Best Mexican Tortillas in Germany | Store-Bought vs Homemade

Best Mexican Tortillas in Germany: Store-Bought vs Homemade
The tortilla is the foundation of Mexican cuisine. Whether you're making tacos, enchiladas, or simply enjoying a warm tortilla with butter, quality matters. In Germany, finding good tortillas can be challenging, but it's not impossible. This guide covers all your options - from store-bought to homemade.
Types of Tortillas
Corn Tortillas (Tortillas de Maíz)
The authentic choice
- Made from nixtamalized corn
- Traditional for tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles
- Gluten-free
- More flavorful and authentic
- Smaller (15cm typical)
Flour Tortillas (Tortillas de Harina)
The northern Mexican/American choice
- Made from wheat flour
- Common in northern Mexico and Tex-Mex
- Larger and softer
- Better for burritos
- Not traditional for most Mexican dishes
Store-Bought Options in Germany
Best Brands Available
1. La Tortilla (Fresh)
Where: Munich (physical store), ships nationwide Type: Corn and flour, fresh Quality: Excellent - handmade daily Price: €3-5 for 10-12 tortillas Best for: Those seeking authentic fresh tortillas
Why it's the best: Made by Mexicans using traditional methods. The corn tortillas are especially good - soft, flavorful, and authentic.
2. MexHaus Fresh Tortillas
Where: Online (mexhaus.de) Type: Corn, shipped chilled Quality: Very good Price: €3-4 for 10 tortillas Best for: Online ordering, nationwide delivery
Notes: Shipped chilled, freeze well. Good flavor and texture.
3. Santa Maria (Supermarket Brand)
Where: Most major supermarkets (Rewe, Edeka, Kaufland) Type: Flour and corn Quality: Acceptable for emergencies Price: €2-3 for 8-10 tortillas Best for: Convenience, widely available
Reality check: These are industrial products, not authentic Mexican tortillas. The corn tortillas are particularly disappointing - dry and flavorless. The flour tortillas are more usable.
4. Discovery/Old El Paso
Where: Supermarkets everywhere Type: Flour mainly Quality: Basic Price: €2-3 Best for: Tex-Mex, not authentic Mexican
Verdict: Fine for beginner burritos, not for authentic Mexican cooking.
5. Mission (When Available)
Where: Some supermarkets, specialty stores Type: Flour mainly Quality: Better than Old El Paso Price: €3-4 Best for: Burritos, quesadillas
Supermarket Tortilla Ranking
| Brand | Authenticity | Flavor | Texture | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Tortilla | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Limited |
| MexHaus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Online only |
| Mission | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Limited |
| Santa Maria | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Everywhere |
| Old El Paso | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Everywhere |
Where to Buy Tortillas in Germany
Online (Best Selection)
MexHaus.de
- Fresh corn tortillas
- Ships chilled
- Nationwide delivery
- Also has masa harina for DIY
MexicoMiAmor.de
- Various brands
- Good selection
- Recipe suggestions
LaTortilla.de
- Munich-based
- Fresh daily
- Best quality available
Physical Stores
Munich:
- La Tortilla (multiple locations)
- Fresh daily, excellent quality
Berlin:
- Some Mexican restaurants sell tortillas to-go
- Taqueria el Oso, Maria Bonita
Other cities:
- Check local Mexican restaurants
- Some may sell fresh tortillas
Supermarkets
Available at:
- Rewe
- Edeka
- Kaufland
- Real
- Most major chains
Brands:
- Santa Maria
- Old El Paso
- Discovery
- Sometimes Mission
Making Your Own Tortillas
Why Make Your Own?
Pros:
- Best flavor and texture
- Freshness
- Satisfaction
- Impress your friends
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Requires practice
- Need equipment
Equipment Needed
Essential:
- Tortilla press (or heavy books/pan)
- Comal or cast-iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
Nice to have:
- Tortilla warmer
- Cloth for keeping warm
Where to buy a tortilla press in Germany:
- MexHaus.de
- Amazon.de
- Some kitchen supply stores
- Price: €20-50
Using Masa Harina
What you need:
- Masa harina (nixtamalized corn flour)
- Warm water
- Salt
Where to buy masa harina:
- MexHaus.de
- MexicoMiAmor.de
- Some supermarkets (international aisle)
Basic recipe:
- Mix 2 cups masa harina with 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Add 1.5 cups warm water gradually
- Knead until smooth (5-10 minutes)
- Rest 30 minutes
- Form balls, press, cook
See our complete fresh corn tortilla recipe for detailed instructions.
