As you surely gleaned from our name, we’re pretty passionate about tacos here at Vallarta Tacos & Burritos. They’re tasty, versatile, and the perfect thing when you need a quick meal. That’s no surprise, considering their origins as Mexican street food. Long before people like us served them at restaurants in Salem, NH, and around the world, tacos started as a humble food made with fresh local ingredients.
How did tacos go from a simple street food to an international favorite? Join us as we dig into the history of tacos!
Native Ingredients Meet Spanish Influence
Before the Europeans arrived in the Americas, the people of Mesoamerica already had a thriving culture and centuries of culinary traditions. Wrapping food in flatbreads has long been a preferred way to enjoy your meal. Corn is a native crop, so the traditional method is to load a corn tortilla with meat, beans, and vegetables. Not only is it an easy way to combine ingredients, but when you’re done, you can eat your plate! When the Europeans arrived, they introduced new crops like wheat and livestock such as cattle. These introductions brought ingredients like beef and cheese into the mix, as well as flour tortillas.
From Street Food to Global Hit
Mexico has experienced many cultural changes over the centuries, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries leading up to the Industrial Revolution. Mining became a common profession, and many Mexican families moved north to the United States to work on the railroads. These changes in culture and way of life meant that taking a meal with work with you or buying something from a vendor became the norm rather than returning home to eat a midday meal with your family. In the United States, workers of several cultures were also coming together and so experiencing and influencing each other’s culinary traditions. As the people of Mexico continued to travel around the world, they brought tacos with them. Soon, the rest of the world began to appreciate the delights of tacos and Mexican food.
Enjoy Tacos at Restaurants in Salem, NH
Tacos have made it around the world, which means you can enjoy them at restaurants in Salem, NH, or wherever you happen to be. If you do happen to be in Salem, however, come to Vallarta Tacos & Burritos! We’re located at 92 Cluff Road, open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM.