Why The Absolute Best Time To Eat Tostilocos Is Immediately

Fans of street food know there are only three rules for a perfect meal: Grab, go, and eat right away. That's especially true for Tostilocos, the crunchy, spicy treat that's taking the world by storm. This loaded street food starts with a bag of Tostidos, cut open and covered with all the fixings. Every texture you can imagine is in play, from crisp, airy chips and churritos to juicy cucumber, crunchy peanuts, and chewy tamarind candy. But once you drizzle the lime juice, hot sauce, and chamoy sauce on top, the clock starts ticking.

When corn chips are made, the frying process dries them out almost completely, leaving their moisture content at 2.5 percent or less. This is what makes them so crunchy, but it also means they can absorb a lot of liquid. And unless you eat them right away, the sauce will start soaking into those dry chips, leaving them wet and mushy.  

While many people serve sauces on the side to prevent soggy nachos, there's no escape for the chips in a Tostiloco since all of the ingredients are trapped together in a small plastic container. But eating out of the bag is part of this food's charm. The only answer is to embrace it, shaking it every few minutes to keep the contents well mixed and using the chips to scoop out every last tidbit. In the unlikely event you can't finish them all by yourself, share with a friend and they'll go twice as fast. 

If you want to try making Tostilocos at home, there are a few more steps you can take to keep them from getting soggy. Consider getting some of the juiciness from fruits and vegetables so you can minimize the sauce. Ripe mango or pineapple pair well with hot spices, as do slices of tart apples. You could also add a scoop of Mexican street corn to make the mix heartier. A few pickled onions or jalepeños would also add a juicy punch without drowning the chips in excess liquid. Whether you're lucky enough to find Tostilocos at a local food truck or are making this crispy snack yourself, dig in and enjoy — just don't hang about.