Introduction
Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular and beloved cuisines in the world. From tacos to burritos, there are so many delicious dishes to choose from. However, there are some orders that make chefs roll their eyes. In this article, we will discuss six Mexican restaurant orders that make chefs roll their eyes. From asking for extra cheese to requesting a combination of dishes, these orders can be a bit too much for chefs to handle. So, if you’re looking to make your next Mexican restaurant experience a pleasant one, make sure to avoid these orders.
6 Mexican Restaurant Orders That Make Chefs Roll Their Eyes
Mexican cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and it’s no surprise that many people love to order Mexican food when they go out to eat. But there are some orders that make chefs roll their eyes. Here are 6 Mexican restaurant orders that make chefs cringe.
1. Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a popular order at Mexican restaurants, but they’re not really authentic Mexican food. Chefs prefer to make burritos with all the ingredients wrapped up in a tortilla, rather than served in a bowl. So if you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience, skip the burrito bowl.
2. Nachos with Everything
Nachos are a classic Mexican dish, but when customers ask for nachos with every topping imaginable, it can be a bit overwhelming for chefs. Too many toppings can make the nachos soggy and unappetizing. So if you’re ordering nachos, stick to the basics.
3. Tacos with Unusual Fillings
Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but when customers ask for tacos with unusual fillings, it can be a bit of a challenge for chefs. While some chefs may be willing to accommodate special requests, it’s best to stick to traditional fillings like beef, chicken, or pork.
4. Burritos with Too Many Ingredients
Burritos are a great way to get a lot of flavor in one bite, but when customers ask for burritos with too many ingredients, it can be a bit of a challenge for chefs. Too many ingredients can make the burrito soggy and unappetizing. So if you’re ordering a burrito, stick to the basics.
5. Fajitas with Unusual Ingredients
Fajitas are a classic Mexican dish, but when customers ask for fajitas with unusual ingredients, it can be a bit of a challenge for chefs. While some chefs may be willing to accommodate special requests, it’s best to stick to traditional ingredients like beef, chicken, or shrimp.
6. Quesadillas with Unusual Fillings
Quesadillas are a great way to get a lot of flavor in one bite, but when customers ask for quesadillas with unusual fillings, it can be a bit of a challenge for chefs. Too many ingredients can make the quesadilla soggy and unappetizing. So if you’re ordering a quesadilla, stick to the basics.
Mexican cuisine is one of our favorite cuisines to enjoy at restaurants (and at home!) and if you feel the same, you’re not alone. Some 86% of Americans say they love Mexican food!
That said, while there are menu items that are flavorful and fantastic, there are others that are on the menu for the less adventurous, or to cut corners, and many chefs hate when you order them. Yes, they’re on the menu, but chefs want you to try the most delicious meals and drinks, so let them guide you to the menu standouts.
We asked a few chefs what orders they really wish you would skip, read on to find out what they had to say.
While the flavors of a mojito pair well with Mexican food, and the Cuban drink is undeniably delicious, you should skip this cocktail says chef Scott Linquist, founder of Coyo Taco.
“I would avoid ordering a Mojito because it’s not Mexican—and many people put Latin cultures and cuisines into one basket,” he says. “Opt for a Margarita instead.”
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Linquist points out that any cocktail you drink with your Mexican meal should probably be tequila- or mezcal-based, explaining, “Considering the only true and unique Mexican spirits are tequila and mezcal, I would take a leap and say avoid any American cocktail not representing Mexico’s primary spirits.”
While flour tortillas are extremely delicious, they are primarily a Tex-Mex style of tortilla. Stick to getting these at Tex-Mex restaurants, and look for housemade corn tortillas at true Mexican joints, says Linquist.
“I typically never order tacos that are on flour tortillas. Not necessarily because they are less healthy and contain fat and gluten, but because they are not common or authentic in Mexico, except in a few rare circumstances and regions,” he explains. “Authentic tacos should come on fresh, hand-pressed corn tortillas prepared using the nixtamal process, like ours do at Coyo Taco! Americans gravitate toward flour tortillas which are considered more Tex-Mex.”
You’re probably seeing more tacos topped with spicy mayo, and while they might be tasty, they’re not very healthy, says Linquist, who says to steer clear.
Linquist told us he doesn’t care for tacos doused in a mayo-based sauce. “It has become very common to top a taco with mayo rather than freshly made salsa. Fresh salsa is super healthy and often fat-free.”
Jessica Randhawa, chef and blogger at The Forked Spoon, suggests skipping the overly sweet and syrupy drinks made with store-bought mixes. “The worst cocktail to order at a Mexican restaurant is a margarita made with margarita mix instead of going with a classic margarita.”
There is no need for premade margarita mixes or artificial ingredients, as all it takes to make the very best classic margarita is fresh lime juice, agave, tequila, and orange liqueur. “If the Mexican restaurant can only make a margarita with a mix, I skip it as it is probably not worth the price or the calories from the extra sweeteners and artificial ingredients found in generic margarita mixes,” says Randhawa.
Mexico is vast and rich in culinary traditions. Chef Nick Bajal of Asadito in Chicago told Insider that he always checks to see if the restaurant serves food from a specific region, like Veracruz or Oaxaca, or if they offer specific types of taco, like Al Pastor or Birria.
“If I’m unfamiliar with a restaurant, I’ll order the house specialty,” says Bajal.
Tanya Edwards