How to Know You’ve Found Good Tortilla Chips

Feb 15 2024

National Tortilla Chip Day is February 24th, and it’s a pretty big day for Mexican restaurants everywhere. Tortilla chips are an expected preamble to all Mexican food, and going to a Mexican restaurant just wouldn’t be right without them. However, not all tortilla chips are the same, and there are a few things you can look for to know that you’re enjoying the good stuff. At Don Ramon, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with an authentic experience, and that starts with the tortilla chips.  

Want to be sure that you’ve found authentic Mexican food? Here’s what you should look for in the tortilla chips.

 

Freshness and Flavor

You can always tell fresh tortilla chips from chips that have been sitting for a day or two. First, a just-fried tortilla chip will still be warm. Second, they will be crispy and make a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The taste is also essential. There should be a balance of corn, salt, and sometimes a hint of lime. You want chips that aren’t too salty but aren’t bland either.  

Texture and Color

The texture is about more than just crispiness, although that is important. The thickness is also key. Too thick, and the chips will be dry and crumbly. Too thin, and they will break under the weight of the salsa or dip. Thin chips are also more likely to burn. Tortilla chips should be the same size and thickness and cooked to the same degree. Consistency in texture and color is a sign of good chips and attention to detail in the kitchen.  

Don’t Forget the Salsa!

Chips don’t come on their own. You have to pair them with salsa! Fresh salsa with warm tortilla chips is the perfect start to any meal at a Mexican restaurant. Every restaurant makes the salsa a little differently, but you expect a combination of spicy and tangy flavors that complement the saltiness of the tortilla chips. Some restaurants will even offer multiple salsas with varying degrees of heat.  

Authentic Mexican Food at Don Ramon

When you sit down in a Mexican restaurant, and fresh chips and salsa are put in front of you, you know you’re in for a good meal. At Don Ramon, we serve authentic Mexican food right here in Manchester, NH, so you can enjoy delicious flavors without straying far from home.  

Visit us at 6 Whitney Street in Merrimack or order online!