Heading out for tacos? Menus can vary widely from restaurant to restaurant, but here are some authentic fillings and toppings you'll want to sample if they're offered.
Tacos
Shrimp, chorizo and carne asada are some of the most-traditional fillings. Notice there's no lettuce, tomato or cheese in sight — these are actually an American addition. Authentic Mexican tacos are topped with onion, cilantro and lime.
Pollo, Al Pastor and Pescado
Grilled chicken, rotisserie-cooked pork and crispy deep-fried fish are savory taco fillings that go well with cool, refreshing toppings like pineapple, pico de gallo or crema.
More Traditional Takes
Squash, chapulines (grasshopper!) and cactus tacos
Chapulines
These crispy fried grasshoppers are not for the faint of heart. If you're feeling adventurous, try loading a spoonful into your tortilla. They make for a uniquely crunchy and nutty taco filling.
Toppings and Tortillas
It's easy to overload your taco, so if you find yourself with extra tortillas on the table, double up. Two provide extra sturdiness to keep the tasty toppings from spilling out.
Fillings
Don't worry if you have trouble choosing just one type of filling. Traditional tacos are small, so plan to order two or three.
Sauces
Two of the most-traditional taco sauces include salsa rojo, a smoky red sauce made with fresh roasted chile peppers, and salsa verde, a vibrant and spicy green sauce made of tomatillos and chile peppers. Many taquerias will also offer their own specialty sauces, like chipotle mayo and guacamole.
Tequila
A selection of tequila to accompany some delicious tacos
