Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, boasts a unique culinary landscape shaped by indigenous ingredients and diverse cultural influences. When you think of Phoenix, Arizona, a vibrant food scene might not be the first thing that springs to mind. However, Phoenix is a culinary gem waiting to be discovered, offering a taste of Arizona’s rich gastronomic heritage. From Sonoran hot dogs to fry bread and prickly pear margaritas, prepare to embark on a flavorful journey through Phoenix and beyond, exploring the iconic foods that define Arizona cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking dishes deeply rooted in Arizona’s history or unique indigenous ingredients found nowhere else, these 9 foods showcase the diversity of the state’s people and heritage, with many culinary hotspots located right in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Consider this your essential foodie checklist for exploring what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
1. Sonoran Hot Dog
Where to find it: El Guero Canelo and BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, both in Tucson (and with locations easily accessible from Phoenix)
When asking “What Food Is Phoenix Arizona Known For?”, the Sonoran Hot Dog is often at the top of the list. While originating just south of the border in Sonora, Mexico, and incredibly popular in Tucson, the Sonoran hot dog has become an iconic Arizona street food, readily found and deeply loved in Phoenix. Think of it as the Southwest’s answer to Chicago deep-dish pizza – a must-try for locals and tourists alike. Believed to have emerged in the 1940s, this south-of-the-border twist on the American classic features a split-top bolillo roll cradling a bacon-wrapped hot dog. It’s then generously topped with pinto beans, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and sometimes cotija cheese or crema. For an authentic Sonoran hot dog experience near Phoenix, visit locations of El Guero Canelo or BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs. El Guero Canelo even received a James Beard 2018 America’s Classics award for their outstanding version, making it a benchmark for what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
2. Fry Bread
Where to find it: Fry Bread House, Phoenix; Hopi Cultural Center, Second Mesa; and Hope’s Frybread, Mesa (near Phoenix)
Fry bread is another key answer when exploring “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for?”. With a complex history dating back to 1864 and the Navajo “Long Walk,” fry bread tells a story of resilience and resourcefulness. During this forced deportation from Arizona to New Mexico, the Navajo people, with limited supplies, ingeniously combined flour, water, salt, and baking powder, frying the dough in lard. Today, fry bread has been embraced by various tribes and is a staple across Arizona, including Phoenix. This fluffy, golden bread is incredibly versatile. It can be served savory, topped with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, or sweet, with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon. For a taste in Phoenix, Fry Bread House is a renowned spot offering the Tohono O’odham tribe’s take on this dish. Alternatively, Hope’s Frybread in Mesa provides a Navajo-style rendition, both offering a delicious insight into what food Phoenix Arizona is known for and its rich cultural heritage.
3. Chimichanga
Where to find it: El Charro Café (locations in Phoenix area)
The chimichanga, or “chimi,” is a deep-fried burrito that holds a special place in Arizona’s culinary identity and frequently comes up when discussing “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for”. Legend credits its creation to El Charro Café in Tucson in the early 1920s. The story goes that founder Monica Flin accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep fryer, supposedly exclaiming “chimichanga” – a polite Spanish equivalent of “thingamajig.” This accidental invention has become a beloved Arizona staple, including in Phoenix where El Charro Café has expanded with locations accessible from the city. A large burrito is deep-fried to golden perfection and typically served with sour cream and guacamole. For an extra layer of flavor, ask for it “enchilada style” – smothered in red or green enchilada sauce and cheese, a truly decadent way to experience what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
4. Prickly Pear Margarita
Where to find it: Javelina Cantina, Sedona (widely available in Phoenix bars and restaurants)
When considering “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for,” don’t forget the drinks! The Prickly Pear Margarita is a quintessential Arizona beverage, showcasing the unique flavors of the Sonoran Desert, which surrounds Phoenix. The prickly pear cactus, or nopal, thrives in this region, producing edible fruit used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. The syrup, with its vibrant color and subtly sweet and tangy flavor, is the star ingredient in this margarita twist. Mixed with tequila and lime, it creates a refreshing and distinctly Arizona cocktail. While Javelina Cantina in Sedona is mentioned, you’ll find Prickly Pear Margaritas in countless bars and restaurants throughout Phoenix. Enjoy it frozen or on the rocks, and it perfectly complements the spicy and savory dishes that define what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
