15 Foods You Thought Were Mexican but Aren’t

 Margaritas 

If Margaritas and Mexico are synonymous to you, we are here to tell you that sadly, that is not correct.  

The origin of this drink is not exactly known to anyone. Even though many theories point toward the fact that the drink was first created in Mexico. But do you know, in Mexico, people point to it and say it is created by foreigners.

The origins might not be known clearly but when you go to Mexico, you will be hard-pressed to find a margarita outside of touristy areas. 

A more traditional drink is Paloma. It is a mix of tequila on the rocks with grapefruit juice and lime.  

Tacos With Cheese or Sour Cream 

When you think of tacos, what ingredients come to mind? Meat, tortillas, cheddar cheese, salsa, and sour cream, right? Lo Siento, but tacos in Mexico are not traditionally heavy on dairy. However, you can find tacos with cheese in them, but they are often called gringas (in reference to the true origin of the taco + cheese combo).

Tapatio 

Tapatio i.e., salsa at least, Tapatios are people from the city of Guadalajara – It is not Mexican at all. This spicy condiment is actually manufactured in Vernon, CA. 

Chili Con Carne 

Do not get me wrong, this dish is no doubt delicious, but it was created in the Southwest, just like Texas. Ask for a Chili Con Carne in Mexico and you will definitely have a hard time bridging the cultural gap.    

Sopapillas 

These are the Mexican version of beignets. These are deep-fried pieces of dough sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon.  

However, the yummy pastries are actually not Mexican, unless you count New Mexico as part of Mexico (might bring an awe factor in you but it’s good to know the truth).  

Queso (The Food, Not the Word) 

Ah, queso, perhaps it is the most heavenly appetizer that exists but it is also not Mexican. While melted cheese is served as a popular appetizer in Mexico, it is called Queso Fundido. It is made of white cheeses like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Manchego and is topped with chorizo or rajas (Roasted Chile Poblano).  

Crispy Tacos 

You might find an option between crispy and soft tacos in other parts of the world but not in Mexico. In fact, Glen Bell - the founder of Taco Bell might not have been the first to fry a tortilla. However, he was largely responsible for making crispy tacos a phenomenon.  

Fajitas 

Evern though these are quite delicious, fajitas are unfortunately not the product of Mexican mind. The Lone Star State is responsible for this now called Mexican dish with the preparation and nickname dating back to 1930's Texas ranches. 

Taco Salad 

With cheddar cheese, tortilla chips and sour cream, there is no way that a salad like this can be from Mexico. Despite what President Trump might say, taco salads are not Hispanic at all — they were, however, invented in California by the founder of Fritos. 

Beer Served with Lime 

For some reason, it is quite common that if you order a Mexican beer at a bar — like Corona, or Pacifico — it will be accompanied with a little lime wedge for an extra flavor.  

In Mexico, however, beers do not come with lime unless you order a michelada i.e., a beer prepared with a variety of salsas and juices. This goes the same for the shots of tequila.  

Burritos 

In Mexico, burritos are small donkeys, not like a huge rice-and-bean-filled tortillas. The burrito, like a lot of other food items on the list, also has a complicated background. Even though there are some theories that place its origin in Northern Mexico in the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, the burrito as we know it today was not served until the 1930’s in California.  

While you can find small versions of your classic burrito in Northern Mexico, given the proximity to the US. The further you go, the more likely you will ask for a burrito. 

Chimichangas 

If you are not from the South and if you have never encountered chimichanga, just know that these are deep-fried burritos. Unlike the burrito, the origins of the chimichanga are a little less dubious – these were invented either in Phoenix or Tucson. 

Tacos-Al-Pastor 

While tacos are definitely 100% without a doubt Mexican, the way Tacos-Al-Pastor are cooked (on a spit, shwarma-style) is actually not native to Mexico. These did not come along until the early 1900s when Lebanese immigrants moved to Mexico and brought their spit-roasting technique with them. This technique has completely revolutionized the way a taco is prepared.  

Flour-Tortilla Tacos 

These are Mexican but like hard-shell tortillas. These are not as commonly used as your local Mexican restaurant might make you believe. In Mexico, the choices for tortillas are usually limited to different varieties of corn for tacos, tostadas, soups and everything in between. Also, it would interest you to know that flour tortillas are typically used for quesadillas. 

Churros 

This much-loved sweet is widely available in Mexico so much so that churros cafes are also there that are filled with yummy spreads (strawberry jellies, Nutella, condensed milk etc.) The truth behind these delicious sweet pastry is that these are actually the product of Spain.  

The above foods must have left you in awe. However, there is nothing to worry about because even though the above Mexican cuisines are not really Mexican in their origin, these have successfully made to the Mexican menus around the globe.  

If you crave any of the above Mexican foods, come to La Vista, the best Mexican restaurant in Hong Kong.