Is "authentic" Mexican food as spicey as restaurants typically serve it in the U

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   Laura Schneiderposted 11 years ago

   Is "authentic" Mexican food as spicey as restaurants typically serve it in the U.S.?

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   NMLadyposted 11 years ago

   Well, yes and no.  The salsas are much hotter in Mexico (and New Mexico if authentic.)  However, there are regional foods in Mexico just like here.  Generally, kids are brought up eating spicier food than we are.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks,  NMLady! I always wonder about "authentic" places to eat because, living in Minnesota, we're pretty much as far away from anything "authentic" in other cultures as you can get. Cheers!

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   lucybell21posted 11 years ago

   I think Mexican food at home is better. Most restaurants don't do justice to Mexican food, and I am Irish and French.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Haha! That gave me a laugh--Irish and French. :-) Then again, I'm of German descent (from way, WAY back) and I, too, suspected that authentic Mexican wasn't done right here in the US.

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   dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

   Having been to Mexico a few times I would say the "authentic food" makes the U.S. food seem bland. However I noticed the same thing with regard to Cajun and creole food around the country when compared to what you'll get served in New Orleans. I believe regions water down or spice up the taste of food based upon their local clientele.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think that you are correct--even when eating at the same table with someone from a "spicier" culture, I think when we order the same thing their food is hotter. (I'm a silly little white American).

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   Becky Katzposted 11 years ago

   I have some friends that are Mexican and they prepare their food fairly mild. The hot stuff is put on the table with the food and you spice it to your taste. Their sauces are much hotter, mild is about similar to fire in the States. I have eaten some pretty authentic Mexican in the US but they are generally run by true Mexicans.

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   bri36posted 11 years ago

   well most "Mexican Food" is really spicy if you think Ketchup is spicy. But for the most part spicy is in the eye of the eater. Traditional Mexican food is prepared to be spicy using the right chili pepper's (Remember there are over 150 different kinds of chili peppers to start with so the one you use is the one that will either get right down with the capsicum flowing or it will mix with the flavors of the rest of the food and even out into a very good tasting meal.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! 150 kinds of chili peppers! I had no idea there were THAT many varieties. Cool! Or, Hot! as you say--depending on the particular pepper. (No, ketchup isn't on my spectrum of "spicy"). I'll have to experiment with different peppers and recipes!

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      bri36posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      don't forget pasilla it's one of the sweetest ones Check out the Scoville chart Wikipeida

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks again, bri36! I'll do just that.

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   annajazzposted 11 years ago

   What the average American views as "authentic" Mexican food is far from it. I grew up in New Mexico on the real stuff. It can be spicy, but is often also full of flavor. I have yet to find anything to compare it to since moving to the EastCoast.Though, it also depends on who is eating it to. Mexican food, to me, can have a bite at times, but, on the other hand, I find Indian food to be overly spicy. But, the main reason for this, is because the average American probably would not enjoy how spicy some Mexican dishes can be, so restaurant owners will bland it down a bit to carter to the region.(i.e Mexican restaurants in the southwest serve spicier food then on the East Coast).

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   Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

   I cannot answer that question, but in a related area, I can assure you that authentic New Orleans food served in other states, is usually a way to be heavy on the hot sauce and file'. You find instances of that in some of the restaurants in New Orleans and other Louisiana cities that cater to the tourist crowd. I call it "tourist gumbo." People expect Louisiana food to be spicy, so some people add extra spices or greater amounts. Louisiana food is flavorful and that flavor is enhanced with some spices, used in the proper proportions to what is being cooked.
   
   I was in Washington, D.C. once and the menu featured Louisiana Gumbo. I asked the waiter what was in it. When he got finished, I ordered a steak.

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