The programming in this bonus episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard in June, 2025.

For many in the Latino diaspora in the U.S., the flags of their heritage hold weight and meaning. You’ll see them in homes, restaurants and as many might have noticed recently, protests.

As someone who grew up on the Texas/Mexico border in El Paso, Mando Rayo, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast knows a thing or two about this.

He spoke with Texas Standard on why the Mexican flag is so ubiquitous on this side of the border. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

The post Why you’ve seen the Mexican flag at protests appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Tacos of Texas podcast host Mando Rayo talks about what to expect at one of these celebrations – and, of course, what might be on the menu.

This episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard on May 8, 2025.

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.

These celebrations of young women are prominent across all parts of Texas and typically include a big party and, of course, lots of food.

The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

The post Bring out those fancy dresses, quinceañera season is upon us appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 forgoing the restaurant and cooking at home instead, there are a handful of cookbooks hitting the shelves.

Taco journalist Mando Rayo says these books will make those home meals a little bit better, with some Tex-Mex flavors for sure.

The Tacos of Texas podcast host joined the Standard with more. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

The post A new platter of cookbooks lets home chefs unleash Tex-Mex flavors appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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, family and neighbors is a longtime tradition that goes by many names in different cultures: “cookout,” “barbecue,”etc. 

But for Mando Rayo, it’s the “carne asada.” The Tacos of Texas podcast host spoke with the Texas Standard to dish on what it is and who’s invited. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

The programming in this episode of Tacos of Texas was originally aired live on the Texas Standard on April 3, 2025.

As we gear up for season 5 of Tacos of Texas, we want to hear from listeners like you.

Please visit our listener survey at kut.org/tacosurvey

¡Vamos!

And thank you!

The full transcript of this episode of Tacos of Texas is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.

The post What is a carne asada and what can you expect if you’re invited? appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 as we gear up for season CINCO of the Tacos of Texas podcast, we want to hear from dedicated listeners like you! Please tell us what you want to hear on the show by taking our listener survey at kut.org/tacosurvey

Thank you.

¡Vamos!

The post Mando Rayo’s Taco Glossary appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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.

The post Texas chefs have strong showing at James Beard Awards in recent years appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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!

The programming in this bonus episode of the Tacos of Texas podcast was originally aired live on the Texas Standard in March, 2024. 

Still reading? We appreciate you! And as we gear up for season CINCO of the Tacos of Texas podcast, we want to hear from dedicated listeners like you! Please tell us what you want to hear on the show by taking our listener survey at kut.org/tacosurvey

Thank you.

¡Vamos!

The post Going to SXSW? How to get good tacos and avoid ‘taco traps’ appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

As the weather dips, we’re bringing it to you Tacos of Texas style! Switching it up this soup season with Mando Rayo who shares his favorite Mexican soup recipes for the winter weather (aka caldo weather.)

The programming featured in this bonus episode was originally aired on the Texas Standard on December 11, 2024.

As we gear up for the next season of Tacos of Texas, we want to hear from listeners like you! Head to kut.org/tacosurvey to send us your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming season of the show! And stay tuned for Season CINCO of Tacos of Texas.

¡Vamos!

The post Soup recipes for caldo weather that aren’t caldo appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 Tacos of Texas, we want to hear from listeners like you! Visit kut.org/tacosurvey to send us your thoughts about what you’d like to hear on the next season of the show. And stay tuned for Season CINCO of Tacos of Texas. 

¡Vamos!

The post Why El Paso Mexican food hits different appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

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 about the protest and the contributions of the immigrant workforce. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

The post ‘It impacts all of us’: A Day Without Immigrants  appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.