Tiny Mexican taco stand gets a Michelin star

Taquería El Califa de León is a taco stand in Mexico City, Mexico, that earned its first Michelin star. The star was the first for the taco stand and the first Michelin guide for Mexico. Now, customers are waiting at least two hours to get their hands on the award-winning tacos. “The secret is the simplicity of our taco. It has only a tortilla, red or green sauce, and that’s it. That, and the quality of the meat,” said Michelin-starred Chef Rivera Martínez.

Class discussion: Does it surprise you that a street food like tacos could win such a coveted culinary award? The other restaurants in Mexico that received stars from the Michelin guide were bigger, more posh and expensive than El Califa de León, Have you ever eaten in a restaurant with a Michelin star? Would you wait two hours for a $5 taco? The tiny stand has been selling tacos for more than 50 years. Have you ever eaten in a restaurant that’s been around that long? Was it good?