The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham news and links for Tuesday, April 14

TL;DR

The article reflects on the nostalgic appeal of 'White Person Tacos,' a staple of family taco nights for many Gen-X Americans. It contrasts these simple tacos with authentic street tacos, highlighting their role in childhood memories despite their lack of authenticity.

Storefront of Taco Bell Cantina with mobile and delivery pickup signage on purple window panels, San Francisco, California, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) | Gado via Getty Images

Happy Tuesday, Hoddlers! Tuesday makes me think of Taco Tuesday, and so let’s talk about tacos. I know that real street or food truck tacos are the best — I have my favorite truck staked out whenever I get a craving, and I especially enjoy the lengua tacos — I want to give a little love to the OG staple of family home taco night: the White Person Taco™.

You know the one — crunchy yellow corn taco shells filled with ground beef mixed with the powdered taco seasoning packet, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, pre-grated mild cheddar cheese, and mild chunky salsa. Maybe a little sour cream. If you’re feeling crazy, use an ungrilled flour soft tortilla as the shell. This is the stuff built Taco Bell into a fast food powerhouse. Is it “authentic”? Hell no. Is it quietly tasty and evocative of childhood dinners? Yes!

Like most Gen-X Americans, I grew up eating “White People Tacos.” My parents, like many, struggled with money when I was young but we always had food on the table. Some years it was mostly out of the vegetable garden in our side yard, and sometimes it was cheap, fast, filling food like White Person Tacos with boxed Old El Paso corn shells. We had enough Hispanic people in our neighborhood that I knew these weren’t REAL tacos — I don’t think I had a REAL taco until I was in high school, honestly — but they were still tasty. The heat of the meat contrasted with the cool, watery crispness of the lettuce, and the tacos had a satisfying crunch from the corn shell. It’s not haute cuisine, but it’s a relic of my childhood and a gateway to nostalgia, with memories of sitting around the kitchen table eating tacos, sometimes even on a Tuesday. Ironically, I never made White Person Tacos much for my own kids, so they don’t share my affection or good memories of them. I’m not sure why I didn’t.

I’ll probably get mocked for this. That’s okay. Sometimes, when I’m having a bad week or am feeling my age, or need a treat after coming out of chemo I’ll drive to Taco Bell and get a couple of crunchy tacos, and will sit in the care and eat them, thinking back to my youth and the cheap, filling dinners of yore that I enjoyed as a kid. The ground meat invariably falls all over my shirt as the taco shell completely disintegrates with the first bite. That’s nostalgia too. All hail White Person Tacos.

Song of the Day: “Edna Strange” by John Craigie

Here are your Tottenham links for the day.

Marie-Louise Eta has been named the first non-interim head coach of a club in a top European league, as she is appointed manager of Union Berlin. (The Guardian)
How a chip shop can help explain Tottenham fans’ despair, and their hope for a better future. (Distilling l’essence of Moussa)

Q&A

What are 'White Person Tacos' and why are they significant?

'White Person Tacos' refer to a simplified version of tacos made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and basic toppings, significant for their nostalgic value among Gen-X Americans who grew up eating them.

How do 'White Person Tacos' differ from authentic tacos?

'White Person Tacos' typically use processed ingredients like taco seasoning and crunchy corn shells, while authentic tacos feature fresh, varied ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

What memories are associated with 'White Person Tacos' for many people?

Many people associate 'White Person Tacos' with childhood memories of family dinners, budget-friendly meals, and a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.

Why might someone not pass on the tradition of making 'White Person Tacos' to their children?

Some parents may not pass on 'White Person Tacos' due to a desire for healthier or more authentic food options, or simply because they have different culinary traditions they wish to share.