Tacos al pastor
Tacos al pastor · Mexico City, Mexico
The kebab spit brought by Lebanese immigrants became a pork taco with pineapple in Mexico.
Know before you go
- Don't eat tacos with a knife and fork (use your hands)
- don't dither at the stall and hold up the queue
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The rotisserie of Lebanese immigrants
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lebanese immigrants came to Mexico, bringing shawarma — lamb roasted on a vertical spit. Most were Christians with no taboo on pork; later their Mexican-born children opened their own restaurants, and lamb gradually gave way to pork marinated with chillies and pineapple — tacos al pastor. It's generally believed to have become popular in the 1960s.
Source: Wikipedia: Tacos al pastor
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
'Al pastor' means 'shepherd-style': marinated pork is stacked on a vertical spit (trompo), slow-roasted and sliced. It comes from Puebla in central Mexico and is now a staple of taquerías across the country. The method comes from the lamb shawarma brought by Lebanese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — mostly Christians, with no religious ban on pork. It is generally believed to have become popular in the 1960s.
Local customs
- Meat, onion, coriander and a slice of pineapple on a small corn tortilla, with a squeeze of lime and salsa
- eat it standing at the stall
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Mexico: carry your original passport and entry record
- Carry your original passport with its entry stamp, or download your electronic entry record from the immigration website
- Carrying only a copy or photo
Immigration officers do not accept copies; you may be questioned, detained or even deported.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice
Mexico: e-cigarettes may not be brought in or sold
- Leave your e-cigarette at home before you travel
- Bringing e-cigarettes or vape liquid into the country
- Smoking or vaping in public places
Customs will confiscate them and may fine or detain you; smoking in public places can bring a fine of up to MXN 3,000.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Mexico travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't eat tacos with a knife and fork (use your hands)
- don't dither at the stall and hold up the queue
Locals appreciate DO
Mexicans appreciate customers who can say 'con todo' (with everything) in Spanish.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Mexico City's taquerías are liveliest at night
- busy stalls with quick turnover are more hygienic. Prices and opening hours are set by each stall
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Sources & verification notes
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