French Vs Mexican Tacos: Here's The Tasty Difference

Tacos are delicious. There's simply no debate. The classic tortilla often filled with meat, cheese, and other toppings is a delectable, easy-to-assemble treat that almost no one would deny. When you think of tacos, your mind likely goes to Mexican food or maybe a classic breakfast taco with eggs. However, France has made its own version of a taco that looks pretty different from what you'd find in a Mexican restaurant.

Firstly, French tacos are not "tacos" in the traditional sense. They feature a flour tortilla that's been grilled and seared with a diamond pattern. They also tend to be bigger. With Mexican-style tacos, you might consume two or even three in a sitting, but one French tacos (no, that's not a typo; we'll explain) will typically be plenty to satisfy your hunger. Finally, French tacos are not open at the top. Much like a burrito, they are enclosed completely, though they're often cut in half for serving.

French tacos are always referred to as plural even when you're only talking about one meal, thanks to a little translation quirk. With all of the differences from Mexican tacos, French tacos almost seem more like a burrito or wrap than anything else, and you wouldn't be wrong. Technically speaking, French tacos are flatbread sandwiches, not another form of the Mexican taco.

The typical fillings for a Mexican taco are some kind of protein paired with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomato. Beef and chicken are both common protein options, and seafood tacos are also a popular choice, like tilapia, mahi-mahi, and even tuna fish tacos. Anything can go in a taco, though, including classic Latin American snacks like chicharrones.

Your average French tacos, on the other hand, have pretty different ingredients. Typically, French tacos are filled with marinated pork, some kind of cheese sauce, and in a pretty big break from Mexican tacos and traditional French cooking, French fries. One thing that the two both have in common, though, is that they're customizable. Just like a Mexican taco, practically anything can go in a French one.

French tacos have recently been on the rise in their namesake country. France may be famous for its fancy cuisine, but fast food has always had its place there, too. French tacos are just the latest in a long line of quick-serve treats on deck in France that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, and other yummy but perhaps not-quite-healthy foods. While some decry their presence as evidence of Americanization or encouraging unhealthy eating, you can't deny that the French tacos is a delicious treat that can give the more traditional Mexican-style taco a run for its money.