Why It's So Hard to Find Mexican Restaurants Making Their Own Tortillas

Mexican cuisine is renowned for its authenticity and genuine flavors, many of which are closely tied to the quality of ingredients, particularly tortillas. Yet, finding a Mexican restaurant that makes its tortillas from scratch to order can be a challenge. This article explores the reasons why it's so difficult to find these establishments and highlights a few notable exceptions.

The Challenges of Making Tortillas in Restaurants

The process of making tortillas from scratch is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It requires specific skills, dedicated equipment, and a significant commitment of the restaurant's staff and kitchen space. These factors contribute to the prohibitive cost of making tortillas in-house:

Cost: Making tortillas from scratch is not cost-effective, especially in larger establishments. The expenses associated with purchasing ingredients, investing in equipment, and paying for labor can be substantial. Labor: Employing a dedicated tortilla maker or multiple staff members to produce tortillas throughout the day is a significant investment. In many cases, the profit margin from selling tortillas alone may not justify the labor costs involved. Equipment: Specialized griddles or comals are necessary for cooking tortillas, which can be expensive and take up valuable kitchen space. Quality: While homemade tortillas can have a unique taste, many customers may not be able to distinguish the subtle differences between fresh, hand-cooked tortillas and those that are prepared in advance or purchased from a local bakery.

Exceptions to the Rule

Despite the challenges, there are a few notable Mexican restaurants that still make their tortillas in-house. These establishments often showcase their tortilla-making process, which not only appeals to food lovers but also increases customer satisfaction:

Casablanca, Venice Beach, CA: Casablanca is one such restaurant that makes its tortillas to order. A woman cooks them on a large, fire hydrant-shaped stone griddle, right in front of the customers. This process allows them to maintain a high supply and ensures that the tortillas are always fresh and delicious.

The Business Case for Bought Tortillas

From a business perspective, many restaurants opt to buy their tortillas from suppliers because it is more cost-effective and efficient. This practice is similar to how machine shops purchase nuts and bolts instead of manufacturing them in-house. Here are some additional reasons:

Labor Intensive: Making tortillas from scratch is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It is not suitable for high-volume production, which is often necessary for busy restaurants. No Profit Margin: The profit margin from selling tortillas alone may not be sufficient to justify the labor and equipment costs involved in producing them in-house. Quality Standards: Supplier tortillas often meet high standards of quality, reliability, and consistency. These products are typically well-suited for commercial use and can provide a consistent product without the variances that might be present in homemade options.

Where to Find In-House Tortilla Making

While it can be more challenging to find restaurants that make their own tortillas, there are some regions where this practice is more common:

North Texas: In North Texas, many Mexican restaurants make both corn and flour tortillas, often showcasing the process in a special booth. This trend reflects a greater awareness and appreciation for authentic culinary experiences among local customers. Specialty Restaurants: Tiny mom-and-pop establishments and exclusive, high-end restaurants with higher price points are more likely to make their tortillas in-house due to customer expectations and the perceived value of such authenticity.

For other restaurants, purchasing tortillas from a central supplier is a practical and efficient solution. These suppliers often produce high-quality tortillas that meet the needs of commercial kitchens and offer the reliability and consistency that larger establishments require.

In conclusion, while it is challenging to find Mexican restaurants that make their own tortillas, there are both business and practical reasons for this trend. However, the allure of truly fresh and homemade tortillas is undeniable, and restaurants that continue to offer this service are sure to attract a loyal customer base.