Restaurants around the world have all crafted their own version of the classic fish taco. Through all of the dish’s changes and influences over the years, it's important to remember where it got its start. This delicious blend of seafood wrapped up in a tortilla is a long-standing tradition hailing from the area known as modern-day Baja California.

Its Mexican Origins

The indigenous people living along the coast of Mexico have been wrapping their fresh Pacific catches into tortillas for thousands of years. Though people do not know precisely what was put into the tacos, they do know the two basic ingredients: fresh seafood and stone-ground corn tortillas.

The fish taco as we know it today—battered and deep-fried fish, shredded lettuce, lime, salsa, and chipotle mayo—originated in Baja California. Japanese fishermen immigrated to the area in the mid-1900s and may have been the start of the fried fish since this practice has long been a part of Japanese cuisine (also known as tempura). Both the ports of San Felipe and Ensenada claim to be the original locale, so there is no clear origin point.

The Immigration to the States

Ralph Rubio, a San Diego native, visited San Felipe in 1974. At this point, there were many fish taco stands at the port selling their dishes to spring breakers. Rubio met a vendor named Carlos, who gave him his recipe for his tacos. Rubio returned to the United States and opened a taco stand in Mission Bay, San Diego. Locals loved the tacos, and his small stand became a chain.  

Today, many restaurants and stands have their own take on the taco. The fish can be battered and fried, or grilled for a healthier alternative. Whitefish are typically used, such as tilapia. New toppings have been added such as mango, jalapeno, pico de gallo, and guacamole. 

Grins Restaurant has continued the thousand-year-old tradition of the fish taco by serving the dish to their San Marcos, TX, patrons. Visit the restaurant online to browse the menu and follow them on Facebook for updates about their availability.