Itacates

History & Origin

Itacates are a corn masa snack originating from Jalisco and neighbouring western Mexican states such as Colima, Nayarit and Michoacan. Their name comes from the Nahuatl 'itacatl', meaning 'provisions' or 'food for the journey', revealing their original function as portable food for travellers and field workers. The triangular shape distinguishes it from all other Mexican masa snacks and serves a practical purpose: being triangular, it seals better than round shapes. Itacates are prepared by forming a thick triangle of masa, filling with refried beans, pressed crackling, rajas with cheese or picadillo, and carefully sealing before cooking on a comal. In Guadalajara's markets, itacates are an everyday snack sold alongside tamales and atole from dawn. In rural Jalisco, mothers continue preparing itacates for children to take to school, keeping alive the pre-Hispanic tradition of food for the road.