Picture this: It’s a hot summer day in June, you’re driving around in the Texas sun and all you can think about are tacos. If you find yourself in a new part of town or in a new city, how do you find a good taqueria and what do you order?
Mando Rayo, taco journalist and co-author of The Tacos of Texas, says the first thing to do is follow the smell.
“If you can smell it from the street, that’s a great way to work your way,” Rayo says. “If fresh tortillas are calling you, a good guisado or trompo, then walk in.”
He also says it’s a good sign if “Sábado Gigante” or soccer are blaring from the taqueria’s TV.
If you’re struggling to order from the menu, Rayo says to remember that Spanish is phonetic and words are pronounced like they look. If you’re worried about spiciness, stick to the Tex-Mex options like a picadillo taco or a fajita.
Another pro tip is to call the waiter maestro as a sign of respect – “Otra cerveza, maestro!”
“You just have to be brave and go out there, not only with trying the tacos and maybe spicier salsas, and definitely that restaurant Spanish,” Rayo says.
Written by Molly Smith.
