Nowadays there’s a debate raging over the internet about which types of food can be considered sandwiches: are hot dogs sandwiches? And what about avocado toasts? So it was almost inevitable for people to turn to the internet to ask “Are tacos sandwiches?” In today’s post, we tackle this question.
Are Tacos Sandwiches?
Try stopping a Mexican on the street and asking them if tacos are sandwiches. Chances are that they’ll question your sanity in the most polite way possible.
No one in Mexico — or in the Spanish-speaking world for that matter — believes that tacos and sandwiches are even related.
But don’t take our word for it. Let’s take a look at the evidence.
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary, offers three definitions of “sandwich”:
- Two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
- One slice of bread covered with food
- Something resembling a sandwich, especially: composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low strength central core.
Now, going by the first definition, a taco is not a sandwich because you make tacos with tortillas, not with bread.
Tacos don’t meet the second definition of sandwich either, because again: no slices of bread are involved in the preparation of a taco.
The third definition is the one that comes closest to including tacos, but you could always make the case that the contents of a taco are not “bonded” to the tortilla; they are merely wrapped in it.
Summing It Up
In our opinion the above arguments settle the matter: tacos are NOT sandwiches.
If you need a category for tacos, that would be “wraps and rolls,” with delicious relatives like burritos, quesadillas, shawarma, and piadine.
Now, that doesn’t mean that Mexican food doesn’t have its share of sandwiches. Tortas meet all the requirements to be considered sandwiches: they are made with bread, and its contents are bonded to the facings.
No matter how you decide to classify your favorite Mexican food, what really matters is that you can find it all at El Pollo Norteño, from authentic tacos to delicious tortas and the best grilled chicken, our taste defies categories.
For more answers to fun questions about tacos check out our blog “Are Tacos Finger Food?”
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic tacos? El Pollo Norteño has you covered!
Visit any of our four locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!
As a seasoned culinary enthusiast and an expert in the realm of food categorization, let's delve into the intricacies of the ongoing debate: Are tacos sandwiches? I'm not here to merely express an opinion but to present a well-founded analysis supported by evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge the cultural context surrounding tacos. Attempting to label tacos as sandwiches in Mexico, or within the broader Spanish-speaking world, would likely be met with bemusem*nt or polite skepticism. The inherent nature of tacos, deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, sets them apart from the conventional notion of sandwiches.
Now, let's turn to linguistic authorities for guidance. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary provides three definitions of a "sandwich":
- Two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
- One slice of bread covered with food.
- Something resembling a sandwich, especially: composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low-strength central core.
Analyzing these definitions, it becomes evident that tacos do not fit the typical criteria for a sandwich. Tacos are crafted with tortillas, not slices of bread, eliminating alignment with the first two definitions. The third definition, while potentially the closest, introduces the concept of "bonded" layers, a quality not entirely applicable to the taco, where the filling is wrapped rather than bonded to the tortilla.
In summary, based on the evidence provided, it can be asserted with confidence that tacos do not qualify as sandwiches. To categorize tacos more accurately, they fall under the domain of "wraps and rolls," sharing this classification with delectable counterparts like burritos, quesadillas, shawarma, and piadine.
It's worth noting that Mexican cuisine does boast its own array of sandwiches, exemplified by the torta. Unlike tacos, tortas meet the conventional sandwich criteria as they are made with bread, and their contents are indeed bonded to the facings.
In conclusion, whether you savor authentic tacos, tortas, or other Mexican delights, the diversity of Mexican cuisine is beautifully encapsulated at El Pollo Norteño. From tantalizing tacos to savory tortas and the finest grilled chicken, the culinary experience transcends traditional classifications. So, while the debate about tacos being sandwiches may persist, what truly matters is the rich tapestry of flavors awaiting you at El Pollo Norteño.
