a la mexicana
Lemma Details
Translation: Mexican style; in the Mexican way; Mexican fashion
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This culinary phrase combines the Spanish preposition 'a' (in, at, to) with the feminine definite article 'la' and the adjective 'mexicana' (Mexican, feminine form). It describes dishes prepared according to traditional Mexican culinary techniques or flavor profiles, particularly those featuring ingredients like tomato, onion, and chile peppers (the colors of the Mexican flag).
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Voy a pedir huevos a la mexicana para el desayuno.
I'm going to order Mexican-style eggs for breakfast.
El restaurante sirve pescado a la mexicana con salsa picante.
The restaurant serves Mexican-style fish with spicy sauce.
Preparó una carne a la mexicana con tomate, cebolla y chile.
She prepared Mexican-style meat with tomato, onion, and chile.
Mnemonics
- Think of the colors in 'a la mexicana' dishes (red tomato, white onion, green chile) matching the Mexican flag
- Remember 'a la' means 'in the style of' in culinary Spanish, so 'a la mexicana' is simply 'in the Mexican style'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in culinary contexts to describe dishes prepared with typical Mexican ingredients, particularly the combination of tomato, onion, and green chile peppers, which represent the colors of the Mexican flag. It's widely used in both Mexican restaurants and in describing Mexican cuisine internationally. The phrase extends beyond food to describe anything done in a characteristically Mexican style.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a la mexicana' specifically refers to the Mexican style of preparing food or doing things (with 'la' agreeing with an implied feminine noun like 'manera' or 'forma'), 'a lo mexicano' is a more general expression meaning 'in the Mexican way' with 'lo' as a neuter article.
Confused word:
Celebramos a lo mexicano con música de mariachi.
We celebrated in the Mexican way with mariachi music.
Notes: In practice, many Spanish speakers use these interchangeably, but 'a la mexicana' is more common in culinary contexts.
Mnemonic: 'A la mexicana' typically refers to food preparation (feminine 'la' for 'cocina' - kitchen), while 'a lo mexicano' is broader for general customs (neuter 'lo').