When it comes to Mexican food, the tortilla is more than just a simple wrap—it's the foundation of authentic flavors, holding the taco, quesadilla, or volcán together.
Here at Villa La Sirena, we've been spoiled with the freshest corn tortillas possible from local vendors, which is why we believe that a truly great taco has to start with the tortilla. It’s that first bite, the one that sets the tone for the entire meal. So, what makes the tortilla so vital? Read on to see why Boca de Tomatlan's history of authentic tortillas shapes the experience of every visitor.
To truly appreciate the role of a tortilla, you need to understand the care that goes into making one. Sure, it’s easy to grab a pack of tortillas at the store, but there’s something different, something magical about a fresh, handmade tortilla. At Villa La Sirena, we gravitate toward taco spots that take the time to make their tortillas fresh. These small, often family-run places are where the heart of Mexican cuisine shines.
Tortillas played some role in my albeit gringo childhood. My mom, Carmen—though not Mexican herself—would prepare tacos at home. Growing up with my dad, who worked alongside Mexican braceros on citrus ranches in the '40s and '50s, our house was heavily influenced by Mexican food. I vividly remember my Michigan relatives visiting and attacking their tacos with a fork. This memory spurs my search for the best tortilla whenever I try a new spot. My advice: stay away from places with large dining halls, English menus, and no locals present. Instead, the hole-in-the-wall joints are where you should be.
The Secret to a Perfect Tortilla
Now, let's get to the heart of it. What makes a handmade tortilla so special? It boils down to three key factors: freshness, simple ingredients, and a masterful technique.
Freshness is key. The best tortillas are made right before your meal, often by a lone woman (la cocinera) in a small establishment.
Places like Carmen’s Tacos in Los Veranos—one of our favorites—prepare their tortillas daily from masa. And when we say "masa," we’re talking about a specific kind of dough made from corn flour that gives tortillas unique texture and flavor.
The masa Carmen uses comes from Hari Masa, a staple brand with plants across Mexico. At Carmen’s, the process is a one-woman show, with every tortilla handmade to order. But she’s not alone—other great spots for handmade tortillas include La Clavelina and Esperanza on Highway 200. And just a short walk from Villa La Sirena is Concas, where the tortillas are fried for sopes, giving them a deliciously crispy texture.
A Tortilleria Alternative
Many taco joints and restaurants source their tortillas from local tortillerias, like the one here in Boca de Tomatlán. This small operation has been churning out tortillas for over 20 years, supplying the entire area with fresh, daily-made tortillas.
These tortillas are machine-made, but they come pretty close to the handmade experience. Plus, they use the same Masa as all the other authentic spots. They are so in demand that Panga boats deliver them to water-locked villages all over the coastline.
When you start picking your tortillas off a shelf - this is when things start to go downhill. Supermarkets in Mexico have premade tortillas available by the pallet, but in an oddly American fashion, they are packed with gums and preservatives. Coupled with phosphoric acid and cellulose, the quality of texture and taste takes a steep drop. Do your local tortilleria a favor, and order some fresh ones.
The Art Behind the Tortilla
Making a tortilla might sound simple, but it’s an art. Fresh masa is pressed into a perfect circle and then placed on the griddle. Timing, touch, and experience are crucial here. The dough needs the right water temperature and quantity for it to press properly. And once on the griddle, the tortilla should steam for just the right amount of time—long enough to bring out the flavor, but not so long that it dries out.
The Corn Behind the Masa
Now, let’s talk about what goes into making masa. It all starts with corn. But not just any corn—masa is made from heirloom varieties of flint or Indian corn. Most corn, about 90%, is grown as field corn reserved for livestock, corn syrup, and ethanol fuel.
These masa corn plants are often grown on traditional, organic family farms in Mexico. And the process of turning corn into masa? It’s called nixtamalization. Corn is soaked and cooked in lime water, which removes the hulls and makes it easier to digest. This process has been around since the time of the Aztecs, who used ashes from cooking fires to create an alkaline lime mixture—long before modern science figured out the process.
Mexico Runs on Tortillas
You might not think about it, but tortillas are more than just delicious—they're nutritious, too. They’re a great source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and B vitamins, all while being relatively low in calories. When you’re munching on a taco, you’re getting more than just flavor. You’re getting a balanced, wholesome meal.
Tortillas are incredibly affordable too - one of the reasons why they have been a staple around Mexico for so long. Our group of five shown below just finished a meal at Carmen's for 32 US dollars, in total.
At Villa La Sirena, we’ve shared some of our favorite local spots for authentic, handmade tortillas, but the adventure doesn’t end there. We'll continue to cover all the awesome food of Boca in blogs to come.
Can you guess what’s inside Carmen’s mouth-watering tacos? Let us know in the comments!
Booking Your Stay
If our little Villa sparks something inside of you- perhaps a longing to escape, to see for yourself the magic of quaint little Boca, we would be more than happy to talk to you about your stay. The villa features four fully furnished apartments, each offering stunning views of Boca de Tomatlán and the Bay of Banderas. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, Villa La Sirena offers a unique balance of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Booking directly through our website ensures you get the best rates. You can also contact our onsite manager for personalized recommendations to make your stay even more memorable. From arranging local tours to suggesting hidden dining gems like Carmen’s Tacos, our team is here to help make your vacation smooth and enjoyable.
Villa la Sirena is located in Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico, a short trip from Puerto Vallarta.
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