What’s the Origin of the Burrito?
But have you ever wondered: where did the burrito come from? Is it truly Mexican, or was it invented somewhere else?
The Early Origins: Is the Burrito Really Mexican?
The word “burrito” literally means “little donkey” in Spanish. While no donkeys are involved in the recipe (thankfully), theories about the name and origin abound. What we do know is that wrapping food in tortillas is a tradition that goes back centuries in Mesoamerica.
Before the term “burrito” existed, indigenous peoples of Mexico were already using corn tortillas to wrap beans, chili peppers, squash, and meats. These early “wraps” were portable and easy to eat—an ideal meal for farmers, travelers, and workers.
But the modern burrito, wrapped in a large flour tortilla, likely didn’t appear until much later, and its birthplace might surprise you.
The Northern Mexico Theory
Most food historians agree that the burrito originated in northern Mexico, particularly in the states of Chihuahua or Sonora, where flour tortillas are more common than corn.
In this region, it was customary for workers to roll up meat, beans, and other fillings in large flour tortillas to create a portable lunch that stayed warm and was easy to carry. The burrito, in this context, was the perfect working-class meal.
Some speculate the name “burrito” came from how the food was transported on donkeys—either as food for workers or sold by vendors who carried them in baskets or cloth bags on their burros. The wrapped tortilla may have resembled a donkey’s bedroll, earning it the nickname “little donkey.”
A Man Named Juan Méndez: One Popular Legend
One of the most famous legends traces the burrito’s origin to the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s.
According to the story, a man named Juan Méndez sold food in the streets of Ciudad Juárez, near the U.S. border. To keep the food warm, he would wrap it in a flour tortilla and carry it in a basket on his donkey. His creation became popular, and locals began referring to his food as "burritos," in reference to the animal that helped deliver it.
While this tale may be more folklore than fact, it captures the essence of how the burrito was designed: warm, filling, and easy to carry.
The Burrito Crosses the Border
The burrito made its way into the United States in the 20th century, likely starting in the Southwest, especially California and Texas, where Mexican and Mexican-American communities were growing.
The earliest known mention of the burrito in the U.S. appears in a 1934 Los Angeles restaurant menu, though it was likely being eaten informally long before that.
From there, the burrito began to evolve into different regional styles:
- California burritos added french fries inside.
- Mission-style burritos (from San Francisco) became massive and included rice, beans, meat, sour cream, and guacamole, all wrapped in foil.
- Tex-Mex burritos emphasized cheese and ground beef, sometimes smothered in sauce.
The U.S. became a playground for burrito innovation, and soon, restaurants like Taco Bell helped popularize the burrito across the country.
Global Influence and Adaptation
Today, the burrito has become a global icon. It's not just Mexican or American—it’s international. Burrito chains, fusion restaurants, and home cooks all over the world have put their own twist on the dish.
You’ll find:
- Breakfast burritos with eggs and bacon.
- Vegan burritos with tofu and lentils.
- Korean BBQ burritos, Indian curry burritos, and even sushi burritos.
The beauty of the burrito is that it’s infinitely adaptable—it’s a concept as much as it is a recipe. A soft, flexible wrap filled with your favorite ingredients, warm and ready to eat.
Fun Burrito Facts
- Guinness World Record: The largest burrito ever made weighed over 12,000 pounds and was made in Mexico in 2010.
- National Burrito Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the first Thursday of April.
- The burrito was once considered a regional food—now it's a national obsession, with entire fast-food chains (like Chipotle) built around it.
Burrito vs. Taco: What’s the Difference?
While both use tortillas, the main differences are:
- Tortilla type: Burritos typically use flour tortillas; tacos traditionally use corn tortillas.
- Size and shape: Burritos are usually larger and fully wrapped/rolled. Tacos are smaller and folded.
- Filling amount: Burritos are stuffed with multiple fillings, while tacos usually highlight one or two ingredients.
So, while related, they serve different culinary purposes—and both are delicious.