The churro is a quintessential Mexican dessert enjoyed at street carts and high-end restaurants alike. Like many Mexican foods, it’s packed with flavor and has a unique story to tell. Learn more about its history below.

Origins

Where churros originated varies. Many believe this fried pastry was introduced to Europe by Portuguese sailors traveling to and from Ming Dynasty China. There, they learned new techniques for cooking with dough and based the concept of churros on youtiao, a type of Chinese breadstick. Once the churro crossed through Portugal to Spain, the modern star-shaped pastry appeared.

Others attribute the creation to Spanish shepherds. Their version of the churro was made of flour, water, and salt, cooked high in the mountains as a replacement for bread. This story also connects the name “churro” to the Churra sheep that these shepherds watched over.

The Move to Mexico

Churros were introduced to Mexico by Spanish explorers like Hernando Cortez, roughly around the 1500s during the Spanish Inquisition. They were adopted by Aztecs, Mayans, and other local tribes. In Mexico, explorers discovered cacao, which they took back to Europe and used to make hot chocolate and chocolate sauces sometimes served with churros.

Modern Variations

Traditional churros can be thick or thin and are deep-fried. They’re then sprinkled with sugar and served alone or with drinks like café con leche, hot chocolate, or champurrado.

There are countless variations. The calientes of Andalusia are fried and cut into a spiral shape. Straight churros are filled with a number of fruits or sweets like chocolate in Brazil, Peru, and other South American countries. Churros in the U.S. are often served with a sugar-cinnamon combination.

If you want to try churros and other Mexican food in the Wahiawa, HI, area, stop by Ono Loco Tacos. This popular dining destination serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Their chef, a Mexican native, has over 30 years of culinary experience, and they’re the only taqueria in the state with a Certified Angus Beef® license. Call (808) 376-8996 to order carry-out, and visit their website to explore their Mexican foods. You can also connect on Facebook for deals and specials.