Is it authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex food?

That’s the question or debate if you will, amongst those who enjoy this ever popular and flavorful cuisine!

By now you must have discovered how rich and diverse Mexican food tastes, but many are having doubts whether they are eating authentic Mexican food or Tex-Mex. In fact, it can be hard to differentiate between the two.

So, what are the differences between authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food? The heart of the difference can be found in the ingredients. Traditional, or authentic Mexican food is mainly made with ingredients that are native to Mexico, such as corn, chili peppers, tomatoes, pork, cilantro, beans, and avocados.

Tex-Mex is a melding between American (Texan) and Mexican fare. It originated with the Tejano people of Texas, and became part of Southwestern cuisine. In almost all Tex-Mex dishes cumin is the main ingredient. Also, if you find cheddar on your Mexican food, then it is a Tex- Mex dish, as authentic Mexican dishes always use white cheese. Finally, Tex-Mex taco shells are typically hard tortilla shells, while authentic Mexican tacos call for soft corn tortillas.

Mexican cuisine is a diverse with an array of cultures and ingredients, so we’ve listed a few menu items to give you an idea of what type of authentic Mexican cuisine La Mesa offers.
Grilled steak, chicken, chorizo and shrimp sautéed in a special hot sauce, garnished with Queso Fresco and green onions. Served in a lava rock bowl. Includes rice, refried beans and tortillas.

	Molcajete: This traditional Mexican stew features a plethora of meat and seafood protein sauteed in a special hot sauce garnished with queso fresco and green onions.
Stuffed Poblano: This Mexican delicacy includes a chile poblano stuffed pepper with shrimp and topped with melted cheese and chile relano salsa.
	Pozole: Comforting and heartwarming, pozole is a traditional soup or stew, that is made with corn hominy, pork, and red chile.
Birria Jalisco: This Mexican dish consists of marinated braised beef Jalisco style topped with cilantro and onion.
	Al Pastor: These tacos are made with sliced marinated pork shoulder, grilled pineapple and topped with cilantro and onion.
Chilaquiles Mexicanos: Traditional corn chips mixed with grilled chicken or steak, topped with melted cheese and cooked in red or green salsa.

It should be noted, many typical Mexican dishes including enchiladas, tacos, and others belong to both Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. However, Tex-Mex prepares them with their own flavors and style. In fact, some Mexican dishes live in both worlds of Mexico and Tex-Mex.

	Burritos: Mexican burritos are small and simple, often with meat, refried beans, and a sprinkling of cheese. Tex-Mex burritos are often giant, stuffed with ingredients including rice and veggies, and served with sour cream. The flour tortilla wrap may have originated in California, making the burrito a hand-held food that’s perfect for takeaway.
Enchiladas: Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas feature yellow cheese, while Mexican versions use white cheese. However, if your enchilada has ground beef, it’s Tex-Mex because ranchers introduced beef. Mexican versions are usually chicken or pork.
	Quesadillas: These are a Mexican classic with the most basic quesadilla being a flat corn tortilla filled with melted cheese. Still, people can add more ingredients to raise it above grilled cheese status.
Taco shells: These corn tortillas are a Mexican classic that can be hard or soft. However, the crispy taco is a Tex-Mex invention as Mexican tacos are usually made from a soft tortilla wrap.
	Guacamole: This iconic avocado side dish is served alongside both Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
Fajitas: means “little strips.” They include slender cuts of meat, onion, and peppers wrapped in a flour or corn tortilla. Fajitas are a Tex-Mex invention.

Is there any original Tex-Mex food that isn’t Mexican?

Some people claim that Tex-Mex dishes are 100% original, new, and not Mexican in origin. However, many dishes appear to be adaptations of existing Mexican foods, so you’ll need to join the long line of Mexican food aficionados in this debate.

Hard shell tacos claim to be a 100% American invention, different from the original fried Mexican tacos. Chili con carne is another Tex-Mex creation. Taco salads are Tex-Mex and usually include ground beef, salsa, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

So, which is tastes better Authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex?

Whether you prefer authentic Mexican food or Tex-Mex food depends on your individual taste buds. Fortunately, at La Mesa Mexican Restaurants you can enjoy a wide variety of both cuisines to satisfy your Mexican/Tex-Mex food hunger!