When you think of breakfast in Texas, you likely imagine a hearty burrito filled with eggs, bacon, cheese, and maybe some beans or potatoes. However, if you ask the locals what are breakfast burritos called in Texas, you might be surprised to hear them referred to as breakfast tacos. In cities like Austin and San Antonio, the term “breakfast burrito” is rarely used, sparking a long-standing debate about the difference between these two beloved breakfast dishes.
This article will dive into why breakfast burritos in Texas are often called breakfast tacos, explore the regional and cultural nuances behind the naming convention, and clarify the key differences between breakfast tacos and burritos. By the end, you’ll understand why Texans feel so strongly about this distinction.
The Origin of Breakfast Tacos in Texas
Texas boasts a rich culinary culture, shaped by Mexican and Tex-Mex influences. The breakfast taco is a staple on Texan menus, especially in central and southern regions. So, what are breakfast burritos called in Texas, and why the difference? The tradition of the breakfast taco emerged from the vibrant Mexican-American community in Texas, who popularized the idea of wrapping breakfast ingredients in a tortilla.
For many years, breakfast tacos have been the go-to breakfast choice for locals. In Texas, breakfast tacos typically consist of scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, bacon, sausage, beans, or a combination of these ingredients, all wrapped in a tortilla. Texans turned the concept of putting breakfast food in a tortilla into a daily tradition. Restaurants and taco trucks across Texas serve breakfast tacos, making them a part of everyday life, as common as barbecue or chili.
People use the term breakfast taco widely in central and southern Texas, especially in cities like Austin and San Antonio. Locals frequently order these handheld breakfasts from diners, taco trucks, and upscale restaurants alike. In these areas, breakfast tacos have become a culinary institution, much like pizza in New York or deep-dish in Chicago.
Breakfast Burrito vs. Breakfast Taco: What’s the Difference?
You may still wonder, are breakfast tacos and breakfast burritos the same thing? On the surface, they look similar—both involve wrapping breakfast ingredients in a tortilla. But the differences run deeper. Understanding the subtle differences helps answer the question: what are breakfast burritos called in Texas?
1. Size and Portion
The size of the tortilla is one of the most noticeable differences between breakfast tacos and burritos. In Texas, breakfast tacos are usually smaller and simpler, made with tortillas that are six to eight inches in diameter. People usually order two or three breakfast tacos for a full meal.
In contrast, breakfast burritos are larger. They typically use 10- to 12-inch tortillas and hold more ingredients, making them more filling. A single breakfast burrito often serves as a full meal. So, what are breakfast burritos called in Texas when they use smaller tortillas? Texans typically refer to these smaller versions as breakfast tacos.
2. Filling Variety
Breakfast burritos tend to have a wider range of ingredients compared to tacos. So, what are breakfast burritos called in Texas when they include eggs, cheese, meat, beans, and even rice? Texans often call these larger, more complex meals burritos. Burritos usually have more Tex-Mex influences, featuring fillings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Breakfast tacos, on the other hand, stick to simpler combinations. A typical breakfast taco might have scrambled eggs, cheese, and one type of meat, such as bacon or sausage. However, many places offer a range of protein options, including chorizo, barbacoa, or brisket. The simplicity of breakfast tacos makes them easy to eat on the go, which is part of their widespread appeal in Texas.
3. Folding Technique
Another key difference lies in how the tortilla is folded. Breakfast tacos in Texas are typically folded in half, with one side open, making them easy to hold and eat on the go. The ingredients remain visible, which adds to the casual nature of the dish.
Breakfast burritos, however, are fully wrapped with the tortilla enclosing the fillings. This makes them a bulkier, more substantial option. Texans call the smaller, folded variety breakfast tacos, but the more compact, fully wrapped option is usually referred to as a burrito.
For a more detailed look at the structural differences, check out this comparison between burritos and wraps.
The Great Texas Debate: Breakfast Burrito or Breakfast Taco?
The question what are breakfast burritos called in Texas has led to many passionate debates among locals. In cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, residents exclusively use the term breakfast taco. However, in West Texas or cities like El Paso, the same dish is called a breakfast burrito.
This regional divide has become a point of pride for many Texans, with people holding strong opinions about which term is correct. In West Texas, where burritos are more common, many argue that the larger size and fuller fillings make it a burrito. Meanwhile, in central Texas, where breakfast tacos reign supreme, locals insist that smaller tortillas with fewer ingredients should be called tacos, even if they contain the same ingredients as burritos elsewhere.
