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Tacos al Pastor: The Best Dish in the World! 🇲🇽

A tribute from Chef Yerika's kitchen

Tacos al Pastor by Chef Yerika
Tacos al Pastor por Chef Yerika

Introduction: A Dish That Represents Us All

Today I write this article with a heart full of pride, taking TasteAtlas as a reference. As a Mexican chef and ambassador of Latin American cuisine, I can't help but be excited to share this news: tacos al pastor were and continue to be named the best dish in the world with an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 , according to the international ranking of TasteAtlas , one of the most respected culinary guides globally. Of the 17,073 cities in Taste Atlas, based on 477,287 valid food ratings for 15,478 dishes, these 100 cities stand out for having the highest average ratings for the regional and national dishes most frequently served in them.


Tacos al pastor, the best dish in the world
Fuente TasteAtlas

This isn't just a recognition for Mexico; it's a celebration of our culture, history, and culinary creativity. It's a moment that reminds us of the power a simple dish has to connect hearts around the world.

A Little History: The Origin of the Taco al Pastor

Tacos al pastor are the result of a culinary fusion that began in the heart of Mexico. At the beginning of the 20th century, Lebanese immigrants arrived in Mexico, bringing with them the art of shawarma —marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit. In Puebla and Mexico City, Mexicans adopted this technique and gave it their own unique twist: they replaced the lamb with pork, used achiote instead of Arabic spices, and added grilled pineapple for that characteristic sweet contrast.

And so the taco al pastor was born, an icon of our street cuisine that today is a staple in restaurants around the world.

Why Does the World Love Tacos al Pastor?

The magic of the taco al pastor lies in its perfect balance of flavors:

  • The intense marinade of dried chilies, spices and achiote.

  • The juiciness of slow-cooked pork.

  • The sweet and sour touch of roasted pineapple.

  • The freshness of cilantro, onion and lemon.

  • And, of course, the warm corn tortilla that wraps it all.

It is a complete experience, which is felt in the soul before the palate.

Chef Yerika's Recipe: Homemade Tacos al Pastor

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

For the meat:

  • 1 kg of pork loin or leg in very thin slices

  • 3 dried guajillo chiles (seeded)

  • 2 ancho chiles (optional, for depth of flavor)

  • 2 cloves of garlic

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

  • 1/2 cup of natural pineapple juice

  • 2 tablespoons of achiote paste

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

To accompany:

  • Fresh diced pineapple (best if lightly grilled)

  • Finely chopped white onion

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

  • Lemon halves

  • Red or green sauce to taste

  • Warm corn tortillas

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the marinade: Blend the hydrated chilies, garlic, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper until you get a uniform mixture.

  2. Marinate the meat: Place the steaks in a bowl or resealable bag and cover with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

  3. Cooking in the homemade spinning top style: If you don't have a vertical spinning top, you can:

    • Stack them on a large skewer and bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.

    • Or cook them in a very hot pan or griddle, fillet by fillet, and then chop them finely.

  4. Assemble the tacos: Heat the tortillas, add the ground beef, some grilled pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with your favorite salsa!

SOME TIPS THAT MAY BE USEFUL TO YOU


  • Use natural pineapple juice , not canned. This helps tenderize the meat and provide a more authentic sweetness.

  • Don't skip the achiote. It's the basis for the color and deep flavor that distinguishes the pastor.

  • If you have time, make your own corn tortilla . It changes everything.

  • For a healthier version, you can make them with lean pork loin or even marinated mushrooms if you want a vegetarian option.

  • Pair with a Mexican craft beer or a pineapple and mint agua fresca.

A Global Celebration of Mexican Cuisine

It's no coincidence that tacos al pastor are considered the best dish in the world . It's the result of generations sharing their knowledge, ingredients, and love of cooking. From the streets of Mexico City to the world's most sophisticated restaurants, the taco al pastor has proven that greatness can also be served in a tortilla.

From my kitchen to yours, I invite you to celebrate this achievement by preparing this recipe and sharing it with those you love. Because food, like culture, is best experienced when shared. Original source: https://www.tasteatlas.com/tacos-al-pastor

Ranking source: Image based on data from TasteAtlas , global gastronomic ranking 2025, where the taco al pastor obtained a score of 4.6/5 , placing it in first place out of more than 10,000 dishes analyzed.

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