Churros are more than just a delicious pastry—they’re a global treat with a fascinating history that reflects the rich cultural exchanges across continents. From Spain to Latin America, and even parts of Asia, churros have evolved into a beloved snack in various countries. Each culture has put its own twist on this fried dough delicacy, creating unique versions that highlight local ingredients and flavors.
Join us on a sweet journey to explore the different types of churros around the world and how they differ in style, preparation, and serving traditions.
1. Spain: The Origin of Churros
Churros are believed to have originated in Spain, and they remain an integral part of Spanish culture today. Traditionally, Spanish churros are long, thin sticks of dough, fried until crispy, and often served for breakfast or as a late-night snack.
In Spain, churros are typically served with chocolate con churros, a rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. This indulgent pairing is enjoyed at cafes and churrerías throughout the country, where locals dip their churros into the chocolate for the perfect morning treat.
The dough for Spanish churros is relatively simple, usually made with water, flour, salt, and sometimes a bit of sugar, giving it a subtle flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the chocolate.
2. Mexico: Churros with a Twist
Churros in Mexico are a beloved street food, often served with a variety of fillings and toppings. Mexican churros are typically thicker and shorter than their Spanish counterparts and are often coated in cinnamon and sugar. Some vendors go even further by filling them with dulce de leche, chocolate, or vanilla cream—giving churros a decadent twist that appeals to those with a sweet tooth.
In addition to the traditional dipping sauces, Mexican churros are sometimes drizzled with honey or sprinkled with chopped nuts. These churros are a staple at fairs, markets, and festivals across Mexico, often enjoyed with a refreshing cold beverage.
3. United States: Churros as a Theme Park Favorite
In the United States, churros have become a popular treat at fairs, carnivals, and theme parks, thanks to their easy-to-serve, portable nature. American churros are typically larger and thicker than Spanish churros, and they are often served in fun shapes like loops or twists.
While cinnamon-sugar is still the most common topping, American churros have been known to experiment with various flavor combinations, including chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. For the adventurous eater, some theme parks even offer churros with stuffed fillings, such as cream cheese, fruit jams, or ice cream.
4. Portugal: Churros with a Coastal Influence
Portugal has its own take on churros, which are very similar to those in Spain but often come with a slight twist. Known as “farturas” in Portuguese, these churros are traditionally larger and puffier, with a delicate, airy texture that comes from the way the dough is fried.
Farturas are frequently served at Portuguese festivals, and while they are often sprinkled with sugar, they are less commonly dipped in chocolate than their Spanish counterparts. In some regions, you might find them drizzled with fruit syrup or condensed milk, adding a regional flair to the experience.
5. China: Churros as “Youtiao”
In China, churros are known as “youtiao” and have been a traditional breakfast food for centuries. However, Chinese youtiao is quite different from the churros we know in the West. Youtiao are long, crispy dough sticks that are fried until golden brown and are typically served with a bowl of soy milk for dipping.
Unlike sweet churros, youtiao are usually savory, lightly salted, and have a slightly chewy texture inside. They are often eaten as part of a breakfast combination known as “doujiang”, which includes the soy milk and other savory treats like congee.
6. Argentina: Churros and Dulce de Leche
In Argentina, churros are a beloved treat, often served as an afternoon snack. The Argentine version of churros is similar to the Mexican one in that they are coated with cinnamon and sugar, but they are almost always filled with dulce de leche—a rich caramel-like spread that adds a creamy sweetness to the crispy dough.
Argentine churros are often smaller and more delicate than their Mexican counterparts, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of mate, the country’s famous herbal tea.
7. Philippines: Churros with a Tropical Flavor
In the Philippines, churros have made their way into the culinary scene in a way that blends the flavors of both Spain and the Philippines. Filipino churros are typically served with sugar syrup and a tropical twist—sometimes with a touch of mango, coconut, or pineapple to add a local flavor.
Churros in the Philippines are often enjoyed as a dessert after meals or served during festivals, where they are sold alongside other popular snacks like halo-halo and bibingka.