During the first couple of months which I spent in Mexico City, I did what any self respecting tourist would do, and went taco mad. During that time I think I must have tried just about every type of taco under the sun, and I also tried as many different variations of those tacos as I could get my hands on. Oddly enough, my absolute favorite kind of tacos were the first kind that I tried, and my favorite spot to eat them, was the first spot which I tried, a strange coincidence.
These tacos are called tacos al pastor, they are found throughout the city and here is why I adore them.
Spotting The Taco
This particular type of taco is easy to identify because it differs a great deal from the rest. To make this the taco place will take strips of heavily seasoned pork, and build it up around a spit. Usually you will find the tacos al pastor sold from outside the taco place, where they will shave the meat off into the taco, before adding a slice of pineapple and some cilantro and onion.
Low Cost
There is no taco in the city which is as cheap as al pastor, which is idea for travelers on a budget. In fact even my buddy Javier Burillo who lives here told me before I arrived, that I could save money if I lived on these tacos, and he was absolutely right. In some cases you can find these tacos for $0.20 cents, which is absolutely crazy to think that you can get fed for such a low price.
Snack and Go
Something else which I really love about these tacos is that they are small and easy to eat. There are other taco places where they will serve up large tacos, which is all well and good if you are planning on eating a full meal. Most tacos al pastor are served on tiny little tortillas which make them perfect for a quick midday snack, that will keep you going until it is time for a big meal. If you are very hungry, then you can just keep stacking up the tacos until you are full.
Always Different
If you are looking for meat tacos then the only real difference from place to place is the kind of meat that they use, and the way in which the meat is cooked. With the al pastor however, the flavor really comes from the kind of marinade which has been added to the pork. This is why you are going to find such a broad range of taco flavors around the city, and it makes it more exciting to try somewhere new.
If you are looking for some outstanding tacos to try, which will not hurt your pocket, then these are the perfect choice. Look out for the guys shaving the meat from the big spit outside, that’s when you know you’ve found heaven.
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