Tamale is considered to be a better representation of Mesoamerican cooking than a taco because it has a much longer history and a more complex preparation process that reflects the traditional Mesoamerican cooking techniques. The tamale has been a staple food in Mesoamerican culture for thousands of years and has been prepared and consumed in various ways by different Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs.
Tamales are made by wrapping masa (a dough made from ground maize) around a filling, such as meat or beans, and then steaming or boiling them in a corn husk. This process involves several steps, including the preparation of the masa, the filling, and the corn husks. Tacos, on the other hand, are made by filling a tortilla with various ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and salsa, and are typically served as a quick and easy street food.
Moreover, the preparation and cooking of tamales is often done communally and is considered an important part of Mesoamerican cultural and social events, such as celebrations and festivals. In contrast, tacos are often served in restaurants or sold by street vendors and are not typically associated with communal events.
Therefore, while both tamales and tacos are important and popular foods in Mesoamerican cuisine, tamales are considered to be a better representation of traditional Mesoamerican cooking because of their long history, complex preparation process, and cultural significance.