PODCAST · arts
Tacos of Texas
by KUT & KUTX Studios, Mando Rayo
Exploring taco culture in Texas through the eyes of the people in the Lone Star State.
Episodes
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Black & Indigenous Mexicans: A coming together on food, untold history and rich identities at the Texas Table
Explore how Black, Indigenous, and Mexican histories connect through identity, food, migration in this live-taped episode.
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Halal Tacos: A Mexican, a Muslim and a Rancher walk into a taqueria
In today’s episode of Tacos of Texas, we’re talking halal tacos. Yeah, you heard that right. We sit down with chef Jon Escamilla of Vecinos Tacos, the East Austin truck that went full halal and one of his most loyal regulars, Imad Ahmed, the customer who walked up one day and asked the question...
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From Undocumented to Unstoppable: The Veracruz All Natural Story
Chef Reyna Vazquez tells us all about her new cookbook, Veracruz All Natural: Fresh Mexican Recipes from Our American Home.
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Gina Hinojosa: The Texas Democrat using Latina Power to take down Abbott
In today's episode of Tacos of Texas, we sit down with Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Governor of Texas.
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Tacos de la Casa: Cooking with Joy. Hiding from ICE
In the season opener of Tacos of Texas, we step into two home kitchens and the women who run them.
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Trailer: Tacos of Texas Season Seis Coming Soon
Season Six of the Tacos of Texas Podcast is taco journalism at its core: Host and Taco Journalist, Mando Rayo dives into twelve episodes spanning heavy stories—ICE fears, gentrification & Austin Taco History, Black Indigenous Mexicans, Gina Hinojosa taking on Abbott and conflict foods tied to a...
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Making Tacos Is Storytelling
Every great food journalist needs a taco glossary.
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Do You Need Eggs for Breakfast Tacos?
¡No Huevos?! Is it a breakfast taco without the eggs? Mando Rayo explores.
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Do’s and don’ts for celebrating Cinco de Mayo
This episode of TOT features a 2024 interview with Laura Rice on the Texas Standard.
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From Classroom to Kitchen: Building Austin’s Next Culinary Generation
Hear what Austin's next culinary generation has to say about what it takes to build a career in hospitality today.
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Cesar Chavez allegations continue to spur examination of legacy
Mando Rayo talks to Texas Standard host David Brown about the fallout from the sexual assault allegations against labor leader Cesar Chavez.
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Tamal or tamale?
Tamal or Tamale? Corn husk or banana leaf? Taco Journalist Mando Rayo weighs in on the great Texas debate…Or is it Tejas?
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Healthy Without Breaking Up (with Tacos)
From cauliflower to nopales, swap in some different fillings – but make sure you keep the seasonings. The interview featured in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired on the Texas Standard in February 2025. Tacos of Texas is made possible by listeners like you. You can support our...
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Tacos of Texas wraps fifth season delving into politics, new Michelin honorees and more
The Michelin Guide ranking top places to eat was announced in October, 2025. In this bonus episode, Mando Rayo sits down with the Texas Standard to discuss the new Michelin luminaries, as well as details on how he plans to celebrate the podcast’s fifth season. The interview featured in this bonus...
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Street vendors in Texas feeling the pinch among heightened immigration anxiety
“They are doing it by selling what they know. They know their food. They know their culture.”
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New year, new do’s – and dont’s – of tacos
Taco journalist Mando Rayo shares how he feels diners can be more intentional with how they engage with the cuisine we all love. The interview in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas was originally aired on the Texas Standard in January, 2026. Tacos of Texas is made possible by listeners like…
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Behind the Tacos of Texas Podcast with story producer, Louise Van Assche and Mando Rayo
Get to know our story producer, Louise Van Assche! You can find Louise on Instagram at @whereareyoureallyfrom. This interview was originally aired on Austin Signal in November 2025. Special thanks to Jerry Quijano and Kristen Cabrera of the Austin Signal for having us on the show! From the Austin...
