Mexican food and Chinese food are two of the most popular cuisines in the world. The dishes from each culture have been modified to suit local tastes, but you can still tell they originate from a different part of the world. Here are some key differences between Mexican and Chinese food that you can try for yourself.
Mexican Food
Mexican food is a complex mix of ingredients and spices that has evolved over time.
The blends are different depending on the region of Mexico, though they share some commonalities. For example, Mexican food usually consists of maize-based dishes like tamales and tortillas, along with chicken or pork.
Mexican food is famous for its emphasis on fresh produce. One common dish is huevos rancheros; which includes eggs, fried tortilla strips, tomato sauce, and hot sauce.
Popular beverages include watermelon agua fresca (a refreshing drink) and horchata (a sweet milk-based drink flavored with cinnamon).
The word “quesadilla” originates from this cuisine as well. It’s a dish made up of corn tortillas folded in half or quarters filled with cheese or other ingredients. You can then grill or fry it until the cheese melts and browns.
Chinese Foodvs. Mexican Food
Mexican food is made mostly from corn tortillas, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and beef. Tortillas are usually served with beans and rice as a side dish.
In contrast, the main ingredients in Chinese food are noodles or rice with a variety of vegetables and meats. The most common meat used is chicken or pork.
The spices used in Mexican food vary greatly depending on the region of the country you’re in. For example, Central American dishes have a lot of spices like cumin and clove that you don’t see in other regions. In contrast, Chinese dishes use soy sauce for flavoring which gives it a distinct flavor that’s not found anywhere else.
The atmosphere at restaurants is also different between the two cuisines. Mexican restaurants have a casual environment where people can eat family style from bowls on the table while sitting on floor mats or chairs without backs (if there’s enough space).
Chinese restaurants typically offer more formal service and require each person to order their own meal; this includes chopsticks and spoons for eating soup noodles or rice dishes. They also typically offer more traditional table settings with individual plates.
Differences between dishes from the two cuisines.
One of the most obvious differences between Mexican and Chinese dishes is found in their sauces. The Mexicans, for example, use salsa while the Chinese often use soy sauce.
Another difference is the protein options. A typical dish from China will include beef while a typical dish from Mexico will not. You can also find fried rice in dishes from China but you won’t find it in dishes from Mexico.
The two cuisines also differ in corn usage. In most regions of Latin America, they incorporate corn into an enormous range of dishes including tamales, chilaquiles, and quesadillas. In China, on the other hand, they don’t typically eat corn unless it’s a sweet dish like a sorbet or a candy.
Additionally, Mexican food often includes avocados where Chinese food does not typically have them.
