Surrounded by amazingly beautiful views, Arizona is also a great destination for gourmets. If you fancy Mexican or Native American food, Arizona offers some incredible tasting dishes for you. But what food is Arizona known for? Here is the article from taste of Arizona for popular dishes and where to find them in the state:
Sonoran Hot Dog: Top Street Food of Arizona
For anyone considering street food in the region, particularly in Arizona, the Sonoran hot dog is unique. A seasoned beef sausage is grilled and packed into a soft, slightly toasted bun, layered with pinto beans, fresh tomatoes, onions, relish, jalapeños, mustard, and a tangy mayo-mustard sauce. You should try this in cities like Mesa, Tucson, or Phoenix.
Chimichangas: A Deep-Fried Delight
Though people in Arizona love chimichangas, many attribute the dish to the town of Tucson. A flour tortilla is tightly wrapped around seasoned beef, chicken, beans, and cheese—sometimes with guacamole—then deep-fried until crunchy and golden brown for a mouth-watering meal. At Old School Grub, you can enjoy this crispy treat, where traditional meals have been given a contemporary touch, bringing out the best in their chimichangas.
Prickly Pear Cactus: A Unique Arizona Ingredient
In Arizona, food without prickly pear cactus, or “tuna,” can seem incomplete. From cocktails to sauces and preserves, this cactus fruit adds a delicious shade of red and pink to dishes.
Arizona Beef: Tender and Flavorful
Currently, Arizona is famous for its high-quality beef production, thanks to extensive cattle farming. Rich and juicy, it’s ideal for carne asada, steaks, and burgers. If you’re searching for tender beef dishes, check out local restaurants in Arizona, with upcoming food tours showcasing the best options.
Mesquite Flour
Mesquite pod flour, made from mesquite tree pods, has a nutty taste similar to walnuts and serves as a gluten-free substitute for regular flour. It is commonly used in bread, pancakes, and even cookies, often found in dishes offered by local Arizona restaurants to provide a taste of what the desert offers.
Tacos: Sort of Like a Mexican Classic but Arizona’s Own
Tacos represent Arizona cuisine well, filled with carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, packed inside soft corn tortillas and served with cilantro, onions, salsa, and a dash of lime juice.
Sweet Corn: A Local Favorite in Arizona
Sweet corn thrives in Arizona’s warm climate and is cherished for its soft texture and intense flavor. It’s often prepared on the BBQ or steamed with butter, salt, chili powder, or lime juice. Sweet corn can be a side dish or combined with other plates, like Sonoran hot dogs or chimichangas, and is commonly served at local spots such as Old School Grub.
Salsa: A Must-Have with Every Meal
Arizona’s salsa, often made from roasted tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, sometimes offers barbeque flavors. It accompanies meals like tacos, chips, and grilled meats. At Sassy’s Cafe & Bakery or Erysian Fields, salsa adds a bright touch to every meal.
Flour Tortillas: Coming Soft and Fresh from Local Kitchens
A good flour tortilla is essential in Arizona cuisine. Whether as chips or the base for burritos, quesadillas, or tacos, soft chewy tortillas hold everything together. Local spots like Nate’s BBQ use tortillas as a support for their star dishes.
Craft Beer
Craft beer has seen a boom in Arizona, with local breweries experimenting with flavors like chili pepper, citrus, and prickly pear. These brews pair well with Arizona’s spicy and strong-flavored foods.
Conclusion
So, what food is Arizona known for? Consumer preferences have given rise to diverse offerings, from the spicy Sonoran hot dog and crunchy chimichangas to prickly pear cactus dishes and Arizona beef. Local eateries, such as Sassy’s Cafe & Bakery and Nate’s BBQ, offer unique cuisine that showcases the state’s flavors.