tostada

A tostada is a flat, crispy tortilla that serves as the base for various toppings. The term comes from Spanish tostar, meaning to toast.

Tostadas are typically made from corn tortillas; they are fried in oil until crisp or baked until hard. They may range in size from small to about six or seven inches in diameter.

Common toppings include refried beans, shredded chicken or pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, salsa, and crema. Some regional variants feature seafood, such as tostada de ceviche. The dish can be eaten as a meal or a snack.

In Mexico and Central America, tostadas are common in home cooking and street cuisine; in the United States they are associated with Mexican-American cuisine and are often served with a wide variety of toppings. They are distinct from tortilla chips, which are not assembled into a finished dish.