Originally Posted by
catocony
The vast majority of Mexican food in the US and around the world is, in fact, Tex-Mex, which was probably his point. Just like half of what's served in Italian restaurants around the world originated in New York, not Naples. Or how a lot of Chinese dishes are American inventions as well. I've had the misfortune to go to "Mexican" restaurants in a number of countries, and it's usually a bad version of Tex-Mex being served. Fajitas, chili and chimichangas are totally American. Tacos, burritos and enchiladas in most restaurants are more American-style than true Mexican versions.
The US is not unique in this respect. There are many "Chinese" dishes that originated in Australia as well - in fact, likely to be more than in the US due to the proximity and large numbers of immigrants from way back in the goldfield days. But people don't try to claim that Chinese food was "invented" here, any more than we would try to claim that pizza originated anywhere except Italy. (for the record, I'm referring to real pizza, not the fat crust rubbish that is available in chain places)