The blog
Mexican food, explained plainly.
Short guides to the dishes, ingredients and regional cooking behind what Doc’s Taco Shop served in Liberty City, Texas. Start with the menu it all came from.
73 posts · 7 topics
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What Is Horchata? The Rice and Cinnamon Drink, Explained
Mexican horchata is a chilled rice and cinnamon drink. Here is what is in it, how it differs from the Spanish original, and whether it contains dairy.
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What Is a Chalupa? The Traditional Dish Behind the Name
A chalupa is a small fried masa boat topped with salsa, meat and cheese. Here is the traditional dish, and how it differs from the fast-food version.
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What Is a Torta? The Mexican Sandwich, Explained
A torta is a Mexican sandwich built on a crusty bolillo roll. Here is what goes in one, and why the bread is the part that matters.
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What Is Elote? Mexican Street Corn Explained
Elote is grilled corn dressed with crema, cheese, chilli and lime. Here is what goes on it, how it differs from esquites, and how to eat it.
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What Is Birria? The Stewed Beef Behind the Dipped Taco
Birria is meat slow-stewed in dried chiles, served as a stew or as crisp dipped tacos with consomé. Here is what to expect.
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How Many Street Tacos Per Person? A Practical Ordering Guide
Three to four street tacos suits most adults. Here is how to scale that for groups, appetites and a full menu of sides.
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Why Onion, Cilantro and Lime Are Served With Street Tacos
Each garnish on a street taco does a specific job. Here is what onion, cilantro, lime and cabbage actually contribute.
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What Is Bistek? The Beef Filling on Mexican Taco Menus
Bistek is thinly cut beef cooked on a flat grill. Here is what it is, how it differs from carne asada and when to order it.
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What Is Al Pastor? A Simple Guide to the Classic Taco Filling
Al pastor is marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit. Here is where it came from, what it tastes like and how to order it.
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Corn vs Flour Tortillas: Which Works Best for Tacos?
Corn holds up to juicy fillings and brings its own flavour; flour is softer and stretches further. Here is how to choose between them.
Doc’s Taco Shop closed permanently on 19 July 2025. These guides stay up because the food they describe did not go anywhere.