Although many associate churros with Spanish and Mexican cuisine, these popular fried pastries are believed to have originated in China. The ancestor of churros is likely the youtiao , a savory fried dough eaten for breakfast. According to some theories, Portuguese sailors discovered the youtiao during their voyages to Asia in the 16th century and adapted the recipe upon their return to Europe. However, this origin remains debated: some historians maintain that churros are a purely Spanish creation, inspired by Arabic pastries.
In Spain, shepherds are believed to have played a key role in popularizing modern churros. They appreciated this snack, which was easy to prepare over a campfire and didn't require an oven. The name "churro" may come from the Navajo-Churro sheep breed, whose horns have a shape similar to the ridged pattern of churros.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Latin America, they introduced churros to Mexico and elsewhere. In Mexico, churros were quickly adopted and adapted: they became longer, often filled with cajeta (dulce de leche), chocolate, and rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
Churrerías – establishments specializing in the sale of churros – have become social gathering places in both Spain and Mexico. Churros are often enjoyed during festivals, parties, and popular celebrations, which has contributed to their deep integration into Mexican culinary culture.
Spanish colonial expansion allowed churros to travel and evolve in different regions of the world, with each country adapting the recipe to its preferences. Today, churros can be found in various forms: straight or twisted, filled or unfilled, sweet or sometimes even savory, depending on the country.
In short, although their exact origins remain a subject of debate, churros have crossed borders and adapted to local cultures , becoming a culinary symbol in both Spain and Mexico. Whether you prefer them plain, stuffed, or dipped in chocolate, churros continue to delight young and old everywhere they go.
