The quick version
| Taco | Burrito | Quesadilla | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tortilla | Small, usually corn | Large, usually wheat flour | Corn or flour |
| Shape | Folded, open at the top | Rolled and closed | Folded or sandwiched, then toasted |
| Filling | One main filling plus toppings | Filling plus rice, beans and more | Cheese, often with another filling |
| Size | Two or three bites | A full meal | Somewhere between |
Tacos
A taco is a small tortilla, usually corn, folded around a filling. In Mexico, tacos are everyday street food, eaten standing up, often two or three at a time. The toppings are kept simple: onion, coriander, salsa and lime. Because each taco is small, guests can try several fillings. That makes tacos ideal for events where people want variety. Our guide to types of tacos covers the main fillings.
Burritos
A burrito is a large flour tortilla wrapped all the way round its filling. Burritos are associated with northern Mexico, where wheat is more widely grown and flour tortillas are traditional. In Mexico they’re often fairly slim. The big, overstuffed burritos with rice, beans, cheese and salsa that many people know are a style that developed in the United States, especially in California.
A burrito is a whole meal in one hand, which makes it good for festivals and busy events where people want something filling.
Burrito bowls
A burrito bowl is the filling without the tortilla: rice, beans, a filling, salsa and toppings, eaten with a fork. It’s a modern idea, popularised by US restaurants, and very useful at events, because it suits gluten-free guests and anyone who would rather sit down to eat.
Quesadillas
The name comes from queso, the word for cheese. A quesadilla is a tortilla filled with cheese and folded or topped with a second tortilla, then cooked on a hot griddle until the cheese melts. Other fillings, such as chicken, mushrooms or beans, are often added.
In parts of Mexico, especially Mexico City, a quesadilla may not include cheese at all unless you ask for it. It’s a long-running, good-humoured debate. Elsewhere, cheese is taken for granted. Quesadillas can also be made with fresh masa, shaped like a turnover and cooked on the griddle or fried, which is closer to a stuffed tortilla than a toasted sandwich.
Quesadillas are popular with children and anyone who prefers milder food. Because they contain cheese, they don’t suit dairy-free or vegan guests unless a separate version is made.
Which works best at an event?
- Weddings and parties: tacos, because guests can mix and match fillings, and they’re easy to eat while chatting.
- Festivals and long days: burritos, because they’re filling and easy to eat on the move.
- Work lunches: burrito bowls, because they’re eaten with a fork and suit most diets.
- Children and late-night food: quesadillas and loaded nachos.
Many events offer more than one. A taco bar with burrito bowls for those who want them is a popular combination. See how many tacos per person for quantities.
Diet notes
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, while flour tortillas contain wheat. So for gluten-free guests, tacos on corn tortillas and burrito bowls are usually the best options. Read corn vs flour tortillas for more, and Mexican food and dietary needs for every diet.
Book Mexican catering
Our menus include tacos and build-your-own taco bars, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos and quesadillas, agreed with each client. See the sample menu and contact us for a quote.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote for your event.