There is no denying that breakfast tacos are a staple favourite of people all over the country, and Orange Walk is perhaps the tacos capital of Belize.  Oft-times when I head out-district on the early morning bus, I am called by acquaintances and friends elsewhere in Belize, begging me to carry Orange Walk tacos with me as a treat.  And regardless of where people call from, they nearly all add a condition to their request, by asking for Garcia’s famous tacos in particular.  So I headed to visit the tacos king himself, Mr Jose Ernesto Garcia, to find out just what it is that makes his tacos irreplaceable to the Belizean palate. 

Garcia’s has been permanently located in the market vendors’ strip in Orange Walk since the premises’ inauguration in February 2002.  However, his experience with selling premier tacos has a much longer story, beginning with a dream experienced by his wife in 1977.  Garcia’s wife insisted that the dream of producing tacos for sale had been a crucial message for them, and her insistence inspired them to try their hands at selling tacos in the early mornings in Belize City, where they were living at the time. 

Despite the popularity and sheer consumption of Garcia’s tacos today, the first day of business the Garcia’s bought two chickens and wondered if they would be lucky enough to sell sufficient tacos to use all the meat.  Incredibly, within a matter of minutes of setting up, all the tacos were sold.  The following morning, they decided to try their luck and double their quantities, with the same result.  This ‘poco poco’ approach continued until they were using up to 500 chickens on a daily basis in Belize City, and reaping their rewards for their entrepreneurialism, determination and hard work.

However, as happens all too often in our society, news of the business’s success reached the wrong crowd, and Mr Garcia was brutally attacked one early morning as he opened his stall in Belize City.  His injuries were so severe he was forced to seek medical treatment in Merida for a sustained period of time, and during his absence he realised that life in Belize City had grown so dangerous he no longer wished to run the risks associated with business success in the municipality.

When he learned of the new premises in Orange Walk that would be perfect for his purposes, he applied to rent a small stall and moved his tacos empire there.  And ever since, his reputation for the finest tacos has preceded him and the queues of customers outside his shutters every morning confirm his continued popularity. 

As for the secret to his unique tacos, he can only assume that his Mexican heritage makes his authentic homemade salsa picante recipe one of a kind, and give the upper edge to his tacos.  Thankfully, Orangewalkaños, and the hundreds of people outside the town who crave his culinary creation, need not fear that Garcia will be leaving his trade any time soon, for as long as God gives him breath to live, and energy to work, Garcia promises that his tacos will continue striving to be one of the nation’s favourite breakfast foods.

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Title:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments