Exploring the Rich World of Mexican Cuisine Beyond Tacos and Burritos

When discussing Mexican cuisine, the typical association is with items such as tacos, nachos, burritos, and a variety of chillies. However, renowned chef Tania Tovar contends that the global interpretation of Mexican cuisine as fast food is an inaccurate depiction, overlooking the vast array of traditional Mexican dishes.

Contrary to popular belief, hard-shelled tacos, as commonly seen in fast food establishments, are not representative of authentic Mexican cuisine. Traditional tacos in Mexico are soft, akin to Indian rotis, and notably different from their Americanized counterpart. Similarly, nachos are not a staple in Mexican households, and burritos are less commonplace than commonly assumed. According to Chef Tania, nachos are primarily found in movie theatres, where popcorn is the preferred snack. Furthermore, the toppings for nachos are much simpler in Mexico, mainly consisting of jalapenos and melted cheese. As for burritos, their consumption is not as widespread as perceived by individuals outside of Mexico.

Despite being acknowledged by Unesco as one of six culinary traditions, authentic Mexican cuisine extends well beyond the popular dishes commonly associated with the country. In reality, the fundamental ingredients of Mexican cuisine are quite simple, including chillies, beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and corn, the most consumed grain in Mexico.

Corn, in particular, is a versatile ingredient utilised in a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes such as tetelas, quesadillas, and tostadas. The shape of the corn dictates the type of dish it can create. For instance, triangle-shaped corn is used to make tetelas, folded corn creates quesadillas, while fried corn becomes tostadas. The fillings for these dishes are diverse and may include vegetables, meats, herbs, or chillies.

At the Mexican Food Festival, patrons have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse world of Mexican cuisine beyond the popular dishes. For instance, tetelas can be filled with potatoes or black beans, while the festival also offers lamb tamales, a popular Mexican dish made with masa, a corn dough, and then steamed in corn husk or banana leaves, with a range of fillings such as meats, vegetables, chillies, cheese, herbs, and even fruit.

Although authentic Mexican cuisine may not be as widely recognised as fast food versions, it bears Spanish influences due to Mexico’s history as a former Spanish colony. For example, empanadas, a traditional Mexican dish, bear a resemblance to the Indian sweet gujiya, although they are savoury and filled with tomatoes, chillies, and corn.

Chef Tania attributes the bold and rich flavours of traditional Mexican cuisine to the extensive and slow cooking methods employed. She explains that the process of making masa involves drying the corn, rehydrating it, grinding it into a paste, and then making masa with it. This slow and meticulous process contributes to the depth of flavour and richness found in authentic Mexican dishes.

In conclusion, Mexican cuisine transcends the widely known dishes like tacos and burritos. Traditional Mexican food is a celebration of simple yet flavourful ingredients, meticulously prepared and bursting with rich and diverse flavours. The Mexican Food Festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of authentic Mexican cuisine and experience the true flavours of this vibrant culinary tradition.