What Kind of Taco Are You?

The rise of the American taco

Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Los Angeles or San Antonio in the early 20th century, where the air is perfumed with the tantalizing scents of Mexican cuisine. It's here that the American taco begins its delightful journey, introduced by the industrious hands of the "Chili Queens." With their carts brimming with culinary treasures, these pioneering women brought tacos from the margins to the mainstream, offering a taste of home to the Mexican immigrant communities. At first, tacos were a novelty, an exotic bite for the uninitiated American palate, more accustomed to the blandness of northern European flavors than the zest of Mexican spices.

As time passed, the simple taco found itself a new identity, infused with the spirit of American innovation. It's a tale of transformation, where traditional ingredients met the American culinary crucible, emerging reborn with ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, and tangy cheddar cheese. This wasn't just a change of ingredients; it was a cultural exchange, a melding of histories and tastes on a single plate. In its new American guise, the taco became a canvas for creativity, a testament to the power of culinary evolution.

The narrative takes a turn with Glen Bell, a visionary who saw beyond the taco's humble origins. Bell, with a dash of ingenuity, introduced the hard-shell taco, a marvel of convenience and taste that changed the game. This wasn't just about making tacos easier to eat; it was about making them accessible, a shared joy for every table. The rise of Taco Bell from a simple stand to a fast-food giant marks a chapter in the taco's journey, from street food to an emblem of American fast-food culture. Yet, the story doesn't end there. The taco's essence, its very soul, evolves, embracing both its roots and its journey, becoming a symbol of gourmet street food that marries authenticity with innovation. It's a dish that continually reinvents itself, always reminding us that at the heart of every taco is a story of people, places, and the incredible journey of flavors across borders.

Where did tacos come from?

No one's quite sure when the first tacos came to be. The most likely origin of these iconic meals is Mexico, predating Spanish arrival to the area. It's believed that the first tacos consisted of soft corn tortillas filled with fish or organ meat. The other fixings, like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream, came later. The term taco itself likely derives from the Nahuatl words "tlahco" or "tacuali," translating to half or in the middle. It's a suitable word, if you ask us, considering that most tacos are folded in half right down the middle. Of course, over the years, tacos have transformed a lot. Street tacos may still use soft corn tortillas, but the word has practically become synonymous with a crunchy, hard corn tortilla in a U shape. The first hard taco shells date back to the 1940s, though they didn't reach iconic status until Taco Bell took fast food by storm.

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!