A taco stand in Mexico just made culinary history. On May 14, the first-ever Michelin Guide in Mexico was unveiled, recognizing the best restaurants in the country. And get this: Tacos El Califa de León reportedly made history as the first taco stand to get a Michelin star. The taco stand has been serving tacos in the neighborhood of San Rafael in Mexico City, Mexico, since 1968.
“The secret is the simplicity of our taco. It has only a tortilla, red or green sauce, and that’s it. That, and the quality of the meat,” the now Michelin-starred chef Arturo Rivera Martínez reportedly said.
According to AP News, Tacos El Califa de León is now the second street food vendor to receive a Michelin star. The first is in Bangkok. The one-star was awarded for the business’s high-quality cooking. “There is a reason why El Califa de León has endured for more than half a century,” the guide’s description reads. “This taqueria may be bare bones with just enough room for a handful of diners to stand at the counter, but its creation, the Gaonera taco, is exceptional.”
They go on to describe the taco as a: “Thinly sliced beef filet is expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime. At the same time, a second cook prepares the excellent corn tortillas alongside. The resulting combination is elemental and pure.” This specific taco was allegedly named after Mexican bullfighter Rodolfo Gaona.
This inaugural guide surveyed businesses in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, and Nuevo León. A total of 157 restaurants were recognized, including 42 Bib Gourmands, 16 one-Michelin-star establishments, and two two-Michelin-star establishments. The two Michelin stars were awarded to Pujol (Mexico City) and Quintonil (Mexico City).
To check out the full details of the first Michelin Guide in Mexico, visit the organization’s official website.