The Mexican breakfast dish, chilaquiles, has a delicious history that spans centuries. And, today, to the delight of many foodies, Google Doodle celebrates chilaquiles with its own art.
Illustrated by Oakland-based artist and photographer Chava Oropesa, today’s chilaquiles Google Doodle marks the anniversary of the first chilaquiles recipe published. “The first widely known Chilaquiles recipe was published on this day in 1962,” Google explains. However, some foodies say the first chilaquiles recipe is much older than that.
Google Doodle Celebrates Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles trace their roots back to the Aztecs, who inhabited Central Mexico hundreds of years ago. The word “chilaquiles” itself derives from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs. It means “chilis and greens,” which literally describes the two main ingredients of the modern dish.
Hundreds of years later, chilaquiles are a very common breakfast meal for many Mexican families. Encarnación Pinedo’s cookbook “The Spanish Cook," included the first known chilaquiles recipe in 1891. Pinedo’s cookbook introduced this delightful dish to a broader audience, sparking interest in its unique flavors and textures. The simplicity of chilaquiles – fried tortillas and salsa – resonated with home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Regional Variations
As with most Mexican dishes, ingredients for chilaquiles vary across regions and family recipes.
"Being Mexican-born and raised, our food feels like part of my DNA. Chilaquiles is one of those dishes I grew up with, I still cook it whenever I have a chance," today's featured Google Doodle artist Oropesa explains. "Representing my culture and creating around the subject was very personal and special."
While the basic components remain consistent – tortillas and salsa – additional ingredients and flavors reflect local traditions. In some areas, you’ll find chilaquiles topped with queso fresco, while others might add eggs or chicken. Each variation and family recipe tells a unique story, connecting generations through shared meals and culinary heritage.
About Google Doodles
Google Doodles are special, temporary modifications of the Google logo on the search engine’s homepage. These artistic variations often include interactive animations, games, or informative content related to the occasion. Here are some examples of our most favorite Google Doodles featuring international food dishes:
Indonesian Papeda (October 20, 2023): Papeda or Bubur Sagu is “a delicious sago porridge that’s a staple in Eastern Indonesia and has gained popularity all over the world.
Indian Pani puri (July 12, 2023): According to Google, in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, the name pani puri describes the bite-sized street food commonly filled with boiled chickpeas, a white pea mixture, and sprouts dipped in tangy and spicy pani.
Canadian poutine (May 19, 2023): It’s not just gravy served over French Fries. This famous dish from Quebec Montreal is pure heaven!
Taiwanese Bubble Tea (January 29, 2023): Bubble tea, also known as Boba tea, has been a traditional Taiwanese tea dating back to the 17th century. “However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the bubble tea as we know today was invented,” Google explains.
Spanish Espeto (June 12, 2023): In honor of espeto season, Google Doodle (pictured here) honored the popular Spanish dish of skewered sardines that are traditionally roasted over firewood on the beach.
Italian Pizza (December 6, 2021): Celebrating everyone’s favorite dish, pizza, this Google Doodle featured various types of pizzas.
