Japan’s relationship with tacos started in an unexpected place: Okinawa. In 1984, a restaurant owner in the town of Kin created タコライス (taco rice), serving seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese and tomato over a bowl of rice. It was inspired by tacos popular with American service members stationed nearby, and it is now a beloved Okinawan comfort food.
東京では、近年タコスの人気が高まっています。手作りのトルティーヤを使うタケリアも増えてきました。
In Tokyo, tacos have grown more popular in recent years, and more taquerias are making their own tortillas.
What to expect / 期待できること
- タコライス (taco rice) in Okinawa, everywhere from diners to convenience stores
- Small, carefully made tacos with Japanese ingredients, such as 照り焼き (teriyaki) chicken or 天ぷら (tempura) fish
- Imported dried chiles and masa harina at specialty grocers
- サルサ (salsa) that is usually milder than in Mexico, but often made with great care
タコスは、みんなで楽しむ食べ物です。
Tacos are food for everyone to enjoy together.
A Tokyo taco shop owner
Useful phrases / 便利なフレーズ
| English | 日本語 | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Two tacos, please | タコスを二つください | Takosu o futatsu kudasai |
| Is it spicy? | 辛いですか？ | Karai desu ka? |
| Delicious! | おいしい！ | Oishii! |