants, Taco - a small corn cake that encapsulates the full flavor of Mexico - is not only always present as a culinary habit in the lives of Mexican people, but also a joy, pride and culinary symbol that unites the people of this Latin American country.

Just step out into the morning or late afternoon and you will easily see the smoke rising from street carts where “taqueros” (taco vendors) are quickly making tortillas, cutting meat and pouring spicy sauce. The sound of the grilled meat and the aroma of onions, cilantro and jalapeños blend in the air, making it hard for anyone passing by to resist.

A chef prepares Taco al Pastor - a "national specialty" with marinated pork, grilled on a rotating axis at a Taco shop in Mexico City. (Photo: Phuong Lan/Vietnam+)

Sharing with VNA reporters in Mexico, Taco Juan restaurant manager Carlos Pérez said, “This is a traditional Mexican dish. People in my country eat Taco at all times, morning, noon and afternoon, and can eat it at sidewalk stalls, at home or even in luxury restaurants. We have many attractive types of Taco such as grilled meat Taco, salt and pepper beef Taco, shrimp Taco, lamb, stewed pork leg... A delicious Taco needs all 3 elements from the shell, the filling inside and the spices, sauce and herbs served with it. Our restaurant always wants to bring customers the most traditional Mexican flavor because Taco is the pride of our people.”

There is no set recipe for the taco. In Northern Mexico, the taco de carne asada (grilled beef taco) is famous for its sweet and savory meat and corn tortillas.

A chef prepares corn taco shells at a taco shop in Mexico City. (Photo: Phuong Lan/Vietnam+)

Meanwhile, the Central and Southern regions prefer Taco al pastor - a "national specialty" Taco with marinated pork, grilled on a rotating axis like Arab shawarma, served with fresh pineapple, onions and coriander.

Each region and each indigenous community has its own variation, reflecting the cultural exchange between pre-Hispanic cuisine and post-colonial European influence.

According to culinary researchers, Taco originated in pre-Columbian times when the Aztecs used corn tortillas to wrap fish, beans, or insects as food to carry long distances. Over the centuries, this dish has not only survived but also become a symbol of national identity and unity for the Mexican people.

In 2010, UNESCO recognized traditional Mexican cuisine, including Taco, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, thereby highlighting the cultural, social and spiritual values that the dish brings.

A taco shop on the sidewalk in Mexico City. This is not simply a meat-filled corn tortilla familiar to Mexicans. In 2010, UNESCO recognized traditional Mexican cuisine, including tacos, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo: Phuong Lan/Vietnam+)

In the midst of modern life, Taco still maintains its role as a community connection. On the sidewalk, at the office or in the family, that small cake is an excuse for people to stop, chat and share.

Miguel Hernández, from Nuevo Leon, said: “I love eating tacos here every time I visit Mexico City, especially with family and friends. Each taco has its own story of the land. But the common point is the honesty and simplicity, true to the Mexican spirit.”

Each region and each indigenous community in Mexico has its own way of making Tacos with its own flavor. Therefore, there are many types of Tacos and Shrimp Taco is one of the most attractive dishes of the Mexican people. (Photo: Phuong Lan/Vietnam+)

Meanwhile, Dutch tourist Annelies Mulder commented: "Taco is a famous traditional Mexican dish, so I want to come here to try it. This dish is very delicious, with the typical flavor of the beautiful country of Mexico."

Today, Taco has gone beyond the borders of Mexico, appearing all over the world from New York, Tokyo to Hanoi. However, only in its birthplace can people fully feel the spirit of this dish.

Tacos are not only street food but also a story of history and the Mexican people, where each flavor contains pride and love for the homeland./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/taco-niem-tu-hao-am-thuc-va-bieu-tuong-gan-ket-nguoi-dan-mexico-post1071582.vnp