Are Flautas and Taquitos the Same Thing? Here's How to Spot the Differences

If you love Mexican food, you've probably wondered about the differences between flautas and taquitos. If this has kept you up at night, you're in good company. Both consist of a tortilla rolled around various fillings then fried to greasy, culinary perfection. While some use the terms interchangeably, some devout Mexican cuisine foodies distinguish between the two on the basis of size, shape, and type of tortilla.

In Spanish, flauta means "flute," which leads us to our first distinction. Flautas are often made using larger, burrito-size tortillas that make a shape resembling a flute when they're rolled around filling. Taquitos are often shorter, made with taco-size tortillas, and are considered a dish more appropriate for an appetizer.

Both flautas and taquitos are rolled around filling for a cylindrical shape, convenient for handheld consumption. Those committed to the subtle distinctions between the two, however, may roll flautas with one end wider than the other, creating a cone shape.

The type of tortilla may be the most well-known distinction between the two Mexican dishes. Taquitos are most often made with corn tortillas, while flautas are typically made using flour tortillas.

Now enlightened by these three distinguishing elements, it's important to remember that many five-star chefs and occasional home cookers alike don't consider these differentiators significant. You may order a flauta off the menu and be met by a large, cylindrical corn tortilla. So in the spirit of these mouthwatering Mexican dishes, just roll with it.