The first Mexican taco stand to get a Michelin star

Synopsis: Tacos El Califa de León, a tiny taco stand in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood, made history by becoming the first Mexican taco stand to earn a Michelin star. Led by chef Arturo Rivera Martínez, this humble spot has stuck to a simple formula: high-quality beef tacos cooked on an extremely hot grill, served with freshly made tortillas and topped by customers with either red or green salsa. The stand, founded in 1968, hasn’t changed its methods or menu, valuing tradition and quality over trends. Despite limited space and a bustling location surrounded by street vendors, its reputation for excellent tacos has only grown, now bolstered by the Michelin honor.

Written By: Mark Stevenson
Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Fernando Llano
Published: May 15, 2024