The debate has gained so much attention that media outlets like Texas Monthly have weighed in. In one of their articles, they humorously explore the cultural divide between breakfast taco and burrito enthusiasts. If you’re curious about this debate, check out Texas Monthly’s burrito vs. taco naming clash.
Where Does the Confusion Come From?
Why do Texans refer to breakfast burritos as tacos in some parts of the state? Much of the confusion comes from the fact that breakfast tacos and burritos share many of the same ingredients. Scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, beans, and potatoes are staples in both dishes, making them seem interchangeable.
Another factor contributing to the confusion is the blending of Mexican and Tex-Mex food traditions in Texas. In traditional Mexican cuisine, burritos are typically larger meals that contain beans, meat, and rice, while tacos are smaller and simpler. However, in Texas, the line between burritos and tacos has blurred, especially when it comes to breakfast. What might be called a taco in central Texas could easily be called a burrito in West Texas, depending on the size and presentation of the tortilla.
Regional Preferences Across Texas
Different regions in Texas use burrito and taco to refer to breakfast differently. In cities like El Paso, people tend to call their breakfast burritos burritos. The area has a long tradition of serving large, wrapped burritos filled with meats, beans, and potatoes, making it natural for locals to refer to their breakfast dish as a burrito, even if it looks like a taco.
In contrast, in central Texas—especially in Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi—the term breakfast taco is used almost exclusively. These cities have developed a strong breakfast taco culture, where ordering a couple of tacos is part of the morning routine. In Austin, you’ll find trendy taco trucks offering everything from traditional chorizo and egg tacos to more adventurous versions with ingredients like kale or tofu. In San Antonio, the tacos lean toward traditional Mexican influences, with options like barbacoa and lengua.
For more on this ongoing debate and how Texans navigate it, check out Texas Standard’s discussion on the taco vs. burrito question.
How to Order Breakfast in Texas Like a Local
Understanding what breakfast burritos are called in Texas will help you fit right in when you’re ordering breakfast. Here are some tips to make sure you order like a Texan:
1. Know Your Region
In central Texas cities like Austin, San Antonio, and southern Texas, you’ll almost always be ordering breakfast tacos, even if they resemble a burrito to outsiders. Meanwhile, in El Paso or other parts of West Texas, people usually call it a breakfast burrito, even if it’s the same dish.
2. Customize Your Taco or Burrito
One of the joys of eating breakfast in Texas is the variety of customization options. Whether you prefer bacon, sausage, chorizo, or brisket, most places will let you build your ideal breakfast taco or burrito. If you want a healthier option, ask for egg whites, turkey sausage, or extra vegetables.
3. Always Add Salsa
Texans love salsa, especially with breakfast. Whether you like it mild or spicy, salsa brings out the best flavors in your breakfast taco or burrito. Don’t hesitate to ask for fresh salsa when ordering—it’s an essential part of the Texan breakfast experience.
4. Explore Regional Specialties
Each part of Texas has its own take on breakfast tacos and burritos. In Austin, trendy food trucks serve up inventive breakfast tacos with ingredients like tofu and avocado, while San Antonio keeps things more traditional with Mexican-inspired tacos. Wherever you are, try the local specialties to truly appreciate Texan breakfast culture.
Are Breakfast Tacos and Burritos Healthy?
Many wonder whether breakfast tacos or burritos can be healthy. The answer depends on the ingredients you choose. Traditional breakfast tacos and burritos often include calorie-heavy items like cheese, sausage, bacon, and refried beans, which can make them higher in fat and calories.
However, you can easily make your breakfast healthier by choosing lighter options. Swapping regular sausage for turkey sausage, using egg whites instead of whole eggs, or adding vegetables like spinach, avocado, and tomatoes are all great ways to boost the nutritional value of your meal. Whole wheat tortillas also provide more fiber than regular flour tortillas, making them a healthier alternative.
For more ideas on how to make healthier breakfast choices, check out this guide on whether breakfast burritos are unhealthy, which provides helpful tips on balancing flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion: What Are Breakfast Burritos Called in Texas?
In Texas, the answer to what are breakfast burritos called largely depends on where you are. In central Texas cities like Austin and San Antonio, people call them breakfast tacos, even though they may resemble burritos to outsiders. However, in West Texas and other regions, people often use the term breakfast burrito for similar dishes.
This debate between taco and burrito terminology continues to be a source of pride and amusement for Texans. Ultimately, whether you order a taco or a burrito, both dishes offer a delicious and satisfying way to start your day in Texas.