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Taco Etiquette: Don’t Cross-Contaminate Or Be a Salsa Freeloader

10:15 AM PST on March 10, 2023

Salsas at Asadero El Poblano. Photo by Cesar Hernandez for L.A. TACO.

@Treezfly on Twitter tweets, "the salsa bar por favor do not contaminate the salsas by mixing the different salsa ladles or serving utensils #respect the #salsabar use accordingly #gracias

Like an Emily Post of the panza, Treezfly brings up a great point here.

Show respect for the hardworking taqueros and taqueras who offer you wholesome sustenance at 11 PM for $2 a pop by only ladling as much salsa as your plate—or aluminum foil-packed package—of tacos really requires.

This goes without saying, but too many times, I've seen people fill entire plastic bags full of salsa containers to the brim with salsa; especially the coveted taquería guacamole.

While the allure of indulging in poor man's huevos rancheros the following morning sounds like a good idea at night, all you are contributing is the inevitable reality of watery salsas at your favorite spot.

A taco stand's salsa bar is not a buffet. (If it's not in your own favorite neighborhood, show respect to your fellow Taco Life devotees, since it may be their regular go-to spot).

While we're on the subject, if there is an assembly line-style salsa setup, wait your turn to ladle your salsa with each container's respective ladle. While hunger makes you voracious, your tacos will not get much colder after waiting 30 more seconds for your turn.

This courtesy should especially be applied to limes, lemons, cucumbers, cilantro, and radishes; please only grab what you will eat on the spot or with your take-out order.

Same with napkins, damnit.

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