If you don’t love Mexican food, we’re not so sure we trust you. With such a wide variety of ingredients and spices, all combined to heavenly perfection, what’s not to love? Most of us don’t need a specific reason to love Mexican food, we just take it as it comes, because the way it comes is always heavenly. It’s spiced meats, delicious veg, spicy and savory sauces, crisply refreshing toppings, and the best variety of condiments. Seriously, how can you not love this flavorful cuisine? If you need more convincing, well, the best option is probably to just come visit Maudie’s Tex-Mex here in Austin. To tide you over until you can get your fix, here are the top 5 reasons why Mexican food is pretty much the best ever:
You Can Spice It Up
When you want enough spice to melt the skin off your face, most people turn to buffalo wings. But how boring is that? There’s basically no variety beyond how hot you want them. With Tex-Mex and Mexican food menu options, you can indulge in spice that has a flavor other than “hot”—because spicy foods are delicious, but hot is not a flavor. Choose a milder spice level with a pico de gallo, or go for more of a kick with a chipotle, chile de árbol, or poblano sauce. There is such a range of spice in the various chile-based sauce and salsa options that you can enjoy the heat in a different way each time you visit. And, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy the fiery kick you want melded with other herbs and spices for a flavorful combination.
Perfect Flavor Balance
Speaking of flavor, Mexican food is up at the top of the list for cuisines that have a great balance of flavors. In cooking terms, there are five flavor groups: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and umami (also called savory). Want to know what makes Mexican food so inexplicably good? It’s all because the flavors are perfectly balanced to hit all the flavor points on your tongue. Think about the last time you enjoyed a bowl of chips and salsa. There is the sweetness from the tomatoes, sour from lime juice, bitter from the chile peppers and herbs like cilantro, salty from a pinch of salt (and the chips you’re scooping with), and the umami or savory from the onion. Nearly every Mexican and Tex-Mex dish hits those flavors, making each and every option a deliciously balanced one.
Liquid Gold
For many of us, cheese is its own food group. A good Mexican food restaurant takes this to the next level by melting it down, blending in spices and chiles, and pouring it over a variety of different food options like liquid gold. Of course, if delicious, melty queso isn’t your thing—though, why it wouldn’t be, we can’t understand—you can also get your tacos or enchiladas topped or filled with a shredded cheese blend or some crumbly queso fresco. If the lactose-rich goodness just isn’t for you (or even if it is), add some creamy deliciousness to your favorite plate with a dollop of guacamole instead. It offers the same creamy, spicy goodness without the cheese.
Sauces Everywhere
A big part of what makes Mexican food a stand-out option is the flavor. Yes, we talked about hitting the five flavor points above, but there’s a second layer to all that flavor. That’s right, we’re talking about the sauces. Regardless of whether it’s a fresh tomato salsa or a creamy poblano sauce, this additional flavor makes all the difference and helps tie together and highlight the other flavors of the dish. Don’t believe us? Order a mixed-plate of enchiladas and see what a difference the sauce can make.
Margs for Days
Who doesn’t love a margarita on a hot summer day? The traditional marg is a refreshing blend of lime, salt, tequila, and Cointreau or triple sec. Add in ice, shake or blend, and you’re ready to beat back Texas’ sizzling summer temperatures. And yet, any marg lover can tell you that they’re just as good in the middle of winter. At Maudie’s Tex-Mex, we’re big fans of keeping that refreshing feeling, but playing around with the flavor. Try a grapefruit marg for a change of pace, go sweet with blackberry-mint, or spice things up with a jalapeño margarita. With a flavor for every occasion, it’s easy to understand why the drink is just as important as the food.
Don’t just search for “Mexican food near me” and choose whatever is closest. Whether you love Mexican food the way we do, or you’re ready to be convinced, experience Austin’s Mexican food options the best way possible: a visit to Maudie’s Tex-Mex. With so many locations across Austin, there’s a Maudie’s near you. Find the right location, and come see us today!