Best Foods to Try in Phoenix: Phoenix, Arizona, is a city that is renowned for its warm climate and thriving culinary scene. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to experience some new flavors, Phoenix is a food lover’s paradise. From authentic Mexican cuisine to mouthwatering barbecue, there is something for everyone to try. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best foods to try in Phoenix and where to find them.
Best Foods to Try in Phoenix
- Tacos
When it comes to Mexican food, Phoenix is the place to be. One of the most popular dishes in the city is tacos. These delicious treats can be found in a variety of styles and flavors, from traditional street tacos to fusion varieties. Some of the best places to find tacos in Phoenix include La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop, Tacos Chiwas, and Cocina Madrigal.
At La Santisima Gourmet Taco Shop, you’ll find a wide variety of tacos, including their famous Cochinita Pibil, which is slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote. Tacos Chiwas, on the other hand, is known for its Chihuahua-style tacos, which are made with fresh, handmade tortillas and a variety of fillings, including carne asada, pork adobada, and even potatoes. And at Cocina Madrigal, you’ll find an innovative take on traditional Mexican dishes, including their popular duck confit tacos.
- Barbecue
If you’re a fan of smoked meats and tangy sauces, Phoenix has plenty of barbecue joints to satisfy your cravings. Some of the best barbecue spots in the city include Little Miss BBQ, Trapp Haus BBQ, and Bobby-Q’s.
At Little Miss BBQ, you’ll find some of the best brisket and ribs in town, slow-smoked over oak and pecan wood for a rich, smoky flavor. Trapp Haus BBQ is known for its St. Louis-style ribs and pulled pork, as well as its signature sauces, including a tangy mustard-based sauce and a spicy habanero sauce. And Bobby-Q’s offers a wide variety of barbecue favorites, including beef brisket, pulled pork, and baby back ribs, as well as unique dishes like BBQ mac and cheese and BBQ chicken salad.
- Sonoran Hot Dogs
One of the most iconic foods in Phoenix is the Sonoran hot dog. This delicious creation features a hot dog wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection, then topped with a variety of toppings, including beans, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapenos. Some of the best places to try a Sonoran hot dog in Phoenix include El Güero Canelo, Nogales Hot Dogs, and Phoenix Coqui.
El Güero Canelo is a Tucson-based chain that has gained a cult following for its delicious Sonoran hot dogs. The hot dogs are wrapped in bacon and grilled until crispy, then topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of sauces. Nogales Hot Dogs is a family-owned business that has been serving Sonoran hot dogs for over 30 years. Their hot dogs are grilled over mesquite wood for a smoky flavor and topped with a secret sauce that’s sure to please. And Phoenix Coqui offers a unique take on the Sonoran hot dog, with toppings like plantains, avocado, and pickled onions.
- Chimichangas
Another popular dish in Phoenix is the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables. Some of the best places to try chimichangas in Phoenix include Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen, Casa Reynoso, and Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen is a Phoenix institution that has been serving up delicious chimichangas since 1946. Their chimichangas are filled with your choice of shredded beef, chicken, or shredded pork, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Casa Reynoso is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine for over 40 years. Their chimichangas are a customer favorite, with a variety of fillings, including ground beef, shredded beef, and chicken. And at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, you’ll find a wide variety of chimichangas, including vegetarian options like spinach and mushroom chimichanga.
- Fry Bread
Fry bread is a traditional Native American dish that has become a staple in Southwestern cuisine. It’s made from a simple dough of flour, salt, and water, then fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Fry bread can be enjoyed plain or topped with a variety of ingredients, including honey, powdered sugar, or savory toppings like beans and cheese. Some of the best places to try to fry bread in Phoenix include The Fry Bread House, Wandering Horse Buffet, and Pocahontas Cafe.
The Fry Bread House is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up delicious fry bread for over 20 years. Their fry bread is made fresh to order and can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef, green chilies, and cheese. Wandering Horse Buffet, located at Talking Stick Resort, offers a wide variety of Native American cuisine, including their famous fry bread. And Pocahontas Cafe, located in the Heard Museum, offers a unique twist on fry bread, with toppings like berries and whipped cream.
- Salsa
No Mexican meal is complete without a delicious salsa to top it off. Phoenix is home to a variety of salsas, from mild and flavorful to hot and spicy. Some of the best salsas in Phoenix can be found at Los Dos Molinos, Barrio Cafe, and Comedor Guadalajara.
Los Dos Molinos is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic New Mexican cuisine for over 40 years. Their salsa is made from a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations and is the perfect combination of heat and flavor. Barrio Cafe is known for its innovative take on traditional Mexican dishes and offers a wide variety of salsas, including its famous guacamole salsa. And Comedor Guadalajara is a popular spot for traditional Mexican fare, with a salsa bar that features a variety of salsas and toppings, including pickled jalapenos, carrots, and onions.
- Navajo Tacos
Navajo tacos are another traditional Native American dish that has become popular in Phoenix. They feature a large piece of fry bread topped with ground beef, beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Some of the best places to try Navajo tacos in Phoenix include Fry Bread House Too, Joe’s Diner, and Tocasierra Spa & Resort.
Fry Bread House Too is a sister restaurant to The Fry Bread House and offers a variety of traditional Native American dishes, including Navajo tacos. Their tacos are loaded with toppings and are a customer favorite. Joe’s Diner is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch and is known for its delicious Navajo tacos, which can be enjoyed with your choice of toppings. And Tocasierra Spa & Resort is a hidden gem that serves up delicious Navajo tacos and other traditional Native American dishes.
Conclusion Best Foods to Try in Phoenix
Phoenix is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of cuisines and flavors to satisfy any palate. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican dishes or want to try some innovative takes on classic favorites, Phoenix has it all. From tacos to fry bread and everything in between, the city offers a diverse range of delicious foods that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, Phoenix has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its food. From the tangy flavors of salsa to the crispy and savory chimichangas, Mexican food in Phoenix is a must-try for any foodie. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or modern twists on classics, Phoenix has plenty of options to choose from.
But it’s not just Mexican cuisine that Phoenix is known for. The city also offers a variety of other cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian. For Italian food, try out the pasta dishes at Cibo or the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco. For Mediterranean cuisine, visit Haji-Baba for its famous gyros or Pita Jungle for its healthy and flavorful salads. And for Asian cuisine, check out Clever Koi for its inventive dishes or Nobuo at Teeter House for its upscale Japanese cuisine.
In addition to its diverse range of restaurants, Phoenix is also home to a thriving food truck scene. Food trucks can be found at various locations throughout the city, serving up a variety of cuisines from tacos and burgers to sushi and ice cream. Some of the most popular food trucks in Phoenix include Short Leash Hot Dogs, Aioli Gourmet Burgers, and Mingo’s Louisiana Kitchen.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the food scene in Phoenix is a must-do activity. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds and leaves you wanting more. So grab a fork (or a taco), and get ready to experience the best foods that Phoenix has to offer.
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