Mexican pancake (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: TORTILLA (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Mexican pancake" with 8 letters is "TORTILLA". Tortilla is a traditional Mexican flatbread made from corn or wheat, often used as a base for tacos, burritos, and other dishes. Its versatility makes it a staple in Mexican cuisine, served alongside a variety of fillings or used to wrap ingredients.
Why “Tortilla” Fits
The clue asks for an 8-letter word meaning “Mexican pancake.” The answer, TORTILLA, fits perfectly:
- Mexican pancake: "Tortilla" is the term for the thin, round, unleavened flatbread made from cornmeal or wheat flour—a staple in Mexican cuisine that is often referred to as a “pancake” in English-language crosswords.
- Usage: Tortillas are used to wrap, fold, or serve a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
This correct culinary word directly matches the clue’s definition.
Tortillas are fundamental to Latin American food culture:
- Origin: Tortillas date back thousands of years in Mesoamerican cultures, with the name coming from the Spanish “torta,” meaning “cake”.
- Overview: Classic tortillas are made with masa (corn dough) or wheat flour, and are often cooked on a griddle. They can be eaten plain or as part of a dish featuring meats, beans, cheese, or vegetables.
- Global influence: Tortillas have transcended Mexican cuisine to become popular worldwide, especially as wraps and chips.
"Tortilla" bridges the clue’s language, food context, and cross-cultural familiarity.
In quick crosswords, clues like “Mexican pancake (8)”:
- Target staple names for classic foods—“tortilla,” “enchilada,” “quesadilla.”
- The answer length (8) fits "tortilla" exactly, which is the most common crossword solution for this clue.
- Food-related clues with nationality plus a generic descriptor (“pancake”) almost always use well-known staple terms.
Spotting the cuisine context and enumeration quickly leads to “tortilla.”
