Tex-Mex is a term that is primarily used to describe regional American cuisine in Texas and the Southwestern United States. This type of cuisine blends food products that are available in the United States with the culinary creations of Mexican-Americans which were influenced by the cuisines of Mexico.

Whenever a person eats food that is classified as Tex-Mex, the food may or may not be similar to the original Mexican cuisine. Chili con carne, crispy chalupas, chili con queso, chili gravy, and fajitas are all Tex-Mex inventions that aren't really common in Mexico. In addition, whenever a restaurant serves chips and salsa or hot sauce as an appetizer, they are following the traditions of Tex-Mex, not Mexico.

It is common for all foods that are labeled Tex-Mex to be termed "Mexican" food in Texas, the United States, and other countries. Outside of the United States, the term is commonly synonymous with Southwestern cuisine.

In addition to creating their own foods, Tex-Mex took on a variety of American elements like yellow cheese. This occurred when goods from the United States became cheaply and readily available in the southern portion of Texas. In addition, Tex-Mex is characterized by the heavy use of melted cheese, meat (in particular beef), beans, and spices. The cuisine uses flour and corn tortillas which can be fried for the meal. In restaurants, a combination platter is common. These platters combine a variety of the original Tex-Mex creations onto a single plate.

Tex-Mex is also notorious for borrowing flavors from other spicy cuisines. It is particularly known for using cumin, typically found in Indian cuisines, in a much larger number of dishes than pure Mexican food would dictate.

Due to the popularity of Tex-Mex on the whole, a variety of local, regional, and national chains have sprung up to offer their fare across the country. These chains are both independent and otherwise. The chains include Chico's Tacos, Ninfa's, Chuy's, El Fenix, El Chico, Taco Cabana, On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina, Pancho's Mexican Buffet, and the now non-existent Chi-Chi's.

While it may sound odd, London is also home to a Tex-Mex restaurant. The Texas Embassy Cantina is located a mere 500 meters from the building which was the site of the former Texas Legation.