You are what you eat. Now more than ever, food is being used to identify us: You might be a vegan, vegetarian, new-school, paleo, or cruelty-free. Via apps like Instagram, we’re offered glimpses into people’s eating habits and hence, inner workings: Are they laissez faire when it comes to their dining habits, or a perfectionist? Do they cook with fire (and are therefore, totally on trend) or are they sugar-free?
One US researcher has taken the concept of food as a self-identifier to new heights. Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, has dedicated an outrageous amount of time to exploring this. He's interviewed over 2,500 men and women between the ages of 21 and 70 throughout the US, matching their Mexican (or rather, Tex Mex) food habits with their personalities. According to Dr. Hirsch’s findings (based on asking the participants more than 2,000 questions), this is what your favourite Tex Mex fast foods say about you.
You’re a taco lover from way back
Those of us with an insatiable appetite for tacos are likely to be conscientious perfectionists, and therefore great workers. Taco-lovers are also most compatible with those who prefer quesadillas.
You live for quesadillas
Who doesn’t love all that oozy melted cheese, squashed between two toasty tortillas? If this is you then you’re a loyal, task-oriented, group-work excelling leader. Big pat on the back.
Source: Supplied
You live for chips and salsa
You like to zero in on what you want, as you dunk your tortilla chip into chunky salsa. You’re also a tad aggressive, very successful in what you set out to do, decisive and intolerant. And, in a surprise love twist, you’re most drawn to fellow chip and salsa lovers.
Burrito bandit
Drawn to burritos? Then you’re likely drawn to drama, too. You’re easily bored at work but make up for it with your wit and charm. You constantly crave excitement and stimulation, everything a good burrito with extra trimmings offers. You're compatible with all types - lucky you!
Nachos for the win
Prefer the melted cheese on corn chip treatment? You’re not alone. You’re also on the shy, introverted side, but highly self-sufficient and very productive when left alone to your own devices, so long as there's no nachos around. And you're also very happy living a single life.
Bean me up – and enjoy the melted cheese. Source: China Squirrel
Taco salad loyalist
Easygoing, empathetic, understanding, and a great friend. If this sounds like you, then according to Hirsch’s study, you probably like your Mexican fast food sans the carbs. Now go and find yourself a burrito lover: your stomach's soul mate.
Have we got your attention and your tastebuds? It's Mexican week on The Chefs' Line 6pm, weeknights on SBS. Check out the program page for episode guides, cuisine lowdowns, recipes and more.
