Ask ten people what their favorite taco is and you’ll get ten different answers and that’s the beauty of it. “Taco” isn’t one thing. It’s an entire world of fillings, techniques, and regional traditions that have been perfected across Mexico for generations.
If you’ve ever stared at a taquería menu wondering what the difference is between al pastor and carnitas, or what exactly makes a taco “authentic,” this guide is for you. At Tacos My Guey, we serve authentic Mexican tacos the way they’re meant to be so let’s break down the most popular types of tacos, what’s in them, and how to order like you know exactly what you’re doing.
What Makes a Taco “Authentic”?
Before we dive into the types, let’s clear something up. An authentic Mexican taco isn’t about hard shells, shredded cheddar, or sour cream, that’s the Tex-Mex version, and it has its place. A traditional taco starts with a soft corn tortilla, a single well-seasoned filling, and simple fresh toppings: chopped onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and salsa.
The magic is in the meat and the method. Real tacos are about doing a few things exceptionally well, slow-cooking, proper seasoning, and fresh ingredients, not piling on toppings. Keep that in mind as we go through each type.
Tacos al Pastor
If there’s a king of Mexican tacos, it’s al pastor. Born in central Mexico from Lebanese immigrants who brought shawarma-style spit-roasting, al pastor is marinated pork cooked on a vertical trompo (spit), often crowned with a pineapple that drips sweet juice down the meat.
The pork is marinated in a blend of dried chilies, achiote, and spices, giving it that signature reddish color and a flavor that’s smoky, slightly sweet, and a little tangy. It’s traditionally served with onion, cilantro, and a small piece of grilled pineapple. If you’re trying tacos for the first time, al pastor is the perfect place to start.
Tacos de Carnitas
Carnitas, literally “little meats”, come from the state of Michoacán. Pork is slow-cooked in its own fat until it’s impossibly tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the edges. The result is rich, juicy, and deeply savory.
What’s the difference between al pastor and carnitas? Both are pork, but al pastor is marinated and spit-roasted for a smoky-sweet flavor, while carnitas is slow-braised for a richer, crispier, more savory bite. You can’t go wrong with either.
Tacos de Birria
Birria has taken over the taco world in recent years, and for good reason. Originally from Jalisco and traditionally made with goat (now often beef in the U.S.), birria is slow-cooked in a rich adobo of dried chilies and spices until the meat falls apart.
The birria taco and its cheesy cousin the quesabirria is dipped in the stew’s flavorful oils, griddled until crispy, and served with a cup of consomé for dipping. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it. (We’re a little obsessed with birria, we wrote a whole guide to birria tacos in Orlando if you want to go deeper.)
Tacos de Carne Asada
Simple, smoky, and satisfying. Carne asada tacos feature grilled, thinly sliced beef, usually skirt or flank steak, that’s been marinated and cooked over high heat for a charred, beefy flavor. Topped with just onion, cilantro, and salsa, this is the taco you crave at a backyard cookout. A staple in northern Mexico and a crowd favorite everywhere.
Tacos de Pescado y Camarón (Fish & Shrimp)
Straight from the coasts of Baja California, seafood tacos are lighter, fresher, and a little different. Fish tacos feature battered or grilled white fish, while shrimp tacos bring a sweet, tender bite. Both are typically topped with cabbage, a creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for a hot Orlando afternoon when you want something that feels fresh.
Tacos de Suadero, Lengua & the Deep Cuts
Ready to level up? These are the tacos the regulars order. Suadero is a tender cut of beef from between the belly and the leg, prized for its soft texture. Lengua (beef tongue) is a delicacy melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked. They might sound adventurous, but there’s a reason they’re beloved across Mexico: when done right, they’re some of the most flavorful tacos you’ll ever eat.
How to Order Tacos Like a Local
A few quick tips: order corn tortillas over flour for the authentic experience; two or three tacos usually make a meal; don’t skip the salsa and lime; and if you’re new, start with al pastor or carnitas before working up to the deep cuts. And remember a great taquería doesn’t need to drown its tacos in toppings. The meat should speak for itself.
Come Taste the Real Thing in Orlando
Reading about tacos is fun, but eating them is better. At Tacos My Guey, we serve authentic Mexican tacos al pastor, carnitas, birria, carne asada, and more across 6 locations in the Orlando area. Check out our full menu or find your nearest location and come taste the difference that tradition makes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tacos
What are the most popular types of Mexican tacos?
The most popular authentic Mexican tacos include al pastor (marinated spit-roasted pork), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), birria (chili-braised beef or goat), carne asada (grilled beef), and fish or shrimp tacos from the coastal regions. Each has its own flavor, texture, and regional roots.
What is the difference between al pastor and carnitas?
Both are pork, but they’re prepared differently. Al pastor is marinated in chilies and achiote, then spit-roasted for a smoky-sweet, slightly tangy flavor, often served with pineapple. Carnitas is slow-cooked in its own fat until tender and crispy, giving it a richer, more savory taste.
What makes a taco authentic?
An authentic Mexican taco uses a soft corn tortilla, a single well-seasoned filling, and simple fresh toppings chopped onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa. It’s about quality meat and traditional cooking methods rather than heavy toppings like cheddar cheese or sour cream, which are Tex-Mex additions.
What kind of tortilla is used for real tacos?
Traditional Mexican tacos are served on soft corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free and have a flavor that complements the fillings. Flour tortillas are more common in northern Mexico and Tex-Mex cooking, but corn is the classic choice for authentic street tacos.
Where can I try authentic tacos in Orlando?
Tacos My Guey serves authentic Mexican tacos including al pastor, carnitas, birria, and carne asada at 6 locations across the Orlando area. You can dine in, order online for pickup, or get delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.