If You Grew Up In Arizona, You Definitely Love These 8 Classic Dishes
By Monica Spencer|Published March 26, 2018
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
If there’s anything that makes me think of home, food is the one thing that always does it. There are so many delicious dishes based in Arizona, but here’s a look at a handful that we think just about every Arizonan has tasted at least once.
If you didn't grow up in the Sonoran Desert, chances are you grew up calling this a burrito but it's basically the same thing. Variations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are common; there's nothing quite like biting into a steaming breakfast burrito on a chilly morning with a cup of coffee sitting next to you. Props if you found a local burrito vendor who sells these in a store parking lot or on the street corner because you're in for a treat!
The cheese crisp is perfect for those days you don't feel like folding over the tortilla for a quesadilla. Add some jalapeños on top for an especially tasty (and Arizona style) treat.
Oh, the chimi! We love it so much that at least three different Arizona restaurants have claimed to be the ones to invent this dish. The chimi is essentially a burro dropped in a deep fryer until golden brown then optionally topped with sauce and cheese. Get ready to loosen your belt after eating this!
If you've never had the chance to partake in the chilly glee that these drinks offer on a hot summer day in southern Arizona, then you're missing out! Definitely make sure you try one of their flavors of the month for an extra special treat.
What would you get if you deep fried flattened tortilla dough? Something like this, a golden, puffy bread which is delicious served steaming hot as is, topped with honey or powdered sugar, or...
A bacon-wrapped hot dog stuffed in a bolillo bun and topped with mayo, mustard, onions, beans, tomatoes, and chiles. What's not to like about this version?
Just like the burros, props if you have a grandmother or local tamale vendor who is able to hook you up with an armful of these moist treats. Tell me, do you prefer yours served as is from the husk or topped with sauce, cheese, and other foods?
Yummm, I’m starting to get hungry! What is a classic Arizona dish you absolutely love that you think should have been featured here?
