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When many people go to their favorite Mexican restaurant, they often find out later that the food they were eating was actually Tex-Mex. Completely perplexed, they find themselves wondering -- what is it that truly makes authentic Mexican food different from Tex-Mex? To help answer that question, the expert chefs at Don Rigo have compiled their expertise and knowledge. Serving Cincinnati and Amelia, OH, residents authentic and delicious food daily, these professionals have put together this guide to help you better understand.

3 Differences Between Authentic Mexican Food & Tex-Mex

1. Tortillas

Most of the tortillas used in your standard Tex-Mex fare would not be used traditionally in Mexico. For instance, Tex-Mex tortillas are made from a wheat flour, while people in Mexico cook with corn flour tortillas. Northern Mexico, also known as the birthplace of the burrito, is the only place where wheat flour tortillas may be used, while the southern portion of the country rarely uses them. In addition, taco shells aren’t used in Mexico. Instead, locals use non-fried tortillas for their traditional tacos.

2. Spices

authentic mexican foodWhen cooking Tex-Mex, many chefs love to use cumin; however, this spice is rarely used in Mexico. In fact, you may find it on a Mexican hamburger, known as pacholas, but not in many other dishes. Instead, truly authentic food should be prepared with cilantro, parsley, epazote, and oregano.

3. Cheese

The use of yellow cheeses in dishes is largely a Texan invention. In fact, yellow cheeses, such as what you find on nachos, are not generally produced in Mexico and are not part of the local cuisine. Instead, authentic food should use fresh, white cheeses like Panela and Oaxaca.

If you’re looking for the best authentic Mexican food in the area, check out Don Rigo. With a full staff of friendly professionals, affordable prices, and deliciously traditional recipes, you won’t want to go anywhere else for a truly authentic experience. If you’d like to reach out to their Cincinnati location, call (513) 233-9200 or you can reach their Amelia location at (513) 718-0035. You can also find their full menu online

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