Difference between Mexican and Tex Mex

Almost every region or country has different cultures and ethnic groups. This diversity in culture reflects also in the food. However, you will notice that those regions which are close to each other, does not have much differences in their food and sometimes people cannot differentiate properly.

Same is the case with Mexican and Tex Mex food, most common mistake people make is that they think both are same. Though, it is right to some extent but still there are few differences that make distinction. These dissimilarities include taste, recipe and even serving manner.

Tex-Mex food is a cuisine of Texas which has a great resemblance with Mexican food. The reality is that these dishes were introduced in Texas by the Mexicans and then several variations transform these dishes into new one. However, the foundation remained unchanged which ultimately became the main reason of confusion that Mexican and Tex-Mex are same.

Mexican food was originated from Mayan and Aztec cultures whereas the Tex-Mex food is the result of blend of different cultures. Tex-Mex food has a peppery taste due to the usage of different spices whereas there is just a tinge of spices in Mexican food.

Tex-Mex food is famous for heavy amount of shredded cheese, meat, beans and spices. Apart from shredded cheese, Monterey Jack and American cheeses are also used in Tex-Mex dishes. Moreover, chilli con carne, chimichangas and fajitas are also few examples of its key elements.

On the other hand, Mexican dishes comprise a variety of vegetables like green peppers, chilli peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato. In addition, chocolate, pineapple and vanilla are also used in significant number of dishes. Authentic Mexican foods consume goat cheese along with farmer’s cheese.

There is a small yet vital difference in serving manner of both foods. In Mexican food, they try to maintain the originality while Tex-Mex food lovers do not hesitate in doing garnishing.

Instructions

  • 1

    Mexican Food:

    Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Spanish and European style of food. Initially, the Spanish influence was much stronger but then elements of other food cultures were also incorporated. Over the centuries, Mexican food has maintained its originality despite of all the evolutions. That is why; Mexican cuisine has been added in UNESCO’s list of “world’s intangible cultural heritage”.

    - Image Courtesy: fiestasguadalajara.com

  • 2

    Tex-Mex Food:

    Tex-Mex food was originated from the border area of Mexico and America. This cuisine is a blend of regional American cuisine and Mexican food. Though, Texas is the hub of this famous food but it is also loved in other parts of the world.

    - Image Courtesy: foodnetwork.com

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