If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ve likely come across the timeless debate of tamales vs tacos. These iconic dishes exude tradition and flavor and are enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. But, which dish takes the crown? Keep reading to find out.
Origins and History
The origins of bot tamales and tacos date back to Aztec and Mayan cultures.
Historians believe that the Aztecs ate the first tacos. However, the diish came in handy during the mining boom that followed the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Miners would add meat and other spices to their tortillas for a filling and portable lunch.
Tamales, on the other hand, originated from the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, where it was used as portable food by armies and travelers. Also in this case, portability was key. Mexicans like their food to go!
Variety
While tacos are known for their seemingly endless topping options, tamales offer a wide variety of fillings and flavors.
Tamales offer more limited alternatives, although they can be filled with a range of delicious ingredients, including pork, beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, and fruits.
However, tamales can also be sweet. So you can have, for example, a chicken tamal for dinner, and then a strawberry tamal for dessert.
If you really want to try, you can make dessert tacos too. For example, cajeta tacos (a milk-based caramel sauce) are delicious! Although, in truth, they are not as common as sweet tamales.
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Wrapping It Up
There’s no question that both tamales and tacos are delicious and a popular choice for Mexican cuisine lovers.
While it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference, both dishes have their unique characteristics that make them stand out.
Tamales are extremely versatile, although sweet varieties are rare. On the other hand, while tamales offer more limited flavors, the dessert versions are both common and delicious.
In the end, the winner of the tamales vs tacos debate is up to you!
To learn more about the dishes we love, read our previous blogs, “When Were Tacos Invented?” and “What Is the Origin of Pan Dulce?”
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