It’s been reported in some news outlets that TasteAtlas.com users have given the traditional Mexico City staple known as “Tacos al Pastor” (literally Shepherd’s Style Tacos) a 4.6 star rating making them the “best rated” dish in the world! Being a Mexico City denizen I won’t repute the merits of the story but a thing that interested me about it is that Tacos al Pastor are a street dish. There are literally hundreds of taco stands (taquerias) in the city and for the most part they are small, family owned businesses (there are some taco chains but mom-&-pop business outnumber and, IMO, outperform those), just in my neighborhood I have 5 taco stands at walking distance.This diversity helps any hungry person to find all sorts of quality, price and service hours.
Now, around here Tacos al Pastor are culturally and socially important; I don’t have space to dig into the why but they’re a VERY important part of the city’s identity. They are also an impulse-driven meal. You don’t plan to eat them, you just stand up an order them or make a stop on your way back home from school/work. You never make a reservation at a taqueria. Your will always end up ordering two or three more tacos than you initially intended to and, most importantly, you NEVER, EVER use forks and knives to eat them.
As Local Guide I feel that giving small Tacos al Pastor stands (and most importantly any other locally owned, independent business) a place to be found is important not only because taquerias offer a delicious and affordable meal but because they are a part of any neighborhood’s identity and it’s diversity brings the possibility of enjoying a true, unique experience that will stick with you through your life. I think Google Maps is a great way to offer visitors the chance to find out why its the “best dish in the world”. Also, score one for hand eaten street food that appeals to your impulses!
