Chicken Tostadas

History & Origin

Chicken tostadas are one of Mexico's most emblematic and versatile street foods, found in homes, market stalls and street vendors across the entire country. Their history dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when Mesoamerican peoples discovered that corn tortillas dried in the sun or toasted on the comal acquired a perfectly crispy texture ideal for serving as a base for various foods. The Aztecs already consumed toasted tortillas with beans, chilli and turkey meat in the tianguis markets of Tenochtitlan, and this culinary tradition survived the conquest and was enriched with ingredients brought by the Spanish such as cream, lettuce and chicken. During the Colonial period, tostadas became popular as quick food in New Spain's markets, where cooks prepared them with whatever ingredients were available. Shredded chicken became one of the favourite toppings due to its accessibility and flavour, and the custom of crowning them with soured cream, chopped lettuce and salsa consolidated into the classic version we know today.