Ethan Brooks
Breakfast tacos are a source of pride for Texans, but the origins of this beloved dish are hotly contested. While some claim that Austin or San Antonio are the homes of the breakfast taco, others assert that it originated in Monterrey, Mexico, and spread to southern Texas. Regardless of its origins, the breakfast taco has become a staple in Texas cuisine and can be found in various forms across the state, with regional variations in ingredients and preparation methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Monterrey, Mexico; Southern Texas |
| Origin story | Breakfast tacos were first eaten by workers at Compañia Fundidora, a former iron and steel foundry in Monterrey, Mexico, who needed a quick breakfast before starting their early shifts. |
| Texas cities with breakfast tacos | Austin, San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley |
| Typical fillings in Texas | Scrambled eggs, meat (chorizo, bacon, "machacado" salt beef, barbacoa, deshebrada), nopalitos (sautéed cactus pad), hot dogs |
| Typical condiments in Texas | Lime, diced tomatoes, green chiles |
| Price | Typically $3 for 2 or 3 tacos |
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What You'll Learn
Breakfast tacos are a Tex-Mex tradition
Breakfast tacos are a beloved Tex-Mex tradition. While their exact origins are disputed, breakfast tacos are a source of pride for Texans and have become a staple in the state's cuisine.
Some sources trace the breakfast taco back to the early 1900s in Monterrey, Mexico, where they were a convenient breakfast option for early-rising foundry workers. From there, the breakfast taco made its way into southern Texas, where its popularity grew and spread throughout the state.
The breakfast taco has since become a subject of friendly rivalry between the cities of Austin and San Antonio, with each claiming superiority in their variety and quality. In 2016, the mayors of both cities even held the "Great Breakfast Taco War" to settle the debate, showcasing the passion and enthusiasm that Texans have for this culinary delight.
Today, breakfast tacos can be found across Texas and beyond, with restaurants in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City also offering their takes on this Tex-Mex favourite. However, Texans will proudly assert that their state remains the heartland of the breakfast taco tradition, with destinations known for their exceptional tacos.
Breakfast tacos typically feature a variety of fillings wrapped in a flour tortilla. Common fillings include scrambled eggs, chorizo, bacon, machacado (dried beef), barbacoa (slow-cooked meat), and deshebrada (shredded beef). The portability, affordability, and customizability of breakfast tacos have contributed to their enduring popularity in Texas and beyond.
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They are a source of competition between Austin and San Antonio
Breakfast tacos are a source of competition between Austin and San Antonio. The "taco war" began in 2016 when an article by New York-based writer Matthew Sedacca for the food website "Eater" proclaimed Austin as the "mecca for the best breakfast tacos". The article sparked immediate backlash, particularly from San Antonians, who hold a strong cultural and historical connection to the dish.
The controversy even involved the mayors of the two cities, with former Austin Mayor Steve Adler declaring that the two cities were at war. Adler and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor eventually met for a summit, dubbed the "'I-35 Accords', marking an official ceasefire between the taco-loving towns. The meeting included a joint declaration of March 10 as Breakfast Taco Day, with Adler expressing hope for renewed friendship between the cities.
Despite the truce, the debate about the superior breakfast taco continues, with San Antonians believing their city, known as the culinary and cultural capital of Texas, deserves the title. Austinites, on the other hand, point to their city's thriving and innovative food scene, with its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offering creative and diverse breakfast taco options.
The rivalry between the two cities has led to cooking competitions, such as the Taco Rumble, where San Antonio taquerias took the top spot in 2021 and 2022. While the debate rages on, one thing is certain: breakfast tacos are a beloved staple in Texas, with unique variations and passionate fans in both Austin and San Antonio.
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The breakfast taco's origin story is disputed
Breakfast tacos are a source of competition between Austin and San Antonio, with both cities claiming to be the origin of the beloved breakfast item. However, the true origin of the breakfast taco is a matter of dispute, with some arguing that it originated in Mexico, specifically Monterrey, and others claiming it as a Texas creation.
Austin Hot Sauce Contest founder Robb Walsh claims that Austin coined the Anglo phrase "breakfast taco," but did not invent the dish itself. In defence of San Antonio, Texas Monthly's taco editor José Ralat points out that San Antonio has a richer culture and better food. He also acknowledges that while both cities are known for their Tex-Mex cuisine, breakfast tacos are border food.
