When it comes to Mexican food, “authentic” can mean different things to different people. While we love the comfort and familiarity of American-Mexican favorites, here at Vallarta Tacos & Burritos, we take pride in serving Mexican food inspired by traditional flavors, fresh ingredients, and authentic cooking.
So, what exactly sets authentic Mexican food apart from American-Mexican cuisine? It starts with the ingredients.
Join our chefs at Vallarta Tacos & Burritos as we explore the history, ingredients, and cultural impacts behind two beloved styles of Mexican-inspired food.
A Clash of Cultures
To understand the difference, a little history helps.
Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War and established a new U.S.-Mexico border, Mexican migration brought traditional foods and cooking techniques to communities throughout the United States. As tacos and other Mexican dishes became more popular, recipes naturally began evolving to suit community tastes and available ingredients.
By the 1920s, restaurants and cantinas in Texas and Southern California began adapting traditional recipes to what ingredients were available and what American palates preferred (ground beef, yellow cheese, and milder tomatoes).
Then in 1950, the hard taco shell machine was patented, followed by Taco Bell’s launch in 1962, and the growing popularity of supermarket taco kits. This helped Mexican-inspired food become an American staple.
Authentic Mexican Food vs. American-Mexican Food
Check out our menu, and you might recognize some familiar ingredients.
Authentic Mexican food typically features….
- Soft corn tortillas
- Fresh cheeses such as queso fresco or cotija, often used sparingly as a garnish.
- Simple taco toppings like meat, cilantro, onions, lime, or salsa
- A wide variety of meats, including pork, goat, chicken, and different cuts of beef
- Layers of flavor created with fresh chiles, herbs, spices, and citrus.
American-Mexican food commonly features…
- Flour tortillas or crunchy, deep-fried hard-shell corn tortillas
- Generous amounts of melted cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and seasoned ground beef
- Pre-blended spice mixes and familiar seasoning combinations
Neither style has to be “wrong”; they just reflect different cooking traditions and tastes.
Taste the Difference at Vallarta Tacos & Burritos
For our talented team at Vallarta Tacos & Burritos, great Mexican food starts with fresh ingredients and bold, genuine flavors. We don’t rely on pre-made ingredients; we aim to serve food that tastes fresh from the kitchen. If you’ve never experienced Mexican food prepared this way, consider this your invitation to try it.
If you appreciate the difference fresh ingredients can make, visit Vallarta Tacos & Burritos. Call us at 603-328-5552 or order your next meal online!