Tacos, Tradition, and Finding a Taste of Home in Saskatoon – A 5 de Mayo Story

Arts & Culture, Entertainment, Families, Food & Drink

Posted By Anahi Soria , May 02, 2025

As a Mexican, I’ll admit something that surprises a lot of people, I don’t really celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a major holiday in Mexico, except in the state of Puebla. But while I may not mark the day with mariachi and margaritas, I always find it to be a great excuse to make one of my favorite tacos at home, straight from my family’s recipe collection.

Since moving to Saskatchewan, I’ve made it a personal mission to stay connected to my roots through food. I have spent time getting to know local Mexican restaurants, chatting with chefs who add a touch of Mexico to their menus, and searching the city for the best ingredients to recreate the flavors of home. Finding all the pieces to make the perfect taco hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deliciously rewarding.

Making a Taco!

Now, choosing a favorite taco is like choosing a favorite song, impossible. But “Carne Asada” has my heart. It’s smoky, savory, and nostalgic. So today, I’m not just sharing a story, I’m sharing the soul of my tacos. This recipe, lovingly passed down by my Abuelita (Grandma) and fine-tuned by my tías (Aunties), is all about family, celebration, and comfort. And lucky for me, Saskatoon has a few spots that help bring my tacos to life.

The Tortillas

Ideally, If I could, I’d be nixtamalizing corn and pressing tortillas from scratch every day (trust me, there’s nothing like it). But without a tortillería in town, I turn to Maseca, the gold standard for masa harina. I pick it up at the “Latinos Marquet Saskatoon”, with a little water, salt, and love, I make fresh tortillas right in my kitchen. The smell alone takes me straight back to my childhood.

_{^{Photo Credit- Latinos Marquet Saskatoon}}

The Meat

For the star of the show “Carne Asada” I head to The Pig and Pantry, a trusted local artisanal butcher. I place my order of Skirt Streak ahead of time to make sure I get a cut that’s perfect for marinating and grilling. They offer the best local, natural and ethically raised meat possible and they have become part of my taco tradition.

_{^{Photo Credit- The Pig and Pantry}}

The Produce

It’s simple: no salsa, no fiesta. Real taco lovers know that the salsa makes the taco sing.

I always go for the freshest ingredients for my salsa roja and salsa verde, habaneros, serranos, roma tomatoes, onions and mucho cilantro. I usually find everything I need at Sakatoon Co-op. They consistently have what I need, and I appreciate supporting a store that’s local and community-based. Co-op also has initiatives like "Grown with Purpose" and "Grown at Home" to support local producers and ensure a sustainable food supply. Learn more here!

The Cheese

Last but not least, no taco is complete without a bit of queso. I get mine from Bulk Cheese Warehouse on Broadway. They carry Mexican-style cheeses that melt beautifully or crumble just right, depending on your style. And that’s how I bring Carne Asada tacos to life in my own kitchen!

_{^{Photo Credit: The Bulk Barn}}

Too tired to cook?

When I’m not in the mood to fire up the grill or press tortillas, I turn to a few local gems that always deliver that authentic Mexican flavor and heartwarming hospitality.

Taqueria Mexicana El Milagro & Taqueria Mexicana La Bendición
Both restaurants are family-owned and lovingly run by Laura, chef, owner, alongside her family. Laura is from Mexico City, and it shows in every bite. Bold flavors, traditional, delicious, and the kind of warm hospitality that reminds me of home. These taquerías bring the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine to Saskatoon!

Dylan & Cam’s Tacos – Inside Shelter Brewing
For a taco night with a Saskatoon local beer twist, Dylan & Cam’s inside Shelter Brewing is always a hit. Their tacos, whether it’s the juicy birria or the sweet potato are packed with rich, creative delicious and authentic flavors that feel both familiar and fresh. And the salsas? That fiery habanero mixed with the green one… puro fuego!

So, whether you're grilling in your backyard or grabbing tacos with friends, tacos are comfort, connection, and a little taste of Mexico. No matter the day of the year, they’re always a reason to celebrate!

I’m Anahi Soria, proudly Mexican, proudly Canadian and forever a traveler at heart. As the Global Travel Trade & Export Development Specialist at Discover Saskatoon, I have the joy of sharing this incredible destination with the world. And on Taco Tuesday you know where I will be 😉

Arts & Culture, Entertainment, Families, Food & Drink

The Author

Anahi Soria

Anahi Soria is a long-serving professional with a deep-rooted passion for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Born into a family of tour operators in Mexico, Anahi's connection to travel and tourism runs in her blood. From a young age, she sharpened her skills by coordinating leisure groups and orchestrating guided excursions throughout the scenic landscapes of the Mexican Republic. Anahi's educational pursuits took her to the United States and eventually to Canada, where she embarked on a fulfilling career in the hotel industry. As an accomplished Director of Sales, she oversaw a diverse portfolio of hotel brands across Saskatchewan, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Her expertise extends beyond hotel sales; Anahi enjoys bringing people together and making memorable moments. Up in Northern Saskatchewan, she worked her magic, coordinating fantastic events and corporate fishing retreats for business corporations, agriculture companies, and First Nations organizations from across Canada.

Anahi's love for Saskatoon extends beyond her professional life. You'll find her savouring tacos at Shelter Brewery, cheering the U of S Huskies soccer games, dancing to salsa tunes by the river, or playing a round of golf at Dakota Dunes Resort. Surprisingly, her favourite season is winter; she loves morning walks by the Bessborough Hotel when the river takes on a steaming appearance.