Tacos are a culinary staple in Southern California. With Los Angeles an easy drive away from the Mexican border, it's no wonder authentic Mexican tacos have made their way up the California coastline.
It's hard to pinpoint the best taco in Southern California, as a variety of taco styles have emerged and people have such different tastes now. The options are so varied, there are even food bloggers who specialize in seeking out the best new and original tacos in Southern California.
If your travels include a trip to Los Angeles, here are a few taco joints, all specializing in different taco styles, to keep you satiated.
Baja style fish tacos are definitely worth seeking out in Southern California. The lightly fried fish is paired with cabbage, pico de gallo, and hot sauce for a refreshing culinary experience. Consider spots like Ricky's Fish Taco Truck in Los Angeles.
Seek out Mayan, or Yucatan-style, tacos for a delicious alternative to what many perceive as the standard Mexican taco. Meats like cochinita pibil, a Mexican slow-roasted pork, are what make Yucatan style tacos so delicious. La Flor de Yucatan Catering and Bakery in Los Angeles has been serving up Yucatan-style tacos for over 40 years now.
Mexican food purists will cringe at the thought of including Tex-Mex-style anything on a list, but there is no arguing that Southern Californians still love their Tex-Mex-style tacos. Head out to Whittier and eat at Arturo's Puffy Taco to see what makes Tex-Mex-style tacos so popular.
Talk about a fusion of cuisines. Chef Roy Choi took his signature Korean BBQ and infused it with the Mexican-style taco to create the Kogi BBQ Food Truck in Los Angeles. These tasty Korean short rib tacos are pretty much responsible for launching the food truck craze into what it is today.
If you haven't had carnitas tacos before, there is no better place than Southern California, Los Angeles to be exact, to give these a try. One of the most popular options is Carnitas El Momo. Romulo "Momo" Acosta has become a household name for his Guanajuato-style carnitas. Try the taco surtido, which includes a delicious mix of carnitas and crunchy bits of skin.
Especially popular during Lent, potato tacos are such a delicious and underrated style of tacos they deserve a special mention. And, thanks to spots like Taquerias El Atacor #11 in Los Angeles, you can try deep-fried starchy potato tacos any day of the year or time of night. They are open until 4am, providing the perfect outlet for your late night taco fix.
Which of these tacos do you want to try first?
Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.
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Erin is a travel and food writer who currently splits her time between the Netherlands and Belize. She's traveled to 60+ countries on 5 continents with a passion for culinary travel, luxury hotels, and all things Disney. Her writing has appeared in numerous online outlets including Gadling, BootsnAll, CNN, Art of Backpacking, TravBuddy, CBS, and more. She was the major author of Belize's official visitor magazine, Destination Belize 2013; wrote the official AFAR Guide to Belize; and is also AFAR Magazine's local Belize expert.. In addition to writing for other publications, Erin maintains several blogs, Our Tasty Travels, No Checked Bags, Pooh's Travels, and the brand new Caye To Belize. Follow Erin on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus.
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