FOOD NEWS
What Are Chalupas And How Are They Different In The US Compared To Mexico?
BY JOHN TOLLEY
A cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, the chalupa is a boat-shaped dish with a masa dough shell that cradles several toppings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The dish's influences can be traced back to ancient civilizations that lived in modern-day Mexico. The word “chalupa” might even originate from an Aztec word for a type of boat.
Today, the chalupa is famed for its versatility. The baked or fried crunchy shell can carry tons of toppings that range from shredded meats to beans, crema, cheese, and veggies.
In the United States, the chalupa has been popularized by fast food chains like Taco Bell, which have adjusted the dish and changed it up a bit to suit American tastes.
These variations feature a fried flour tortilla with classic Tex Mex toppings over Mexican staples, such as sour cream instead of crema and hot sauce instead of fresh chiles.
As the dish's home country, Mexico boasts far more chalupa variations than the US has. Some regions fill them with seafood, while others are all about chorizo or stewed pork.