Interesting Facts About The San Antonio Puffy Taco

I grew up loving the State Fair of Texas, where they fry everything seriously, everything! If humans eat it, the fair will fry it, and they usually nail it. So, when I ventured into San Antonio’s taco scene for this guide on the best tacos, I wasn’t shocked to bite into a golden, crispy, flaky, and crunchy San Antonio puffy taco. It hit me, “Oh, it’s just a deep-fried taco. Tastes familiar.”

If you’re new to San Antonio, Texas, or puffy tacos in general, here are some cool facts about the San Antonio puffy taco:

Puffy Tacos Are Originally From San Antonio

Who came up with the puffy taco? Well, credit goes to the brothers, Henry and Ray Lopez. Back in the 1950s, while working at Ray’s Drive Inn in San Antonio, they were into experimenting with fried foods (because who wouldn’t with a deep fryer around?).

Their light bulb moment? Dropping raw masa (the stuff used for making tortillas before it turns into the soft kind on a hot stove) into hot oil. Guess what happened? It puffed up and tasted delicious!

And voila, the puffy taco was born! Henry Lopez went on to start his own restaurants, but it was at Henry’s Puffy Tacos, officially open since 1978, where puffy tacos became a regular thing on the menu. The place is still bustling today, with locals and tourists constantly craving these deep-fried taco delights.

Puffy Tacos And Chalupas Are NOT The Same Thing  

What sets puffy tacos and chalupas apart? Well, puffy tacos are crafted from raw masa dough, dunked into hot oil until it puffs up into a taco shell. On the flip side, traditional chalupas from Puebla, Mexico, are made by shaping masa into a boat-like mold, frying it, and then topping it with salsa, cheese, and shredded lettuce.

Now, puffy tacos are the big players here – they’re larger and, as the name suggests, puffier. Chalupas, on the other hand, are small, super thick, and crunchy, usually with fewer toppings.

If you’re thinking of Tex-Mex chalupas, like those at Taco Bell, they’re somewhat similar to San Antonio puffy tacos. But here’s the kicker – puffy tacos are seriously puffy, loaded with air pockets, while chalupas are more like your regular crispy taco shell given a deep-fried twist.

Once you savor an authentic San Antonio puffy taco, the difference is crystal clear.

And get this – the San Antonio puffy taco came onto the scene in the 1950s, while Taco Bell only introduced the chalupa in 1999. So, it’s fair to say that puffy tacos could have been the inspiration for this popular fast-food menu item.

Puffy Tacos Are 100% A Tex-Mex Thing

These are no traditional Mexican delights, sir! These are a Tex-Mex mashup, blending the corn masa magic from Mexico with the deep-fried goodness straight out of Texas.

Now, when you’re jazzing up your San Antonio puffy tacos, let your inner gringa shine. I’m talking seasoned ground taco meat, vibrant orange shredded cheddar cheese, and crisp shredded lettuce. Go all out!

Sure, many San Antonio joints offer meat options you’d find on authentic Mexican street tacos, like asador, pastor, or carnitas. And let me tell you, those are tasty too!

At the end of the day, my friend, this is fried food. No matter how fancy your filling, it’s going to be delicious.

Read More: Where To Find The 13 BEST Pizza Spots In San Antonio

Puffy Tacos Aren’t Actually All That Crispy

They’re not soft, but they’re not crispy either. Sink your teeth into that deep-fried taco shell, and you’ll likely find it airy, puffy, crunchy, and flaky. It kind of falls apart as you munch on it, with the puffy taco shell crumbling a bit and mingling with the taco interior, creating one delightful bite of Tex-Mex goodness.

If you’re accustomed to chowing down on gorditas or crispy tacos, get ready for a delightful surprise when you take a bite of your first San Antonio puffy taco.

There Are Excellent Puffy Tacos All Over San Antonio

Looking for the best puffy tacos in San Antonio? While Henry’s Puffy Tacos takes the crown as the birthplace, these tasty deep-fried Tex-Mex treats are scattered all over the city. Check out these spots:

Place	Description	Location	Website
Henry’s Puffy Tacos	The OG birthplace. A must-try.	6030 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238	WEBSITE
Ray’s Drive Inn	An iconic drive-in where the puffy taco magic began.	822 SW 19th St, San Antonio, TX 78207	WEBSITE
Chela’s Tacos	Quality ingredients, fun vibes, and delicious tacos.	5231 Broadway APT 117, San Antonio, TX 78209	WEBSITE
Tommy’s Restaurant	A local fave with 5 locations for easy taco access.	8823 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78240	WEBSITE
Los Barrios	Casual family-friendly Tex-Mex since 1979.	4223 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78212	WEBSITE

Pick a spot, grab a seat, and savor those puffy tacos!

FAQs

What is the history of puffy tacos?

Puffy tacos originated in San Antonio, Texas, in the 20th century. The idea is to fry the tortilla dough until it puffs up, creating a unique and delicious taco shell. The concept was popularized by local restaurants and has become a distinctive part of San Antonio’s culinary heritage.

Are puffy tacos a San Antonio thing?

Yes, puffy tacos are closely associated with San Antonio. They are a regional specialty that has gained fame and popularity in the local food scene. While you may find variations elsewhere, San Antonio is the primary hub for enjoying the authentic and delicious experience of puffy tacos.

What is the San Antonio taco mascot?

The San Antonio taco mascot is often represented by “Henry the Puffy Taco.” This character serves as a playful and iconic symbol of the city’s love for puffy tacos. Henry is a cheerful and larger-than-life taco mascot that adds a touch of fun to San Antonio’s culinary identity.

What does Henry the Puffy Taco represent to the people of San Antonio?

Henry the Puffy Taco is a beloved figure in San Antonio, representing the city’s pride in its unique culinary creations, especially the puffy taco. Beyond being a mascot, Henry embodies the spirit of enjoyment and celebration associated with San Antonio’s vibrant food culture. People in San Antonio often view Henry as a symbol of community, good food, and the city’s rich culinary heritage.