There are so many types of tacos out there.

Just like your favourite playlist, they can change to match your taste or mood. 🌮 And there’s a reason for that!

Tacos have become a beloved Mexican food worldwide, leading to countless variations — not just within Mexico but across the globe.

While it’s impossible to know all of them, discovering the most famous types of tacos means you won’t miss out on what could become your new favourite.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll explore a range of tacos, from traditional to modern.

By the end, you’ll have new ideas to try, whether cooking at home, ordering in, or eating out!

What is a taco?

A taco is a traditional Mexican dish made by folding a soft or crispy tortilla around a filling.
It may seem simple at first glance, but the real magic is in the filling.

what is a taco?

Taco fillings are special because they can range from juicy, slow-cooked meats to fresh, vibrant veggies and bold spices.

Each brings its own unique flavour and endless possibilities for delicious combinations.

But don’t underestimate the importance of the tortilla.

A traditional Mexican tortilla is a round, thin flatbread traditionally made from corn (maíz) or flour (harina).

The type you choose can completely change the taco experience.

Corn tortillas: with their chewy texture and earthy flavour, they’re perfect for classic fillings like carne asada or carnitas.
Flour tortillas: soft and mild, they let the filling shine, making them ideal for creamy or saucy tacos.
Crispy tortillas: deep fried to a golden crunch, they add a satisfying texture that pairs well with tender fillings like ground beef or chicken

Not as simple as it first looked, right? With this knowledge, we’re ready to explore how these combinations create different types of tacos!

Here’s a quick summary of each taco. Want to jump to that specific section? Just tap the name.

Tacos al pastor: marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, topped with pineapple, coriander, and onions.
Tacos árabes: a mix of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavours, featuring spiced pork, often with garlic sauce and lime.
Tacos de carnitas: slow-cooked pork in its fat, served shredded with fresh coriander, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Tacos de barbacoa: juicy, slow-cooked beef or lamb seasoned with spices and topped with coriander, onions, and lime.
Tacos de pescado: fresh grilled or fried fish topped with crunchy cabbage slaw, creamy sauce, and lime.
Tacos de birria: slow-cooked beef or goat, often grilled with cheese, served with a side of rich birria broth (consomé) for dipping.
Tacos de carne asada: perfectly grilled, thinly sliced beef seasoned and served with onions, coriander, and salsa.
Chorizo tacos: spicy Mexican sausage cooked until crispy and topped with onions, coriander, and lime.
Tacos de pollo: grilled or shredded chicken seasoned and topped with onions, coriander, and salsa.
Tacos de cochinita pibil: slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus, served with pickled red onions and coriander.
Taco gobernador: shrimp with melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions, with coriander and lime.
Vegetarian tacos: filled with a variety of vegetables like grilled cactus, beans, mushrooms, or potatoes, topped with fresh ingredients like salsa, onions, and coriander.

types of tacos

Tacos al pastor

Ingredients: marinated pork, pineapple, chilli peppers, spices, tortilla, coriander, and onions.

Taco al pastor is famous not only for its rich flavour but also for its fascinating history.

It traces back to the 1930s when Lebanese immigrants brought their shawarma-style cooking to Mexico.

Locals adapted the dish, using pork and spices commonly found in Mexican cuisine, creating the unique flavour of tacos al pastor we enjoy today.

al pastor taco

It features thin slices of marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit called a ‘trompo’, much like shawarma or gyro meat.

And while pineapple on pizza might divide opinions, it’s a must for authentic al pastor tacos.

The traditional Mexican marinade, with pineapple, chilli peppers, and spices, perfectly balances sweet and savoury notes.

Tacos árabes

Tacos árabes

Ingredients: spiced pork, flour tortilla, garlic sauce, lime, and coriander.

If this article inspired you to try tacos al pastor — and you (very likely) loved it — then tacos árabes should be next on your list.

They share Middle Eastern roots but have their own delicious twist.

Taco árabes originated in Puebla, Mexico, and draws influence from Lebanese shawarma.

Instead of using corn tortillas, tacos árabes are served in a soft, pita-like flour tortilla.

The meat, typically thinly sliced pork, is often paired with a simple garlic sauce, lime juice, and coriander for a bold, savoury bite.

If you’re a fan of fusion flavours, tacos árabes combine Middle Eastern spices with Mexican flair.

Tacos de carnitas

Tacos de carnitas

Ingredients: pork, lard, garlic, herbs, coriander, and onions.

Tacos de carnitas is another beloved Mexican taco, famous for its tender, flavour-packed pork.

The dish is traditionally made by slow-cooking pork in its own fat until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. 🤤

Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and citrus, the pork offers a rich, savoury flavour with a hint of zest.

Once perfectly cooked, it’s shredded and served on a warm tortilla, topped with fresh coriander, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Carnitas tacos are all about texture — the ideal balance of crispy edges and juicy, tender taco meat.

If your mouth’s watering too, search for tacos on the Bolt Food app and discover restaurants serving delicious carnitas near you!

💡 A quick Spanish lesson: ‘carnitas’ means ‘little meats’.

