Taco Stand in Mexico City Receives Michelin Star
In a historic moment for Mexican cuisine, Tacos El Califa de León, a humble taco stand in Mexico City, has become the first of its kind to receive a Michelin star. Chef Arturo Rivera Martínez, who has been searing meat at the stand for 20 years, was presented with the prestigious award by Michelin representatives on Wednesday.
Located in the San Rafael neighborhood, Tacos El Califa de León offers a simple menu of four types of tacos, all made with high-quality meat sourced from various parts of a cow. The secret to their success, according to Rivera Martínez, lies in the simplicity of their tacos, which consist of a tortilla, red or green sauce, and top-notch meat.
Despite the recognition from Michelin, the stand has no plans to change its traditional methods. Rivera Martínez continues to cook on a scorching hot grill, where he sears thinly sliced fillets of beef and serves them on freshly rolled tortillas to eager customers.
The stand’s loyal customer base, which includes longtime patrons like Alberto Muñoz and his son Alan, is convinced that Tacos El Califa de León offers the best tacos in the city, despite the higher prices compared to other street vendors.
Owner Mario Hernández Alonso, who inherited the business from his father, remains committed to maintaining the stand’s authenticity and refuses to make any major changes, even as the neighborhood around them evolves.
As the stand continues to draw crowds of hungry customers, both locals and tourists alike, it is clear that Tacos El Califa de León has secured its place in culinary history as a beloved and iconic destination for authentic Mexican street food.