The Great British Bake Off spoilers follow.
The Great British Bake Off is facing criticism, with viewers accusing the show of cultural appropriation and perpetuating stereotypes following a Mexican-themed episode.
The episode, which aired on Channel 4 last Tuesday (October 4) saw hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas wearing sombreros and shaking maracas, mispronunciations with words like 'pico de gallo' and 'guacamole', and dishes that according to chefs relied on “cuisine clichés”.
In a report by The Guardian, several chefs have criticised the show for its outdated and stereotypical presentation of Mexican culture.
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Ned Dudhia, the co-founder of Breddos Tacos, said: “Because of what’s happening in the culinary scene in London, people’s minds are being opened to what real Mexican food is, then The Great British Bake Off comes and kicks that back ten years.
"It’s almost as though no research or respect was shown to the culture and cuisine. Mexican food culture is stepping out of the shadow of sombreros and all those silly things and into a place where people are starting to understand how beautiful, complex and understated the cuisine is."
Adriana Cavita, a London-based chef who grew up near Mexico City, also criticised the depiction of her native culture on the show, saying: "For me, it’s a bit sad to see this kind of thing because knowing my culture and my country, I feel it’s more than just a cactus and a sombrero.
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"It makes me feel that we are undervalued. The world has evolved so much that I cannot believe people think about other countries like they were 100 years ago."
Thomasina Miers, the author of several Mexican cookbooks, said the country is one of the most "misunderstood" when it comes to cuisine, with its food regularly being viewed as "cheap and unhealthy".
Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
It isn't the first time the show has come under fire for cultural insensitivity, with a Japanese-themed episode being similarly criticised in 2020.
Due to the twist in the previous week where nobody was sent home, Mexican week saw a double elimination, with James and Rebs departing the show.
The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, it's known as The Great British Baking Show, and streams on Netflix. Bake Off: An Extra Slice, hosted by Tom Allen and Jo Brand, airs on Fridays at 8pm on Channel 4.
