Tex-Mex vs. Authentic Mexican Food: What's the Difference?

If you grew up in the Midwest, your idea of Mexican food might involve a lot of yellow cheese, hard taco shells, and sour cream. While Tex-Mex is delicious in its own right, it is a completely different cuisine from authentic Mexican street food.

The Cheese Divide

One of the biggest giveaways is the cheese. Tex-Mex relies heavily on shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. In authentic Mexican cuisine, you will rarely see yellow cheese. Instead, we use fresh, crumbly white cheeses like Cotija, Queso Fresco, or the highly meltable Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses.

The Tortilla Foundation

Tex-Mex loves the flour tortilla and the hard, U-shaped corn shell. Authentic Mexican street tacos are almost exclusively served on soft, warm, flat corn tortillas. They are usually doubled up to hold the weight of the meat and salsa without tearing.

Spices and Sauces

Tex-Mex flavor profiles lean heavily on cumin and chili powder. Authentic Mexican food uses a wider, more complex array of dried and fresh chilies (ancho, guajillo, pasilla, habanero), fresh cilantro, epazote, and lime. Authentic salsas are often blended fresh daily, ranging from bright and acidic tomatillo verde to deep, smoky roasted red salsas.

Why OXO Does It Differently

At OXO Bar & Grill, we focus on the authentic street food experience. You won't find hard shells or massive plates smothered in melted yellow cheese. You will find fresh cilantro, diced onions, perfectly marinated meats, and authentic salsas. If you want to taste what you would actually find at a late-night stand in Mexico City or Guadalajara, you need to visit us in Springfield.