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Flipping the Tortilla: One on One with Mando Rayo
In today’s episode we’re flipping the tortilla. I’m actually the one being interviewed by El Mero Mero and Jr. Taco Correspondent Samuel Franco. So sit back and relax and get to know a little more about El Taco Journalist Mando Rayo (me!) The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is...
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Paprika ATX: When a Taquero stands up for his communities
In this bonus episode we talk to Margarito “Mago” Perez, owner of the Paprika about turning a taco truck to a brick and mortar and standing up for community during ICE and immigration raids.
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Los Tacos de ACL Fest with Rosa and Daniela from La Santa Barbacha
Live from ACL, Mando Rayo talks to Daniela & Rosa De Lima Hernandez from La Santa Barbacha about how they started one of the best barbacoa places ATX.
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Tacos of Texas Podcast live taping with Journalist Maria Hinojosa
Mando Rayo sits down with Journalist Maria Hinojosa in Studio 1A for a live discussion about the intersection of tacos, culture and community resilience.
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Lamb Barbacoa at El Grandpa’s Mexican BBQ
Find out how that slow cooked lamb barbacoa hits differently in an outdoor, above-ground Pozo.
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Whole Hog Butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths (Part 2)
In this episode, we’re gonna let Jesse get to butchering in the whole hog class. Let's dig in!
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Whole Hog Butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths (Part 1)
Let’s take a class on whole hog butchering with Chef Jesse Griffiths, co-owner of Dai Due and learn the essentials of cutting a wild hog to prep for your favorite dish
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Austin Taco History
Let’s take a deep dive into the history of tacos and Mexican restaurants in Austin, from the early 1900s to the effects of the 1928 Master Plan and the Tejano establishments still standing to the next generation of taqueros and taqueras. Guest is Alan Garcia, the creator of the instagram page ATX...
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Uncertain Times: Dreamers, MAGA Latinos & Taco Politics
Let’s get a pulse of the community and how tacos play a role in identity and politics in 2025.
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Cocineras: The Backbone of Mexican restaurants
Join us for a conversation with Esme Tejeda from El Dorado Cafe and what it takes to run the back of the kitchen as well as how cocineras play a major role in a restaurant’s success. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX […]
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Women in BBQ
Standing out in Texas BBQ is not easy. Let’s find out how Pitmaster Chuck Charnichart and the team from Barbs-B-Que are making a name for themselves in the Barbecue Capital of the World.” If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin,...
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Tex-Mex vs Mexican
Join Chef Kirk (Jesse Kuykendall) and Mando as they break down the major components of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine.
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Tacos and (mostly) Tequila, a brief 10,000 year history
A deep dive into the intersection of tacos and tequila with agave expert and photographer Joel Salcido. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support! The full transcript of...
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Ramen Del Barrio
Take one part Mexican, add Japanese sabores, what you’ll get is an incredible combination at Ramen Del Barrio. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support! The full...
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Tacos y El Michelin Guide
A primer into the Michelin guide and how tacos took over the list in Texas with Chef Edgar Rico from Nixta Taqueria. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your support! The full...
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Salsa Daddy: Chef Rick Martinez
Let’s dip our way into Mexican Cooking and salsas with Chef Rick Martinez, author of Salsa Daddy: Dip your way into Mexican cooking. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in Austin, please visit supportthispodcast.org. Thank you for your...
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Ojeda Middle School Salsa Club
Let’s talk salsa with the Ojeda Middle School Salsa Club and learn how these young entrepreneurs are making and selling their own salsas. Guests include instructor Efrain Garza and his students. If you’d like to support the Tacos of Texas podcast and other podcasts like it from KUT & KUTX in...
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Trailer: Tacos of Texas Season Cinco Coming Soon
The fifth season of The Tacos of Texas podcast premieres on August 19. In Season Cinco, taco journalist Mando Rayo explores whole-hog butchering, the difference between Mexican food and Tex-Mex, how ICE raids are affecting taquerias, Texas’ Latinx Michelin-star honorees, women in BBQ, and kids...
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For Los Topos, borders and other dividing lines don’t matter in the wake of tragedy
Tacos of Texas host Mando Ray discusses the search and rescue group who came from Mexico to help find victims of the July 4th floods.
