According to historical records, the first known tacos were consumed by the ancient Aztecs in what is now Mexico. These early tacos were a staple of their diet, made from corn tortillas, beans, and various meats.

As civilizations rose and fell, the art of taco making continued to evolve. During the Spanish Conquest, the Spanish introduced their own twist to the taco, adding European flair and spices.

But it's not until the early 20th century that the modern taco as we know it today was born. The rise of the automobile industry and the growth of urban centers led to the proliferation of taco stands and restaurants.