Chili con carne

Commonly known as just chili, this Texan-style spicy stew of peppers, beef, tomato and often beans highlights one major difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine: cumin. This harks back to the 1700s when the Spanish came to Texas, bringing with them Moroccan spices that the Tejano have been using ever since. You might be surprised how Texans top off many of their dishes with chili or just eat it on rice. 

Have it at: Roadhouse, Rama 4 Rd., 02-236-8010. www.roadhousebarbecue.com. Open daily noon-1am

Burrito

This is a classic Tex-Mex adaptation. While the straight-up Mexican version is mainly just beans and meat in a tortilla, the Tex-Mex version is much cheesier (cheese figures a lot in this cuisine, you’ll note), while add-ons like sour cream, guacamole and potato make it a whole lot richer.

Have it at: La Monita, Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/26 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. BTS Ploen Chit. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. G/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7660. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-10pm

Huevos Rancheros

This classic breakfast dish usually consumed in rural parts of Mexico is mostly just fried eggs, tortilla, tomato and chili sauce, but the Tex-Mex version really dresses it up through the addition of sour cream, cheese and vegetables like avocado or onion specific to different areas.

Have it at: Charlie Brown’s, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2215. Open daily noon-midnight (Huevos Rancheros is available at noon-5pm only)

Fajitas

Fajitas only really boomed along with tacos in the 1970s when fast food chains everywhere started to include them on their menu. The dish is actually a US invention that doesn’t even exist in Mexico. Still, the dish is delicious if you find the right place that really gets the grilling spot-on.

Have it at: Tacos and Salsa, 49 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 02-663-6366. Open daily 3pm-midnight

Enchiladas

The original is a lot simpler than the Tex-Mex version, often just a tortilla dipped in chili or sometimes meat, too. What you’re more likely to find in Texas, though, comes with cheese, lots of chili gravy and meat, to suit local tastes.

Have it at: Coyote, Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-631-2325. BTS Saladaeng. Open daily 11-1am

Find more Mexican restaurants in Bangkok.