As with many Tex-Mex dishes, there’s still some debate around who exactly invented the puffy taco. Famous for its deep-fried, puffed up tortilla shell, the taco is similar to dishes found in the Yucatan Peninsula and Veracruz. But there’s no questioning the fact the dish has strong San Antonio roots.
In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find another place in the world where the puffy taco is as prevalent as in the Alamo City. What began as a novelty menu item in the 1900s has now become a local staple and source of pride for many local restaurants and chefs.
Like sister duo Rochelle and Rose of Taco House, who’ve become local legends for cooking up extra large puffy tacos, stuffed to the brim.
Or Diana Barrios Treviño of Los Barrios, a puffy taco icon carrying on the legacy of her mother, Viola Barrios.
And Steve Pizzini of Lala’s Gorditas, whose family lore ties back to the origins of the puffy taco.
Join us as we dig into their stories and explore the history of San Antonio’s famous puffy taco scene. To hear their stories and explore the history of San Antonio’s famous puffy taco scene, check out the second episode of this season of Todos Los Tacos.
Backyard Cocinero Episode 3
This isn’t your average Paloma, and this certainly isn’t your average fajita. Watch as Mando Rayo and community activist Celso Baez III chat about the unique role food plays in Hispanic communities in Texas and beyond.
Backyard Cocinero Episode 2
DJ Chorizo Funk, 2023 Austin Music Awards Winner, stops by to add a little rhythm to the party as Mando cooks up sumptuous ribeye tacos with the always eye-catching Camarena Camangonada.