Although first mass-produced commercially in the U.S. in Los Angeles in the late 1940s,[1] tortilla chips grew out of Mexican cuisine, where similar items were well known, such as totopos and tostadas.

Commercial brand names for tortilla chips include Tostitos, Doritos, Phileas Fogg snacks, and Don Tacos (in Japan).

"They originated in the small Mexican town of Piedras Negras in 1943 and were invented by restaurateur Ignacio 'Nacho' Anaya.

"[4] Nachos are tortilla chips served with melted or shredded cheese, although often other toppings are added or substituted, such as meat, salsa (such as pico de gallo), refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, diced onions, olives, and pickled jalapeños.

More elaborate nachos are often baked for a short period of time to warm the tortillas and melt shredded cheese.