Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Reasons I Miss the States - Mexican Food


Recently, my family asked me what my first meal would be when I return to the States. For sure, they thought, I would choose In'n'Out. While it was a fair and worthy choice on their part, I frankly don't know if my stomach could handle that weighty of a meal after such a hiatus as mine. If you don't know what In'n'Out is, you are undoubtedly missing out on the best burger joint of your life. Ever.

Instead, I surprised them by requesting Mexican Food. In Taiwan, Mexican food is the one ethnic dish that is hard to find, and harder to find done well. Japanese? No problem. Thai? We've got that. But Mexican... well, let's just say there isn't a Taco Bell down the street.

There is, however, a Nightmarket. And in this particular Nightmarket there is a Turkish couple who have immigrated to Taiwan. This Turkish couple have a small stand with a banner that hangs above head. The banner reads Authentic Mexican Burritos. And it couldn't make me happier.

To begin with, they're great people, that couple. But then again, I tend to believe food tastes better when you enjoy the people involved in its creation. Heck, I believe life tastes better when you enjoy the people involved in creating life around you.

But, good queue-conversation aside, the burrito is consistently fantastic. Authentic or not, it's hard to take qualms with a chicken burrito with a tortilla rolled from dough.

Fajitas, Tacos, Quesadillas, and heck, Nacho Cheese Chalupas, are all foods I've involuntarily fasted from for the span of a year, but I've certainly been held over by the Wen Xin Nightmarket Authentic Mexican Burritos. 好吃!



14 comments:

floreta said...

aw life tastes better! cute. :)

i love me some fish tacos.
and chicken mole.

Diana said...

man, i can't imagine my life without it. it's such a part of my culture, it's an experiment i wouldn't want to try

Reannon said...

Yeah I was excited about Inn n' Out when I first got back too...but I was so disappointed because it did not end up living up to my expectations! I remembered it tasting way better than it did. I think it's because Japan has this Burger joint called "Freshness Burger" which is similar to Inn n' Out but a million times better. The beef patties are huge and well, FRESH.

But the Mexican...well, I can agree with you on that one. A year without it and now that's all I eat. I got out for tacos about every other day...It's heaven. Possibly the best thing about living in the US.

Teach.Workout.Love said...

lol yeah mexican food is the best!

the girl in stiletto said...

tacos!!!!! nacho cheese!!!!

Don said...

I had a machaca burrito two days ago. Yum... My mouth just started watering... Good food. Good people. Good times.

(Sounds like a recipe!)

Jon and Steph said...

That is my first choice as well! I cannot wait to dig into some real Mexican food!

Magdalene Barbara said...

I think mexican food misses you too. good choice. :)

Andhari said...

I looove Mexican Food, thank god we have some places that actually sell the good ones here, one of my favorite is this place called Amigos. It has the best burritos in town.

But well not as good as the authentic ones in CA still. Haha

Sebastian Anthony said...

I craved the same thing in the Faroes -- the joy of MIXED FOODS. Vegetables, spices, meat, the tortilla!!

But no, lamb and potatoes. Lots of potatoes.

I knew I had a thing for strong/varied flavours, but I had no idea that urge was so strong...

Samantha said...

Oh! I can't imagine not being able to search out some mexican food when I get the craving. Make sure it's an authentic yummy mexican place (I'm sure you have one in mind!)

Hipstercrite said...

Now, see, it's funny. I have the exact opposite problem living here in Texas. I'll send you some food.

Sheema said...

As a fellow American abroad, I can relate to this- I've started craving taco bell and that barely qualifies as Mexican!

I'm in England and while there are Mexican restaurants, nothing compares to the authentic food available back in the States.

I will also second the fact that In'N'Out burgers are the best burgers in the world.

sarahlynn said...

"But then again, I tend to believe food tastes better when you enjoy the people involved in its creation. Heck, I believe life tastes better when you enjoy the people involved in creating life around you"

Amen.