From Scratch (Nixtamalization)
For the truly dedicated, you can make masa from dried corn using the traditional nixtamalization process.
Time required: 1-2 days (mostly waiting) Difficulty: Intermediate Result: The most authentic flavor possible
See our nixtamalization guide for full instructions.
Store-Bought vs Homemade Comparison
| Factor | Store-Bought | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Instant | 30-60 minutes |
| Cost | €3-5 for 10 | €1-2 for 10 |
| Quality | Variable | Excellent |
| Authenticity | Depends | Maximum |
| Satisfaction | Low | High |
| Skill needed | None | Some practice |
Storage and Reheating
Store-Bought Tortillas
Fresh tortillas:
- Refrigerate: 5-7 days
- Freeze: Up to 3 months
Supermarket tortillas:
- Follow package instructions
- Usually last weeks unopened
Homemade Tortillas
Fresh:
- Best eaten immediately
- Keep warm in towel: 1 hour
Storing:
- Refrigerate: 3-5 days
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (with parchment between)
Reheating
Best method:
- Dry comal or skillet
- Medium heat
- 30 seconds per side
Other methods:
- Microwave (wrapped in damp towel): 30 seconds
- Oven (wrapped in foil): 10 minutes at 150°C
- Open flame (carefully!): 10 seconds per side
Never:
- Reheat in toaster (they'll fall apart)
- Use oil (makes them greasy)
Troubleshooting Homemade Tortillas
Problem: Cracking
- Dough too dry - add more water
- Not pressing evenly - adjust pressure
Problem: Won't puff
- Heat too low - increase temperature
- Not cooking long enough on first side
- Dough too wet or dry
Problem: Sticking to plastic
- Use fresher plastic wrap
- Dust lightly with masa harina
Problem: Tough texture
- Overworked dough - knead less
- Cooked too long
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between corn and flour tortillas? Corn tortillas are made from nixtamalized corn and are the most traditional choice for tacos, enchiladas, and chilaquiles. They are naturally gluten-free. Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour and are more common in northern Mexico and for making burritos or quesadillas.
Where can I buy fresh, authentic corn tortillas in Berlin? While there isn't a dedicated "tortillería" storefront, several authentic Mexican restaurants like Taqueria el Oso or Maria Bonita often sell their house-made tortillas to-go if you ask. Alternatively, ordering "Fresh Tortillas" from MexHaus.com is a reliable nationwide option.
Can I freeze Mexican tortillas? Yes, both corn and flour tortillas freeze very well. To prevent them from sticking together, place a small piece of parchment paper between each tortilla before bagging them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why do my homemade corn tortillas crack when I fold them? Cracking is usually a sign that your masa (dough) is too dry. When mixing your masa harina with water, ensure the dough feels like Play-Doh—soft and not sticking to your hands. If it cracks, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until the texture is perfect.
Which supermarket brand in Germany is best for tortillas? In regular supermarkets like Rewe or Edeka, the "Santa Maria" or "Mission" flour tortillas are acceptable for quick meals. However, we strongly recommend avoiding the supermarket "corn" tortillas as they often contain a high percentage of wheat and lack authentic flavor.
Conclusion
For the best tortillas in Germany:
- Best overall: La Tortilla (Munich) or MexHaus online
- Best value: Make your own with masa harina
- Emergency option: Santa Maria flour tortillas (supermarkets)
Our recommendation: Order fresh tortillas from MexHaus.de or La Tortilla for special occasions, and learn to make your own for everyday use. The difference between homemade and supermarket tortillas is night and day.
Ready to make your own? Check out our fresh corn tortilla recipe for step-by-step instructions.
Do you make your own tortillas? Share your tips with us on Instagram @mexicangoodies
