Taco Tuesday, Taco Bell, tacos tacos tacos. Tacos are everywhere. They have grown to be a staple part of our modern culture, the Mexican dish usually consists of a tortilla filled with mixtures such as seasoned mince, beans or chicken. Despite their adaptation to the modern world, and connotations with fast food, they remain rooted in Mexican tradition. 

Before the arrival of the Spanish in South America in the 1600s, tacos would have been used to wrap food such as fish and beans. The arrival of the Spanish changed the game for tacos, as they bought with them animals like pork, beef, and chicken. 

The spread of tacos to the West happened in the early 20th century. As Mexicans began to migrate north to the US, they bought with them their traditional recipes, adapting them to local cuisines. The most famous adaptation is the hardshell taco- the one you probably think of when you hear taco. 

Taco Tuesday Tensions

Once it arrived in America, the rise of Taco Tuesday began. Since at least 1973, the term Taco Tuesday has been used to promote and advertise tacos, however it’s use in America is contentious. Taco Joes has had a trademark on the phrase ‘Taco Tuesday’ in 1989, and would regularly send cease and desist letters to other restaurants using the phrases. 

Taco Bell got involved in 2023, petitioning the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cancel the trademark, claiming that no one should have exclusive rights to a common phrase. In July of the same year, Taco Joes CEO announced that they would abandon the Taco Tuesday trademark. This left Gregory’s Restraint and Bar in New Jersey as the only place with a patent on the phrase (although it only applied in that state). In October of 2023 they relinquished the trademark, ending the suppression of Taco Tuesday throughout the USA. 

Cultural Conversions

The Tacos arrival in America, as well as the influences of other cultures lead to the creation of the Korean Taco. Originating in Los Angeles as street food. Rather than using traditional fillings in, fillings such as kimchi and bulgogi are used instead. 

While traditionally their appearance in western culture marked them as street food, Tacos have also undergone a high end transformation. The most expensive taco in the world sells for £25,000 at the luxury resort Grand Velas Los Cabos in Mexico. The taco shell itself is infused with 24 karat gold flakes, and contains A5 kobe beef, marine lobster, black truffle brie cheese, and Almas Beluga caviar. Served with it comes a salsa made from dried morita chiles, ultra-aged anejo tequila and civet coffee, one of the most expensive coffees in the world. 

It all just goes to show that one mans dietary staple, or quick and easy takeaway is another mans luxury dining experience.

You can read about the history of other foods here