Popularity of Mexican cuisine, especially tacos, has been on the rise in America. Tacos, which have taken over the hearts of the America people, first gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1960s, when Taco Bell was founded. Since then it has become a trend, spreading in popularity all over the country, notably in Los Angeles.
One of the reasons why tacos are so popular is because they are savory and full of flavor. Late food critic Jonathan Gold said it best: “The taco has more deliciousness per square inch than anything else in the world.” There are a variety of tacos and hundreds of sauces, meats, and veggies to choose from, allowing you to customize the dish to your exact liking. One small tortilla can still be filling since it contains a multitude of flavors and ingredients that can be savored and enjoyed with every bite. People love food that has a lot of flavor and that has variety, so everyone can enjoy it.
Tacos are also popular because they are generally inexpensive. The best taco places usually serve their tacos at a price of $1-$2, a very good value. These places have great tacos with good service and fast speeds, at a very low price. Because of this, most people can afford to buy multiple tacos. Due to its inexpensive costs, a lot can be bought at once, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular.
Tacos are also very customizable. There are different sauces and meats, and any combination can produce great flavor to the customer. Even tortillas can be different with the option of corn or flour, and there are endless options of salsas, onions, and cilantro. Customers can try different sauces and types of tacos every time they visit a taco place which allows them to eat a different taco every visit.
Los Angeles produces some of the best tacos in America, with places such as Leo’s Taco Truck, Tire Shop Taqueria, and Mariscos Jalisco. All three are places I have personally been to, and all of these sell tacos at great prices and provide very delicious tacos. At Leo’s Taco Truck, the most popular taco there is the al pastor taco, which is $1.25 and filled with pork and pineapple, and can be filled with cilantro, onions, and a variety of salsa. Every bite delivers a full wave of flavors making these tacos possibly the best Al Pastor taco in Los Angeles. Tire Shop Taqueria is famous for its carne asada taco, which is grilled beef and costs $2. The carne asada taco is well seasoned and grilled with all the sides and sauces delivered in the tacos. The taco is handmade right in front of the customer, and eating a few of these tacos is very filling and absolutely delicious. The last taco truck, Mariscos Jalisco, is most famous for its seafood tacos. The most well known taco there, which are the tacos de camaron, are large in size, full of flavor and $2.25. They are filled with shrimp and other sauces, and two or three tacos are enough to satisfy anyone. Some people have called them the best seafood tacos in Los Angeles.
Tacos have been spreading in popularity in America over the last 60 years, but have really increased recently, especially in Los Angeles. People love them! Tacos have not just taken over in Mexico, but in the hearts of people in America and Los Angeles as well. With its rising popularity, more people will gain knowledge about Mexican cuisine and the great food, such as tacos, that exist in the culture.
Jonathan Kim, Grade 8
Culver City Middle School