Tacos de barbacoa

Ingredients: slow-cooked beef or lamb, aromatic herbs, spices, coriander, and onions.

It’s slow-cooked, it’s juicy, and it’s packed with bold, smoky flavours.

Tacos de barbacoa is a crowd favourite, with tender meat that falls apart with every bite.

‘Barbacoa’ might sound like ‘barbecue’, but it’s a whole different experience.

This traditional method involves steaming or slow-cooking the meat (usually beef or lamb) underground for hours, often wrapped in maguey leaves to absorb those deep, rich flavours.

The meat, usually beef or lamb, is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a deep, smoky taste with a touch of spice.

Once cooked, the meat is shredded and served on a warm tortilla, topped with fresh coriander, onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Barbacoa tacos are perfect for those who love a hearty, comforting taco. 💚

Tacos de pescado (fish tacos)

Ingredients: grilled or fried fish, cabbage slaw, creamy sauce, tortilla, lime, and coriander.

It’s time to take a small break from rich meats and smoky spices and dive into something fresh — seafood!

Let’s have another Spanish lesson: ‘Pescado’ means fish, and that’s exactly the main ingredient of these tacos.

Originating from the coastal regions of Baja California, pescado tacos are typically made with fresh, flaky fish that’s either grilled or lightly battered and fried to perfection.

Place it in a tortilla, top with crunchy cabbage slaw, a tangy sauce, and a squeeze of lime — then sit back and enjoy your fish tacos.

Birria tacos

Ingredients: slow-cooked beef or goat, birria broth, tortilla, cheese (optional), onions, and coriander.

Jalisco has many things to be proud of, and tacos de birria are definitely one of them.

Imagine slow-cooked, tender meat, rich birria broth, and a crispy tortilla coming together to create an absolute flavour bomb.

The taco is often grilled with cheese for a crispy exterior, stuffed with juicy, shredded meat, and topped with fresh onions and coriander.

But what really makes tacos de birria shine is its signature broth, or ‘consomé’, served on the side for dipping.

birria taco broth

Now, imagine dipping it into that consomé, soaking up the warm, rich broth, intensifying the flavours even more.

Tacos de carne asada

Tacos de carne asada

Ingredients: grilled beef, lime, coriander, chopped cilantro, onions, and salsa.

Carne asada means grilled meat, so you probably already know what’s coming:

Juicy, perfectly charred beef, fresh off the grill, sliced thin, and full of smoky flavour.

Typically made with marinated flank or skirt steak, the meat is seasoned with a blend of spices like garlic, cumin, and chilli powder before hitting the grill (imagine the aromas as it sizzles).

Once cooked to perfection, it’s sliced and served on a warm tortilla, topped with fresh onions, coriander, and some lime juice for that zesty brightness.

A spoonful of salsa makes it even more flavourful.

💡 Bonus info: in Mexico and other parts of Central America, ‘carne asada’ isn’t just about the food — it’s a social event, much like a barbecue.

Chorizo tacos

chorizo tacos

Ingredients: Mexican chorizo (spicy pork sausage), diced onions, coriander, and lime.

If you love bold, spicy flavours, chorizo street taco could become your new favourite.

Unlike its Spanish cousin, Mexican chorizo is fresh and uncured. It’s made with ground pork and seasoned with chilli powder, paprika, garlic, and vinegar.

This blend adds intense flavour to any dish, especially tacos.

In Tacos de Chorizo, the sausage is cooked until slightly crispy, then piled into a warm corn tortilla.

As for the toppings, fresh onions and coriander add a crunchy texture, while a squeeze of lime brightens the flavours.

Taco de Chorizo is perfect for those who crave a hearty, spicy meal loaded with flavour. It’s a staple of Mexican street food, loved by taco enthusiasts everywhere.

Will you be the next one to join them? 🤔

Taco de pollo (chicken taco)

Chicken Tacos

Ingredients: grilled or shredded chicken, onions, coriander, lime, and salsa.

While beef and pork are traditional choices for tacos, many people choose chicken as their go-to option.

Chicken tacos offer a lighter yet still flavourful alternative.

The chicken is usually marinated with spices like cumin, garlic, and chilli powder, then grilled or shredded to perfection.

This locks in the juicy flavours while keeping the chicken lean.

All this is wrapped in a warm corn tortilla, topped with fresh onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime.

Don’t forget to add some salsa if you’re feeling adventurous!

Taco de cochinita pibil

Ingredients: slow-roasted pork, achiote paste, citrus juices, banana leaves, tortilla, pickled red onions, and fresh coriander.

How about a (virtual) trip to Yucatán? 🌴 Taco de Cochinita Pibil is a regional delicacy from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

This taco features slow-roasted pork.

But the true magic of Taco de Cochinita is in how the pork is marinated in achiote — a spice blend that gives the meat its signature reddish colour and earthy flavour.

Traditionally, it’s also wrapped in banana leaves during cooking. This adds a unique aroma and keeps the meat juicy.

Once ready, the pork is shredded and served on a warm corn tortilla, topped with pickled red onions.