5. Cheese Crisp
Where to find it: Casa Reynoso, Tempe (near Phoenix)
The cheese crisp is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s undeniably part of “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for,” especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Imagine an open-faced quesadilla, Arizona-style. It starts with a large flour tortilla stretched thin on a pizza pan, brushed with butter, and toasted in the oven until lightly crispy and just starting to curl. Then, it’s generously topped with cheese – often cheddar or a blend – and sometimes green chiles for a bit of heat. Back into the oven it goes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into pizza-like slices, it’s a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Casa Reynoso in nearby Tempe, with a family history dating back to the 1930s, is a great place to experience authentic cheese crisps, made with recipes passed down from their nana, offering a true taste of what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
6. Route 66 Beer
Where to find it: Mother Road Brewing, Flagstaff (widely distributed in Phoenix)
While not food, beer is an integral part of the culinary experience, and Route 66 Beer from Mother Road Brewing in Flagstaff contributes to answering “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for?” in a broader sense. Inspired by the adventurous spirit of the legendary Route 66, Mother Road Brewing crafts road-trip-themed beers that capture the essence of Arizona. Though the brewery is in Flagstaff, their beers, including the popular Tower Station IPA and Limited Visibility hazy IPA, are widely available in Phoenix bars, restaurants, and stores. Enjoying a Route 66 Beer provides a taste of Arizona’s craft beer scene and complements the diverse flavors of what food Phoenix Arizona is known for.
7. Mesquite Pod Flour
Where to find it: Native Seeds/SEARCH, Tucson (available online and some specialty stores in Phoenix)
For a truly unique ingredient that speaks to “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for” from an indigenous perspective, explore mesquite pod flour. Made from the dried, ground pods of mesquite trees, this staple of American Indian diets has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and is considered a superfood, packed with protein and calcium. Arizona chefs, including those in Phoenix, are increasingly experimenting with mesquite flour, incorporating it into breads, pizza dough, pancakes, muffins, and cookies. For a taste, look for mesquite chocolate chip cookie mixes or baked goods at specialty stores in Phoenix or online from Native Seeds/SEARCH in Tucson. It offers a sustainable and flavorful way to experience a unique aspect of what food Phoenix Arizona is known for and its connection to native ingredients.
8. Medjool Dates
Where to find it: Martha’s Gardens, Yuma (widely available in Phoenix grocery stores and farmers markets)
While Yuma is known as America’s lettuce capital, it’s also a haven for Medjool date groves, producing a significant amount of dates enjoyed throughout Arizona, including Phoenix. Medjool dates, naturally sweet and incredibly tasty, are a significant agricultural product of Arizona and contribute to “what food is Phoenix Arizona is known for” in terms of local produce. While Martha’s Gardens is in Yuma, you can easily find Medjool dates in Phoenix grocery stores, farmers markets, and restaurants. Enjoy them as a healthy snack, in smoothies, desserts, or even savory dishes, experiencing a sweet taste of Arizona’s agricultural richness and what food Phoenix Arizona is known for beyond just prepared meals.
9. Pie
Where to find it: Rock Springs Cafe (a day trip from Phoenix)
Pie might seem like a general American food, but when considering “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for,” the pie at Rock Springs Cafe deserves a mention. While not unique to Arizona, Rock Springs Cafe, a historic spot dating back to the early 1900s, serves up pie that’s simply exceptional and a beloved Arizona tradition. Located in Black Canyon City, a short drive from Phoenix, it’s a popular stop for those exploring Arizona. Their pies, with thick, shortening crusts, lattice tops, and rich, goopy fillings, evoke nostalgic memories of homemade goodness. Fan favorites like the Jack Daniel’s pecan pie are must-tries. While pie isn’t exclusively “Phoenix food,” a road trip from Phoenix to Rock Springs Cafe for a slice is a quintessential Arizona experience and part of the broader culinary landscape of what food Phoenix Arizona is known for and its surrounding region.
Arizona’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of history, culture, and unique flavors. While this list spans the state, many of these iconic foods and ingredients are readily available and celebrated in Phoenix. So, when wondering “what food is Phoenix Arizona known for?”, remember this list and get ready to explore the diverse and delicious tastes of the Grand Canyon State, right in its vibrant capital city.
