Mexican tacos and Thai Pad Thai are two popular street foods with unique flavors, preparation methods, and histories. Tacos originated in Mexico in the 18th century, while Pad Thai was created in Thailand in the 1930s to promote nationalism during the Great Depression. Tacos are typically made with tortillas, meat, beans, cheese, guacamole, and salsa, while Pad Thai is made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, egg, bean sprouts, tofu, and peanuts. Tacos are cooked on a griddle or grill, while Pad Thai is stir-fried in a wok. Both are relatively cheap and widely available, but the choice between the two depends on personal preference.
Street Food Showdown: Mexican Tacos vs. Thai Pad Thai
Street food is one of the most popular food trends in the world today. It is cheap, convenient, and delicious. Two of the most popular street foods are Mexican tacos and Thai Pad Thai. Both these foods have their unique flavor, recipe, and way of preparation. This article will compare and contrast both Mexican tacos and Thai Pad Thai.
Origin and History
Mexican Tacos originated in Mexico in the 18th century. The origin is still a topic of debate as many regions of Mexico claim to have invented tacos. However, the most accepted theory is that tacos originated in the silver mines of Mexico when miners packed gunpowder in paper rolls called tacos to make them easier to transport and eat. Pad Thai, on the other hand, is a relatively new dish that was invented in the late 1930s in Thailand. It was created by the Thai government during the Great Depression as a way to promote nationalism by using affordable ingredients that were abundant in the country like rice noodles, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
Ingredients
Mexican tacos are typically made with corn or flour tortillas, meat (beef, pork, or chicken), beans, cheese, guacamole, and salsa. Thai Pad Thai, on the other hand, is made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, egg, bean sprouts, tofu, and peanuts. Pad Thai is also seasoned with fish sauce, chili powder, and tamarind juice, which gives it a unique tangy flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Method
Mexican tacos are usually cooked on a griddle or a grill. The meat is cooked on high heat until it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tortillas are warmed up, and the rest of the ingredients are added on top. Thai Pad Thai is stir-fried on high heat in a wok with garlic, oil, and chilies. The noodles are added, followed by the sauce, meat, and vegetables. The dish is then tossed around until everything is coated evenly in sauce.
Taste and Flavor
Mexican tacos are known for their savory and spicy flavor. They are typically seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, which give them a smoky and warm flavor. The corn or flour tortillas are also an essential part of the taco, giving it a slightly sweet and crunchy flavor. Thai Pad Thai, on the other hand, is sweet, sour, and tangy. The combination of fish sauce, tamarind, and chili powder gives it a unique and delicious flavor that is hard to resist.
Price and Availability
Mexican tacos are widely available in most regions of the world. They are also relatively cheap, with prices ranging from $1 to $10, depending on the ingredients and location. Thai Pad Thai, on the other hand, is not as widely available as Mexican tacos. However, it can be found in Thai restaurants and food trucks in most major cities. The price of Pad Thai ranges from $5 to $15, depending on the location and ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Mexican tacos and Thai Pad Thai are delicious street foods with unique flavors, recipes, and cooking methods. While tacos are savory and spicy, Pad Thai is sweet and tangy. Both are relatively cheap and widely available, although Pad Thai is not as widely available as Mexican tacos. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and taste, and we suggest trying both to find the winner!