Difference Between Mexican and Tex Mex

Mexican vs Tex Mex
 

Tex Mex is the name given to a regional cuisine in the southern states, particularly Texas that is inspired by Mexican foods but prepared in American style using American items. There are many similarities between Mexican food and Tex Mex confusing people desirous of eating authentic Mexican cuisine. However, there are also differences between Tex Mex and Mexican foods that will be highlighted in this article.

Tex Mex

Tex Mex is a term that refers to a native foreign cuisine. Though the term may appear contradictory to most people, it is actually an adaptation of the Mexican cuisine by the local cooks in Texas. While the term with a hyphen in between was used to indicate railway between Texas and Mexico, the term for foods was first used by Diana Kennedy in her book The Cuisines of Mexico, in 1970 to refer to many dishes being served in Texas restaurants that were really American versions of Mexican dishes. The term is credited to Tejanos (people of Texas having a Mexican descent) who created a mix of Mexican and Spanish cuisines.

The unique feature of Tex Mex is that it is typically native as it cannot be found anywhere else in the country. However, it remains foreign in the sense that it is inspired by Mexican cuisine. This cuisine has never been able to merge with the American style of cooking till date.

Mexican Cuisine

Mexicans have always taken pride in their cuisine and do not like to see dilution of their foods and dishes in any manner. In fact, recently many restaurant owners in US serving Mexican cuisine to their customers were flown in Mexico by the government to make them aware of the authentic Mexican cuisine and to let them know what is not Mexican at all. Mexican cuisine is a source of pride for the country, and Mexicans believe that it adds prestige to the image of the country. This concern for pure Mexican cuisine has been because of the tourists coming over to Texas and eating Tex Mex which is projected as real Mexican cuisine but is far from it. The authentic Mexican cuisine dates back to the Mayan times and emphasizes mainly on corn, vegetables, and beans.

Mexican vs Tex Mex

• The name Tex Mex has been coined by Dianna Kennedy and refers to a cuisine served by many Texan restaurants that is inspired by Mexican cuisine but prepared by local chefs.

• Tex Mex is basically a cuisine that combines Mexican cuisine with American flavors and items.

• Tex Mex uses different meats, vegetables, cheeses and even toppings on the dishes than authentic Mexican cuisine.

• Most Tex Mex cuisines have a topping of yellow cheese whereas this cheese is rare and practically not used in Mexican cuisine.

• Tex Mex has a limited menu, whereas Mexican cuisine is much more varied.

• Ingredients in Tex Mex are different from Mexican cuisine.

• Cumin is used in Tex Mex while it is not used in Mexican cuisine.

• Tortilla wraps, tacos, enchiladas etc. are not as common in Mexican cuisine as Tex Mex makes it appear to the tourists coming over to Texas

• While ground beef is used commonly in Tex Mex, it is rarely used in Mexican cuisine.