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Why you’ve seen the Mexican flag at protests
Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo talks about the importance the flag holds in everything from food to street protests.
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Bring out those fancy dresses, quinceañera season is upon us
It’s the time of year for fancy dresses, limo rides, and all the photos. Yes, it’s prom season, but in Texas, that also coincides with another tradition: quinceañera season.
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A new platter of cookbooks lets home chefs unleash Tex-Mex flavors
From South Texas barbecue to a deep dive into the world of salsas, these chefs from the Lone Star State can help up your kitchen game. This episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard on May 1, 2025. As more folks look to tighten their wallets by […]
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What is a carne asada and what can you expect if you’re invited?
Tortillas, sides, or a six-pack are a few things on the list of what to bring – just don’t come empty handed! Enjoying spring weather in Texas before it gets unbearably hot for some means getting outside and throwing something on the grill. Chargrilling meats and veggies to share with friends,...
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Mando Rayo’s Taco Glossary
Mando Rayo walks through some of the terms you need to know if you want to cook tacos in Texas. You can learn more in the book “The Tacos of Texas.” The programming in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired live on the Texas Standard in 2017. Still reading? We appreciate you! And […]
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Texas chefs have strong showing at James Beard Awards in recent years
Need to find your new go-to Mexican food spot? Taco journalist Mando Rayo has you covered as he talks about the 2024 James Beard Award nominees of Texas. The programming in this bonus episode of Tacos of Texas originally aired live on the Texas Standard in April 2024.
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Going to SXSW? How to get good tacos and avoid ‘taco traps’
Chances are if you’re going to South By Southwest this year, you’re gonna need to grab a bite on the fly. In this bonus episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast, Mando Rayo gives you the scoop on where to find the best tacos during SXSW and just as importantly, where not to! Bonus Taco […]
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Soup recipes for caldo weather that aren’t caldo
Mexican soup recipes to keep you warm this winter. From cozy classics like pozole and menudo, to more modern fusion dishes, like carnitas ramen.
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Why El Paso Mexican food hits different
In this bonus episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast, Mando Rayo, taco journalist joins the Texas Standard, to talk about El Paso’s unique flavors. The programming featured in this bonus episode was originally aired on the Texas Standard in February, 2024. As we gear up for the next season of…
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‘It impacts all of us’: A Day Without Immigrants
Earlier this week, folks in several industries participated in an event called “A Day Without Immigrants.” The focus was to highlight the contributions immigrants make every day, including to the economy. Mando Rayo, taco journalist and host of the Tacos of Texas podcast spoke with Texas Standard...
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Taking your tacos to the next level in 2025 – BONUS
Mando Rayo shares his “taco hacks” for both restaurants and home cooking. This is a previously aired segment of the Texas Standard from 2024.
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The Best thing I ate in 2024 (Live at El Perrito ATX) — BONUS
We’ll bring El Cuatro, season 4 of the Tacos of Texas Podcast with a live event at El Perrito ATX. We recap some of the best things we ate in 2024 and talk to our special guest from Visit El Paso, Julio Cotto about his identity and favorite taco spots.
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Taco Font, A Latino Art Weekend – Live at The Cathedral ATX — BONUS
Taco Font, a Latino Art Weekend live event in collaboration with The Cathedral Austin and Of Color. Some taco trucks are colorful, some hand-written and painted, and others are inspired by the food they make. In this episode, we’ll capture the most creative taco trucks, the inspiration, and…
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Introducing: 24 Hours in Austin
The Tacos of Texas teams want to share a new podcast with you! 24 Hours in Austin tries to answer the question: What does a day in the life of Austin, Texas sound like?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tacos of Texas have?
Tacos of Texas currently has 111 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tacos of Texas about?
Exploring taco culture in Texas through the eyes of the people in the Lone Star State.
How often does Tacos of Texas release new episodes?
Tacos of Texas publishes regularly with 111 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Tacos of Texas?
You can listen to Tacos of Texas on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tacos of Texas?
Tacos of Texas is created and hosted by KUT & KUTX Studios, Mando Rayo.
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