So, if you miss Yucatán, just take one bite of this taco, and you’ll feel transported right back!

Tacos gobernador (shrimp tacos)

shrimp tacos

Ingredients: shrimp, melted cheese, peppers, onions, tortilla, coriander, and lime.

Tacos gobernador, which translates to ‘Governor’ in English, features shrimp as the star ingredient.

Now, you might be wondering, what do shrimp and a governor have in common?

You’re right — there isn’t an obvious connection unless you hear the story behind it.

According to legend, taco gobernador was created in the coastal state of Sinaloa when a local governor visited a restaurant and asked for something new and exciting.

The chef combined fresh shrimp with melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions, all tucked into a warm corn tortilla. The governor loved it so much that they named the taco in his honour.

Taco gobernador blends the sweetness of shrimp with the richness of melted cheese and the mild heat of peppers.

Vegetarian tacos

Vegetarian tacos

Ingredients: a variety of vegetables, beans, cheese, corn or flour tortillas, and fresh toppings like salsa, onions, and coriander.

Who says tacos are just for meat lovers? 🌮🌱 Vegetarian options offer plenty of flavour and variety.

Here are some popular vegetarian tacos:

Taco de nopales: grilled cactus paddles with cheese and spices.
Taco de frijoles: black or pinto beans, often paired with cheese and salsa.
Taco de hongos: sautéed mushrooms, sometimes mixed with peppers for added flavour.
Taco de papa: mashed or fried potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices.
Taco de calabacitas: grilled courgette, often combined with corn and cheese for a summery flavour.
Taco de rajas: roasted poblano peppers with onions and cream.

So, don’t cross tacos off your list if you’re vegetarian or just taking a break from meat. Plant-based ingredients can be just as flavourful and versatile as meat tacos.

Taco salad

Ingredients: ground beef or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and a crispy tortilla bowl.

Remember we said tortillas are incredibly versatile? Well, taco salad is the perfect example of that.

Instead of wrapping your ingredients in a tortilla, everything is served inside a crispy tortilla bowl, turning the taco into a fresh, hearty salad.

This dish is a classic from Tex-Mex cuisine, blending traditional Mexican ingredients with flavours and styles popular in Texas.

Taco salad typically features seasoned ground beef or chicken layered with crunchy lettuce, fresh tomatoes, beans, cheese, and sour cream.

You can also add salsa or guacamole for extra flavour. The tortilla bowl adds that satisfying crunch, making it more than just your average salad.

Find your favourite types of tacos on Bolt Food

Reading about all these appetising tacos — the ingredients, the preparation methods, and the rich history — can definitely work up an appetite.

Good news! With Bolt Food, our delivery app, you can discover and order your favourite tacos in just a few taps.

Just type ‘taco’ in the search bar, find nearby restaurants, and scroll through their menu — you’ll likely recognise many of the listed ones from this article. 😉

Frequently asked questions

What are authentic Mexican tacos?

Mexican-style tacos are usually made with soft corn tortillas and simple fillings like seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and salsas. They’re typically served without cheese, sour cream, or shredded cabbage, which are more common in Tex-Mex variations.

What are the different types of tacos?

There are many types of tacos, including taco al pastor, Mexican street tacos, taco de birria, and taco gobernador. Tacos can vary greatly depending on the fillings, toppings, and region.

What is the most popular taco?

Taco al pastor is often considered to be the most popular. It’s made with pork cooked on a vertical spit. The sweet and savoury flavours make it a favourite worldwide.

What are the most common tacos in Mexico?

In Mexico, the most common tacos include taco al pastor, taco de carnitas, taco de barbacoa, and taco de suadero. Each region has its own specialities, but these are widely enjoyed across the country.

What are the most common taco fillings?

The most common taco fillings include pork, beef, ground pork sausage, chicken, shrimp, beans, and vegetables. They’re sometimes topped with pico de gallo for an extra burst of freshness.

Why are tacos so popular?

Tacos are popular because they’re versatile, easy to customise, and suit any taste. Whether for a quick snack or a full meal, tacos offer endless flavour combinations and are accessible globally.

What are birria tacos?

Birria tacos are made from slow-cooked beef or goat stewed in a blend of spices and served with a rich broth called consomé for dipping. The meat is usually placed in a tortilla, often with cheese, and then grilled to crispy perfection. Dipping the taco into the consomé adds even more depth to the flavours, making Birria Tacos a rich and hearty meal.

What is the difference between birria and carne asada?

Birria is a slow-cooked stew made from beef or goat, served with a rich broth for dipping. Carne asada refers to grilled, marinated beef (usually flank or skirt steak) served in thin slices with fresh toppings like onions and coriander.

When did tacos become popular?

Tacos became popular internationally in the early 20th century when Mexican immigrants introduced them to the US. Since then, they’ve grown in popularity worldwide, becoming a global favourite.

What are chicken tacos called?

Chicken tacos are called tacos de pollo in Spanish. They’re typically made with grilled or shredded chicken and topped with fresh ingredients like onions, coriander, and salsa.

Different types of tacos

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