20 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Arizona

Arizona offers visitors an eclectic mix of classic Southwestern cooking fused with a dose of Mexican and the heat of Latin American cuisine. Most of these foods will surprise and delight you as the flavors are vibrant and diverse and offer a plethora of dishes to try. Many of these are considered food dishes that are symbols of Arizona. However, one unique thing about the food in Arizona is that it represents the cultures of its people. Locals and visitors enjoy modern fusion creations and classic Southwest dishes that will leave you wanting more. Furthermore, whether you are looking for a full-course meal or a quick bite, there are plenty of options to explore.

1. Pozole

This is a traditional Mexican stew or soup which is made from hominy. Hominy is a dried corn kernel soaked in lime water to eliminate the germ and hull. This meal is flavorful and hearty, often made from beef, chicken, pork, and various vegetables like garlic, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Also, the hominy used in the pozole adds an extraordinary texture and flavor that sets it apart from other stews and soups. Additionally, it is often topped with cilantro and served with tortillas. Pozole has strong Mexican roots, passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, it can vary depending on which family and region it comes from. But, no matter where it originates, it is hugely popular and enjoyed by many.

2. Ramen

This popular Asian dish has made its way around the world and has found great popularity in many places, including the southwest United States. Ramen bars have popped up all over Arizona and the Phoenix Valley. This dish comprises mainly ramen noodles that are boiled in a pork soup base. Then, it is served in a massive bowl with green onions, other vegetables, sliced pork, and a hard-boiled egg. In addition, it has become the norm to eat this dish with chopsticks.

3. Sonoran Hot Dog

This dish is originally from Mexico. A Sonoran hot dog is wrapped in bacon, served in a soft buttery bun, and topped with ingredients typically served on a taco. These ingredients include onions, salsa, and pinto beans. What could be tastier and more indulgent? This savory and rich favorite can be found in roadside taco trucks all over Arizona.

4. Chicken Fried Steak and Potatoes

If you are looking for food dishes that are absolute symbols of Arizona, look no further. People all over Arizona have enjoyed chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes for many years. It may seem like an unusual setting, but this dish can be found in school cafeterias in many elementary and junior schools all over the state. Chicken fried steak is a slender piece of beefsteak that is seasoned, coated, and deep-fried. This gives it a texture similar to a piece of deep-fried chicken. And, of course, it should be served with buttery mashed potatoes and smothered in gravy.

5. Indian Fry Bread (Sweet)

Indian fry bread is a sweet treat with pillowy dough that is deep-fried and topped with powdered sugar and honey. However, recently, there have been a few other variations, including topping this bread with strawberries and Nutella. These delightful treats can be found at fairs and carnivals throughout the state.

6. Cheese Crisp

Calling all quesadilla lovers. Many quesadilla lovers have added these to their list of favorite foods. The cheese crisp is made from a buttery tortilla left open and topped with heaps of all types of cheese. It is then popped in the oven for the cheese to melt and get crispy, hence the name. Then, it is served with salsa and sour cream for dipping. You can find these delicious cheese crisps at many traditional Mexican restaurants in Arizona.  

7. Barbeque Brisket or Chicken Sandwich

Even though Texas is the state known for its barbeque, don’t discount Arizona, as there are many hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can find a fantastic barbeque brisket or chicken sandwich. These delicious sandwiches consist of slightly toasted soft butter buns, topped with shredded brisket or chicken and smothered in homemade barbeque sauce. Additionally, you can order it mild or spicey.

8. Menudo

This Mexican dish is less well-known than tacos or enchiladas. However, the people in Arizona enjoy this dish, especially as a “hangover cure.” It is a soup that is made from tripe. Additionally, it contains hominy and spice, making it rich and delicious. Not everyone will love Menudo, but many Arizonans love this Mexican staple.

9. Prickly Pear Jelly on Toast

Prickly pear is a fruit that sprouts on cacti throughout the southwest. Native Americans used this versatile fruit for almost anything, such as a snack or medicinal purposes. Prickly pear can be used in several ways, but in Arizona, a favorite is to make it into a jelly. This is then served with toasted bread. Therefore, a few restaurants in this state have this on their menu, making it a food dish that is an absolute symbol of Arizona.

10. Street Tacos

Street tacos can be found in many food trucks and one-person stalls all over Arizona. These tacos can be filled with various fillings, such as chicken and carne asada. Then, they are topped with pico de gallo and cilantro. A portion is usually three to four tacos.

11. Ceviche

Ceviche is massively popular in Arizona. It is a South and Latin American classic and is often served as an appetizer at Mexican restaurants, with some tortillas or chips. The dish consists of uncooked fish marinated in citrus juice and mixed with red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and other ingredients. Therefore, this dish is zingy with a hint of heat.

12. Italian Sub Sandwich

This delicious soft sub is stuffed with Italian meats and provolone cheese. Then, locals add veggies and dowse it in a vinegar and oil dressing. Amazingly, it does not get soggy and can be devoured when bought or saved in the fridge for later. 

13. Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Arizona is known to be hot, and what better than to stop at one of the many Hawaiin shaved ice shops to get something cool? This refreshing treat is made from shaved ice, served in a cone or bowl, and topped with flavors such as tiger’s blood (watermelon and strawberry with a touch of coconut) and strawberry.

14. Chips and Salsa or Beans

Many Mexican restaurants all over the country serve chips and salsa. However, in Arizona, they take it to a new level. Homemade tortilla chips are topped with different varieties of green salsa and refried beans. 

15. Chimichanga

A deep-fried burrito does not describe this delicious dish adequately. This Mexican fiesta is usually filled with beef or beans and cheese and topped with sour cream, tomatoes, and lettuce. Sometimes, it can be covered in cheese or enchilada sauce.

16. Indian Fry Bread (Savory)

Also known as Navajo fry bread, this dish is a fan favorite in Arizona. It is a deep-fried pillowy dough filled with delicious toppings such as ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and olives.

17. Enchiladas

In Arizona, enchiladas are served on a hot plate and consist of lightly fried corn tortillas filled with marinated and shredded chicken. If that is not enough, it is topped with red or green enchilada sauce and cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. Lastly, it is served with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side.

18. Spicy Fruit Cup

Call it a dessert, a snack, or a main course, this dish is a firm favorite in Arizona. It consists of different fruits and vegetables, including mango, pineapple, watermelon, papaya, jicama, and cucumber. They are cut into big pieces and then dusted with tajin to make them a spicy fruit cup. Tajin is a seasoning made of sea salt, lime, and chili peppers. Additionally, you can add a drizzle of chamoy sauce, a spicy and sweet apricot sauce.

19. Tamales

This is a Mesoamerican dish that can be found in Arizona. It is made from masa, which is a corn and lard mixture. Then, it is filled with shredded and marinated chicken, pork, or beef. Tamales are wrapped in a corn husk and then steamed, delicious! 

20. Cheese Fries

The last of the food dishes that are an absolute symbol of Arizona is cheese fries. These are different from traditional nachos as hot and crispy fries are smothered in cheese that is melted and drizzled over the top. This dish has found its way as an appetizer on many menus in restaurants in Arizona.