Ask Chef Mauricio: The Lucha Libre of Lunch—Seven Rules for Eating Tacos Like a Pro (Without Looking Like a Tourist)

✔️Margarita

🌶️Spicy salsa

🍋‍🟩Lime

🌪️Messy

If it’s not messy, it’s not Mexican

Welcome back to Ask Chef Mauricio!

We've talked about chilies, moles, and why my tortillas are secretly ancient science projects. Today, we tackle the most common problem facing every newbie to the taquería: taco technique.

You see, a taco is a simple masterpiece. But the act of eating it? That’s pure chaos. It’s a messy, gravity-defying, multi-napkin battle against physics. Every single one of you has been there: leaning over the plate, everything falling out the back, lime juice squirting into your eye.

Don't worry. I’m here to give you the seven unwritten rules of authentic taco eating. Follow these, and you’ll walk out smelling like Al Pastor and not defeat.

Rule 1: Embrace the Double-Fist Policy

First, and most vital: The Hand-Off.

In the taquería, the taquero is a speedy artist. They shave the meat, add the toppings, and hand you the taco. You do not, I repeat, DO NOT put the taco down to grab your phone, adjust your hat, or check your salsa. You are now officially taco-committed.

Grab the taco immediately in a firm two-finger pinch and bring it straight to your face. If you have two tacos, you hold two tacos. This isn’t a leisurely dining experience; it’s a race against gravity and your own shaky coordination.

Rule 2: The Head Tilt is Non-Negotiable

This is where the tourists fail. They try to bring the taco straight up to their face, level with the table. This guarantees a meat-to-lap trajectory.

The secret? Tilt your head, not the taco.

Keep the taco horizontal, pointed at the ceiling. Then, like a friendly but very hungry pelican, tilt your head over the taco. Now, anything that falls will hit the plate, which is its correct landing zone. Do not try to defy physics; cooperate with it.

Rule 3: The Spoon Technique is Cheating (But Smart)

You've added your salsa, your cilantro, your onions, and suddenly, the taco is a pregnant, overstuffed vehicle.

If your taco is too packed to close—and I mean, truly fat—you are allowed one emergency measure: the Second Tortilla.

Ask for an extra tortilla and use it like a miniature shovel or a cradle for the excess ingredients that spill out. The second tortilla is your safety net, your insurance policy, and a highly respectable way to mop up any remaining juice on the plate. We call this a Taco Shield. It's cheating, but we respect the resourcefulness.

Rule 4: Forget the Fork, But Never the Lime

There is only one implement required for an authentic taco, and it is a wedge of lime.

You should never use a fork. Never. Your hands are your tools. But the lime? Essential. Squeeze that lime juice over the meat, right before your first bite. The acidity is a flavor conductor—it cuts the fat, brightens the chili, and makes everything sing.

Salsa is the personality of the taco; lime is the brain. Use your brain!

Rule 5: Salsa is Confidence, Not Bragging

The salsa bar is a test of character. There are five beautiful bowls: three shades of green, two shades of red. They range from "My Abuela made this" to "My stomach is now a volcano."

The rule here is simple: Taste before you commit.

Do not, under any circumstances, ask the taquero which salsa is hottest and then drown your first taco in it to impress your friends. You will end up crying, sweating, and possibly hallucinating. Start small, apply judiciously, and work your way up. Respect the spice; it respects no one.

Rule 6: The "Taco Napkin" is Your Best Friend

You will be messy. You will have cilantro on your chin. You will have cajeta on your elbow. This is unavoidable.

But the one thing you must not do is wipe your hands on your pants. Use the taquería napkin—that often-thin, cheap piece of paper that barely holds up. Wad it up, use it quickly, and grab a fresh one. It’s a functional part of the dining process, not a ceremonial accessory.

Rule 7: The Look of Pure Joy

Finally, the most important rule of authentic taco eating: Don't overthink it.

When you get that perfect bite—the complex flavor of the meat, the zing of the salsa, the warm chew of the tortilla—let a small, genuine smile spread across your face. That look of pure, unadulterated taco joy is universal. It’s what we live for.

Now go forth, tilt your head, embrace the mess, and eat some tacos!

Do you have a personal taco technique that rivals Chef Mauricio's? Tell us about your biggest taco fail!

About Us: At Papi's Tacos, we bring the vibrant, no-fuss flavors of authentic Mexican street food to the heart of Singapore. Founded by Chef Mauricio Espinoza, a native of Mexico, our mission is to share the true taste of home. We craft our tortillas in-house and use the freshest ingredients to deliver a culinary experience that’s a world away from the ordinary. Come join us and discover what real tacos are all about. ¡Buen provecho!