Here in Arizona, we know how to eat.

Over the years, there are some foods that have essentially become iconic. The following are eight foods that every Arizonan craves when they leave the state. See how many are your personal favorites:

1. A burrito (or burro, depending where in the state you’re from) from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Bubby/Flickr
Sometimes, the only solution to life’s problems is taking a bite out of a machaca burro. It’s even better when served wet!
2. Salsa that is the perfect blend of spice and heat when topped on some hot chips.
Ed/Flickr
Sometimes, it seems Arizona has a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to Mexican food. With so many transplants and out-of-towners, some restaurants tend to skimp on the heat and serve some kind of watery salsa that better resembles tomato juice. When you find that perfect restaurant that serves food with more complex flavors and more chiles in their salsa, you’ll never want to leave.
3. Easy access to handmade green corn tamales.
Noah Jacquemin/Flickr
It sounds so simple: a tamale stuffed with a bit of green chile strips, fresh corn kernels, and a bit of cheese. That’s all that’s needed to make this favorite dish but finding a mouthwatering version can get tough the further away you get from Arizona’s hub of Mexican restaurants. But, you know what? There’s no feeling quite like finally getting your hands on one!
4. Or the love you can taste in handmade tortillas.
Stacy/Flickr
Corn or flour, there’s nothing like savoring every bite of these with just about every meal.

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5. A quick, comforting dish from your favorite locally-owned fast food restaurant.
Pete’s Fish and Chips/Facebook
I’m an East Valley girl, so for me this means the Po’ Boy sammich from Ned’s Krazy Sub, a number one combo from the Pete’s Fish and Chips on Main, or a number 20 combo from Filis. What about you?
6. An icy cup of delicious Eegees.
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
This Tucson favorite is best known for its frozen drinks that feature different flavor specials each month and are the perfect remedy to a hot summer day.
7. A fluffy, savory Indian taco.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
Sure, you can find this dish in other states and even served in non-Indigenous restaurants but there’s nothing quite like the fry bread taco combination you can find here in Arizona. The fry bread is fluffy yet crisp and there’s a perfect ratio of bread to beans and toppings.
8. A perfect slice of pizza from your favorite locally-owned pizza joint.
Cookie M/Flickr
Looking for Chicago-style? Try Oregano’s but be prepared for a line. There are dozens of options for wood-fired pizzas, like Pizzeria Bianco, Pizzicletta, and Cibo. Plus, plenty of options for the thin-crusted New York-style, pizza by the slice, and other tasty favorites.

What are some of the foods you miss when leaving the state for any period of time?

In the mood to eat now? Check out some of our favorite local restaurants in 7 Legendary Family-Owned Restaurants In Arizona You Have To Try.

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