How to Order Tacos in Mexican Spanish
When visiting Mexico, immersing yourself in the local food scene is almost mandatory, and no culinary exploration is complete without indulging in the country's signature dish - TACOS.
Whether at a street vendor or a high-end restaurant, understanding some basic Spanish phrases can tremendously enhance your experience.
This article provides you with ten crucial expressions for ordering tacos in Mexican Spanish.
Let’s dive in!
Trust me when I say…
“I love tacos so much.”
#1 Getting Started
Firstly, begin your ordering process by expressing your desire to order tacos.
Say "Me gustaría ordenar unos tacos, por favor."
Which translates to "I would like to order some tacos, please."
This polite request shows respect and a willingness to engage in the local language.
#2 Seeking Recommendations
Mexican cuisine can be diverse and you might not be familiar with all the options. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Just say, "¿Puede recomendarme algo?" which means "Can you recommend something?"
#3 Understanding Your Options
To familiarize yourself with the available options, ask "¿Qué tipo de tacos tienen?".
This means "What type of tacos do you have?"
You'll likely hear a list of mouth-watering options varying from region to region, such as tacos de carnitas (pork), pollo (chicken), and asada (steak).
Keep reading until the end for a comprehensive list of the most popular Mexican taco options and exactly what they are.
Unos tacos de barbacoa deliciosos.
¿Cuántos quieres?
#4 Specials of the Day
Also, be sure to ask about any special offerings.
Ask "¿Cuál es la especialidad del día?" or "¿Cuál es el taco del día?"
Restaurants often have unique daily specials that might offer a chance to try something different.
#5 Making Your Order
Once you've made your decision, you can order by saying:
"Quiero (#) tacos de (pollo/carnitas/asada/etc), por favor"
I also love to say:
“Le encargo (#) tacos de (pollo/carnitas/asada/etc), por favor"
This means, "I want (number) (chicken/pork/steak/etc.) tacos, please."
#6 Customizing Your Order
Feel free to customize your order.
For instance, if you're not a cilantro fan, you can say, "Sin cilantro, por favor." or "Without cilantro, please."
If you want it with “everything” make sure to add “con todo, por favor.”
Esto se llama un “trompo de pastor.”
Have you ever had authentic tacos de pastor?
#7 Asking for Extras
If you love a bit of spice or extra flavor, you might want more salsa. In that case, say:
"¿Puedo tener más salsa, por favor?"
Which translates to "Can I have more sauce, please?"
#8 Takeout Option
If you're looking to savor your tacos at your accommodation or while strolling around the city, you have the option to get your order to go.
To do this, you might say "¿Me da mis tacos para llevar, por favor?"
Which means, "Could you give me my tacos to go, please?"
This phrase captures the polite indirectness often used in Mexican Spanish.
Note: The phrase "Me da" translates to "You give me," but in this context, it's a very polite way of saying "I would like."
Don’t forget to order your Jarritos to pair with your tacos (a famous Mexican soft drink brand).
Just say: “Y para tomar, un Jarritos, por favor.”
#9 Savoring Your Tacos
Mexican tacos are often served with lime.
If you want some, ask "¿Puedo tener un poco de limón, por favor?" ("Can I have some lime, please?")
#10 Wrapping Up
After enjoying your meal, ask for the bill by saying, "La cuenta, por favor." which translates to "The bill, please."
Remember, the goal is to enjoy your taco-ordering experience.
Don't worry about making mistakes; the locals will appreciate your effort. A polite tone and a thank you, or "Gracias," can go a long way.
Now, get out there and enjoy an authentic Mexican taco tourist adventure!
Oops, I almost forgot!
One final thing before you embark on your “en Español” taco tourist journey:
For your reference, here are the top fifteen most popular tacos both in Mexico and here in the USA.
Tacos al Pastor: These tacos are made with spit-grilled pork, seasoned with adobo seasoning, and typically served with pineapple, cilantro, and onions.
Tacos de Asada: These are grilled, marinated beef tacos, often served with fresh onions and cilantro.
Tacos de Carnitas: Tacos filled with slow-cooked, tender pork that's been seasoned and cooked until crispy.
Tacos de Barbacoa: These tacos are typically made with tender, slow-cooked meat (often lamb or beef) that has been marinated and seasoned with adobo spices.
Tacos de Bistec: Tacos filled with chopped or grilled steak, often served with onions and cilantro.
Tacos de Pollo: These are chicken tacos, usually made with grilled or shredded chicken.
Tacos de Pescado: These are fish tacos, often made with grilled or battered fish, served with cabbage and a creamy sauce.
Tacos de Camaron: Shrimp tacos, often served with a spicy or creamy sauce, lettuce or cabbage, and avocado.
Tacos de Chorizo: These tacos are filled with spicy Mexican sausage, usually served with onions and cilantro.
Tacos de Lengua: Tacos made with beef tongue, which is cooked until tender and often served with cilantro and onions.
Tacos de Cabeza: Tacos made with various parts of the cow's head, including the cheeks.
Tacos de Tripa: These are tacos filled with small intestine of cows, typically boiled or grilled until crispy.
Tacos de Suadero: Tacos filled with a cut of beef similar to brisket, cooked until tender.
Tacos de Rajas: Vegetarian tacos filled with roasted poblano pepper strips ("rajas"), usually combined with cream or cheese.
Tacos de Nopal: Vegetarian tacos made with grilled slices of nopal (cactus), usually accompanied by cheese and salsa.