Adding to the dispute, Gustavo Arellano's 2016 article provides evidence that Austin is not the birthplace of the breakfast taco. Arellano highlights the regional variations within Texas, such as the puffier flour tortillas of San Antonio compared to those in the Rio Grande Valley.
However, the breakfast taco's journey may have begun even earlier in Monterrey, Mexico. According to one source, the breakfast taco dates back to the early 1900s, or possibly earlier, in Monterrey. The former iron and steel foundry, Compañia Fundidora, which dates back to 1900, is credited with helping the breakfast taco gain popularity. The employees at Compañia Fundidora needed a quick breakfast before their early morning shifts, and the breakfast taco was the perfect solution. From Monterrey, the tacos made their way into southern Texas, influencing the cuisine of the region.
Today, breakfast tacos are enjoyed not just in Texas but across the United States, with variations in different regions. While some places, like New York City, offer breakfast burritos, they are not the same as the nimble and efficient breakfast tacos of Texas.
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They are typically made with a flour tortilla and filled with scrambled eggs and meat
Breakfast tacos are a Tex-Mex favourite, typically made with a flour tortilla and filled with scrambled eggs and meat. They are a source of competition between Austin and San Antonio, with both cities claiming to be the origin of the breakfast taco. However, the exact origin of this delicious breakfast item is a subject of debate.
While Austin is often credited with coining the term "breakfast taco", the dish itself is believed to have originated in Monterrey, Mexico, in the early 1900s. Employees at Compañia Fundidora, an iron and steel foundry, needed a quick and filling breakfast before their early morning shifts, and thus, the breakfast taco was born. From there, it spread into southern Texas, becoming a staple in the cuisine of the region.
The Texas taco scene has continued to evolve, with various fillings and combinations available. In Texas' Rio Grande Valley, breakfast tacos are commonly filled with scrambled eggs and meat such as chorizo, bacon, or "machacado" salt beef. The tortillas themselves also vary, with San Antonio known for its puffier tortillas, while its Rio Grande Valley counterparts tend to use thinner ones.
Breakfast tacos have become so popular that they have spread beyond Texas, with restaurants in Los Angeles and even Nashville offering their own takes on this Tex-Mex favourite. However, as one Texas native noted, the key to a breakfast taco is its convenience and accessibility, and it loses some of its charms when it becomes "destination food".
Whether you're in Texas or elsewhere, the breakfast taco is a tasty and efficient way to start your day, with all your breakfast needs wrapped up in a neat, little package.
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They are now spreading across the US
Breakfast tacos are a source of competition between Austin and San Antonio, two cities in Texas. However, it is believed that breakfast tacos actually originated in Monterrey, Mexico, in the early 1900s. Workers at the Compañia Fundidora, an iron and steel foundry, needed a quick breakfast before their early morning shifts, and the breakfast taco was born. From there, the tacos spread into southern Texas, and today, they are a beloved staple of Tex-Mex cuisine.
While breakfast tacos are a Texas morning tradition, they are no longer confined to the Lone Star State. In recent years, they have been spreading across the US. They have already taken New York City by storm, and while most restaurants offer breakfast burritos, a few sell breakfast tacos. HomeState, a Texas-themed restaurant in Los Angeles, also serves breakfast tacos. Breakfast tacos have even been spotted in Nashville, although Texas natives may hesitate to eat them outside of their home state, especially if they are labelled as "Austin-style".
The appeal of breakfast tacos lies in their simplicity, affordability, and portability. They are usually sold in pairs or threesomes for around $3, allowing customers to experiment with different fillings without breaking the bank. They are also small enough to fit in your hand and mouth, making them the perfect breakfast on the go.
As Americans consume an average of 4.5 billion tacos annually and observe "Taco Tuesdays", it is no surprise that breakfast tacos are gaining traction nationwide. While the origin of the breakfast taco may be disputed, there is no denying that they are here to stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Breakfast tacos are a Tex-Mex favourite, with Texas cities like Austin and San Antonio being well-known for their breakfast tacos. However, the origin of the breakfast taco is a contentious debate, with some sources citing Monterrey, Mexico as the birthplace of the breakfast taco.
In Texas' Rio Grande Valley, breakfast tacos are customarily filled with scrambled eggs and meat like chorizo, bacon, "machacado" salt beef, or sliced hot dogs.
Maria's in Austin, Bob's Tacos in Rosenberg, and Tornado Taco in Stafford are all popular spots for breakfast tacos in Texas.
Breakfast tacos are typically folded, while breakfast burritos are wrapped and then possibly grilled on one side after being wrapped, making them larger than breakfast tacos.
