tostada: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2informal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “tostada” mean?
A fried or toasted tortilla, typically flat, that is often used as a base for other foods like beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fried or toasted tortilla, typically flat, that is often used as a base for other foods like beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables.
The term can refer to the dish itself (the tortilla with toppings) or, more broadly in Spanish, to any toasted slice of bread. In English, it specifically denotes a Mexican culinary item. It may also refer to a bowl made from a fried tortilla, used to hold salad or other fillings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is far more common in American English due to greater exposure to and prevalence of Mexican cuisine. In the UK, it is recognised primarily in international food contexts or specific restaurants.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes casual, often restaurant-style Mexican food. In the UK, it may carry more of an 'exotic' or specialised foodie connotation.
Frequency
High frequency in US culinary contexts; low to medium frequency in UK, limited to specific food discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “tostada” in a Sentence
[eat/have/make/order] a tostadaa tostada [with/topped with] [ingredient]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tostada” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will tostada the tortilla for the base.
American English
- We need to tostada a few more shells for the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the restaurant and food service industry (e.g., 'adding a new tostada to the menu').
Academic
Rare; might appear in anthropological, cultural, or culinary studies papers on Mexican food.
Everyday
Common when discussing Mexican restaurant menus or home cooking of Mexican-inspired dishes.
Technical
Used in culinary arts contexts to describe a specific preparation method for tortillas.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tostada”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tostada”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tostada”
- Using 'tostada' to refer to toasted bread (use 'toast').
- Pronouncing it /ˈtɒs.tə.də/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both use tortillas, a taco is folded, and a tostada is flat and open-faced, with a crispier tortilla base.
Traditionally, tostadas are made with corn tortillas, which fry up crispier. Flour tortillas can be used but will have a different texture and are less authentic.
In American English, it is commonly pronounced /toʊˈstɑː.də/. The stress is on the second syllable.
It is not very common in everyday British English but is understood in the context of international or Mexican cuisine, especially in cities with diverse food scenes.
A fried or toasted tortilla, typically flat, that is often used as a base for other foods like beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Tostada is usually informal, culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flat as a tostada (informal, simile for something very flat)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TOAST-ada. It's a tortilla that has been TOASTed or fried until crisp.
Conceptual Metaphor
A tostada as a CRISP, EDIBLE PLATE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a tostada?