British baker's criticism of Mexican 'ugly' bread triggers social media outrage

"A blunt critique of Mexican bread by a British baker sparked a cascade of social media outrage, ultimately leading to a public apology. In an interview for a food-themed podcast that resurfaced online, Richard Hart, the co-founder of Green Rhino bakery in Mexico City and a well-known figure in international baking circles, said Mexicans "don't really have much of a bread culture," adding that "They make sandwiches on these white, ugly rolls that are pretty cheap and industrially made.""

"His comments quickly rippled across Instagram, TikTok and X, with many Mexicans accusing him of being dismissive and insulting of Mexico's traditional breads. What began as a dispute over bread soon ignited a national debate over food identity - not only over who defines Mexican culinary traditions, but also over the growing influence of foreigners in a capital already tense from a surge of U.S. expatriates and tourists."

Richard Hart, co-founder of Green Rhino bakery in Mexico City, said Mexicans "don't really have much of a bread culture," adding that "They make sandwiches on these white, ugly rolls that are pretty cheap and industrially made." His comments resurfaced online and spread across Instagram, TikTok and X, prompting many Mexicans to accuse him of being dismissive of Mexico's traditional breads. The remarks sparked a national debate over food identity and the influence of foreigners amid a surge of U.S. expatriates and tourists. Social media users defended staples such as bolillos and conchas and highlighted neighborhood bakeries' cultural role. Wheat bread introduced during the colonial period evolved into a distinct national tradition blending European techniques with local tastes.

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