I first heard about Mexican pizza from my best friend, Shivani, who always ordered it when we went to Taco Bell in high school. For many years I didn’t even realize a meat version existed.

Shivani was among the many people she knew who were devastated when Taco Bell pulled Mexican pizza from its menu, and she was first in line for its return. When I asked Shivani what Mexican pizza meant to her, she said that it has always been her favorite dish at any fast food restaurant.

“Growing up as a vegetarian, it was always difficult to find tasty, satisfying food, especially when it came to fast food,” she said. “Every time my parents asked me if we wanted to go out to eat, my first thought was always Taco Bell.”