Ever bitten into a cheesy taco or sipped a margarita and felt transported to your favorite Mexican vacation memory? Well, hold onto your sombreros, because some of the “Mexican” foods we love in the US are about as “Mexican” as our over the top Cinco de Mayo celebrations or, as authentic as our creation of Taco Tuesday. Here are 11 dishes that you just won’t really find in Mexico – at least outside of the touristy spots.
Margaritas
Margaritas might be the go-to cocktail at every Mexican restaurant outside of Mexico, but this tequila-based drink leans more towards American invention with Mexican inspiration. Sorry to burst your happy hour bubble, but this drink is just a cultural mashup that took off globally.
Cheesy Tacos
The cheesy tacos served up in many places bear little resemblance to traditional Mexican tacos. Loaded with heaps of melted cheese, this version caters more to American tastes. Tacos in Mexico are a much lighter fare with fresh toppings like salsas and pickled vegetables being favored over heavy cheeses and sauces.
Chili Con Carne
Often associated with Mexican cuisine, chili con carne is actually a Tex-Mex creation. It combines Mexican-inspired spices with American food trends, making it a staple in the US rather than Mexico, where beans and meats are rarely mixed in traditional dishes.
Sopapillas
Sopapillas are a puffy, fried pastry often found in Mexican restaurants in the US but they actually come from New Mexico. It’s hard to knock this one though because who doesn’t love some good fried dough?
Queso
The creamy, melted cheese dip known as ‘queso’ in the US is a far cry from anything traditionally found in Mexican cuisine. It’s a Tex-Mex classic, stemming from the fusion of Mexican ingredients and American tastes for cheese-laden dishes. Of course, ‘queso’ is a real word and means cheese in Spanish but the dish itself is largely American.
Hard Shell Tacos
A far cry from the soft corn tortillas used in authentic Mexican tacos, hard shell tacos were popularized by fast-food chains in the US. It’s thought that the founder of Taco Bell is largely responsible for this whole movement. So next time you’re offered a choice of hard or soft tortillas, you’ll now realize the inauthenticity of the restaurant you’re in.
Fajitas
Originally from Texas, fajitas are a Tex-Mex innovation that involves grilled meat usually served on a flour tortilla. While the concept draws from northern Mexican traditions, the fajita as known today, complete with sizzling platters, is a US dining spectacle.
Burritos
Oversized burritos filled with a multitude of ingredients are more a Californian creation than a Mexican staple. In Mexico, burritos are typically much simpler, if they exist at all, often containing just one or two ingredients.
Chimichangas
Chimichangas, or deep-fried burritos, are believed to have originated in Arizona. This indulgent twist on the burrito combines Mexican-inspired fillings with the American love for fried foods, making it a beloved dish in Tex-Mex cuisine rather than traditional Mexican fare.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are used very infrequently in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, you’ll only find corn tortillas for Mexican meals, especially tacos. The large, burrito-sized tortillas commonly found in the US are a departure from the smaller, thinner versions used in Mexico. They cater to American tastes for bigger, heartier meals.
Churros
This one might surprise you because churros are definitely enjoyed in Mexico. In fact, I had some really epic ones on a cobblestone street in Puerto Vallarta a few years ago. But this delicious sugary dough has its roots in Spain where they’re traditionally served with thick chocolate to dip them in and were likely brought over by Spanish settlers.
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.