Mexican vs Tex-Mex: What's the Difference?
At Ta’am Mexicani, we love all kinds of flavors, but we often get asked: “Is this authentic Mexican food or Tex-Mex?” The answer is interesting because both cuisines are delicious, but they have distinct histories and ingredients.
A Bit of History
Authentic Mexican food has roots that go back thousands of years to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, later influenced by Spanish colonizers. It varies greatly by region (Oaxaca, Yucatan, Puebla, etc.).
Tex-Mex, as the name suggests, is a fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisines. It originated in the border regions and gained massive popularity in the 20th century. It’s the comfort food many people in the US and around the world know as “Mexican.”
Key Ingredients
Here is how you can tell them apart:
1. Spices
- Mexican: Relies on fresh herbs (cilantro, epazote), chili peppers (fresh and dried), and spices like oregano. Cumin is used, but sparingly.
- Tex-Mex: Cumin is the king here. It gives that distinct, smoky flavor we all recognize in chili powder.
2. Tortillas
- Mexican: Corn tortillas are the standard for tacos and enchiladas.
- Tex-Mex: Flour tortillas are much more common, especially for burritos and fajitas.
Famous Dishes
- Tex-Mex: Burritos, Fajitas, Chili con Carne, Chimichangas.
- Mexican: Mole, Chiles en Nogada, Tacos al Pastor (on corn), Tamales, Cochinita Pibil.
The Best of Both Worlds
At Ta’am Mexicani, we celebrate the best of both! We offer authentic dishes like our Birria de Res (Jalisco style) and Barbacoa, but we also embrace the comfort of Tex-Mex with our new Chili Beans Burrito.
A Note on Kashrut: Our kitchen is Kosher. We have adapted these classic Tex-Mex dishes to be completely kosher without sacrificing any of the bold flavor. We focus on rich spices, savory sauces, and high-quality meat to give you the authentic experience!
Why choose when you can have both? Order your pickup today and taste the difference yourself!