National Fish Taco Day is annually celebrated on January 25, and we are getting prepped to enjoy all the yummy goodness they offer. Tacos are the Mexican version of a sandwich, made with a tortilla to wrap it. The idea of putting fish in a taco was once unusual outside of San Diego in the U.S. Today, one can find fish tacos on Mexican and non-Mexican restaurant menus worldwide. Fish tacos are delicious snack meals that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. On Fish Taco Day, many restaurants offer discounted or free fish tacos.
History of National Fish Taco Day
Fish tacos consist of lightly battered mild white fish that is deep-fried. It is then served in a corn tortilla. The tortilla is filled with shredded cabbage, sour cream or mayonnaise sauce, and salsa with lime. It has a long history as popular street food throughout Mexico’s Baja peninsula due to its closeness to the ocean. Legend has it that the owner of a local taco shop in the Pacific coastal beach town of San Felipe wrapped some battered fresh fish fillets in a warm, toasted tortilla, and topped it with spicy, creamy mayo sauce. And that was how fish tacos were born!
It is not certain who invented the fish taco in Mexico, but it was Ralph Rubio who did it in the U.S. Back in his college days, while on spring break from San Diego State University, he and his friends traveled to San Filipe in Baja. Rubio fell in love with the tasty fish tacos sold on the beach.
In 1983, with the help of his family, he opened the first Rubio’s Coastal Grill near the beach in San Diego. It was a small, walk-up taco stand in Mission Bay, and it first sold the famous beer-battered Original Fish Taco. Recognizing how much fish tacos mean to him, Rubio created National Fish Taco Day to coincide with the day his grill was first opened — January 25.
National Fish Taco Day timeline
The hard-shell, U-shaped version of the taco, which is the most common type of taco in the U.S, is first described in a cookbook.
The first patents for hard-shell taco cooking appliances are filed.
Glen Bell opens Taco Tia and begins selling a simplified version of the tacos being sold by Mexican restaurants.
Kermit Becky, a former Los Angeles police officer, buys the first Taco Bell franchise from Bell.
National Fish Taco Day FAQs
What is a breakfast taco?
The breakfast taco, which was born as Tex-Mex cuisine, is a soft corn or flour tortilla. It is filled with meat, eggs, or cheese, and optionally more ingredients. Austin, Texas is claimed to be the home of the breakfast taco.
What makes a good Mexican street taco?
Street tacos are finished with a little cilantro, chopped white onion, juice from a lime, a slice of avocado, salsa, and a few sliced radishes on the side.
What are American tacos actually made of?
American tacos are usually made with hard taco shells. They are topped with lettuce, tomato, and grated cheese.
National Fish Taco Day Activities
Make your own fish tacos
This is a perfect day to get into the kitchen and make some delicious fish tacos. You can look up videos online to guide you on the procedure, and who knows how great they’ll turn out!
Enjoy fish tacos with loved ones
Fish Tacos are a delightful meal to share with friends and family. Take out some quality time this day to enjoy as much of it as you can with them.
Share your favorite recipe
Do you have that special fish taco recipe you haven’t seen anywhere else? Then this is a good day to show it to others, so they can enjoy a new and delightful fish taco taste.
5 Facts About Tacos That Will Intrigue You
They originated in Mexico
Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish and a common form of Mexican street food which have spread around the world.
They have variations in many other countries
The hard-shell or crispy taco is a tradition that developed in the U.S. and the Indian Navajo tacos have soft shells.
There are various types
Tacos have a variety of fillings including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese.
Tacos are loved by the Europeans
Though they are of Mexican origin, Europeans eat tacos a lot.
They can be enjoyed any time
Whether as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, tacos can be eaten any time of the day.
Why We Love National Fish Taco Day
They’re an amazing meal
Coming in various versions and forms, fish tacos are an absolute delight to be enjoyed by any and everyone! A special day to celebrate it is only fit.
It connects people
Originating from Mexico and spreading to countries around the world, fish tacos help facilitate social interactions and connect people through the sharing of recipes and having of similar interests. It is indeed a great meal deserving of celebration!
Gives us a new experience
With several available recipes and a unique style of preparation, fish tacos provide new knowledge and taste experiences. They are very enjoyable and even have a way of brightening up one’s day.
National Fish Taco Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 25 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 25 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 25 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 25 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 25 | Thursday |
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