A tortilla is a type of thin flat bread made from finely ground wheat flour, originally derived from the corn tortilla (Spanish word for “small cake” made of maize). It is made with an unleavened, water based dough, pressed and cooked like corn tortillas.

Flat bread tortillas have been eaten for thousands of years in north, northwest and northeast Mexico and by many southwestern US Native American tribes. Tortillas are commonly prepared with meat to make dishes such as tacos and burritos

In appearance and use tortillas are rather similar to the South Asian chapati. The Indian Roti, which is made from wheat flour is another example.

Tortillas come in several different flavors and colors according to the kind of maize used. Tortillas come with all the traditional foods of Mexico, though not with all the fillings that are used these days.

Tortillas are used to prepare Mexican and Latin American dishes. Traditionally, all these dishes (except burritos) are made with maize and not wheat tortillas. The dishes include Burritos, Chalupas, Chilaquiles, Flautas, Tacos, Tortilla chip and Tortilla soup

“Tortilla art” is the use of tortillas as a substrate for painting. Tortillas are baked and then covered in acrylic before they are painted.