The cuisines of countries in Central and South America are popular throughout North America, but none of them have reached the level of Mexican cuisine. There are plenty of overlaps between Mexican food and the food of other countries—at California Burritos we have both Mexican and Salvadorian food—but there’s something special about Mexican cuisine.
But what makes Mexican food different from the food of other Central and South American countries? Let’s find out.
Bold and Vibrant Flavors
Diners in North America love the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. The distinct flavor profile comes from a wide range of spices, herbs, seasonings, and ingredients. Common ingredients that give the strong flavors we love include chilis, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, oregano, and cilantro. Mexican cuisine creates its unique taste by combining and contrasting spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory ingredients.
Diverse Regional Cuisines
Compared to many other countries in Central and South America, Mexico is a big country with multiple regions that all have their own unique cuisines. For example, the cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula features the flavors of citrus fruits and habanero peppers in its Mayan-inspired food. Another example of Oaxacan cuisine uses complex sauces called moles, large tortillas, and chocolate as common ingredients. The wide variety of regional flavors and ingredients makes Mexican food unique and makes every experience at a Mexican restaurant a little different.
Indigenous and European Influences
Before Spanish explorers arrived in Mexico, the indigenous people already had a well-established cuisine. However, the European influence on Mexican cuisine brought us many of the flavors and dishes that we love today. Pre-Columbian ingredients and techniques, combined with European influences, created many of the distinctive flavor profiles and combinations that we associate with Mexican cuisine. Ingredients like flour tortillas and rice are European additions that we can’t imagine Mexican cuisine without.
Traditional Mexican Food at California Burritos
You can’t lump all Central and South American cuisine together, as you’ll discover at California Burritos! We serve Salvadorian cuisine as well as Mexican food, so you can taste the differences for yourself. We’re sure that you’ll love them both, so come visit us and give them a try. You might discover a new favorite.
