Posted in Arizona July 19, 2017 by

Only True Arizonans Have Eaten These 11 Legendary Dishes

A quick show of hands: do you know what it means to order your meal Christmas style? Do you know the difference between a cheese crisp and a quesadilla? Or do you know exactly how to make the perfect pitcher of sun tea?

Well, we have a list for you that includes some of Arizona’s best, most iconic foods! How many of these have you tried at least once?

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Okay, let’s start this list with a homegrown Arizona favorite: the chimichanga.
Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants/Facebook
Do you like yours wet or dry?
2. The Sonoran hot dog is another regional favorite that adds a Southwestern flair to the humble weiner.
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Mmm, bacon and beans on a hot dog.
3. The ooey, gooey cheese crisp served piping hot from the oven is always a winner.
Charles Haynes/Flickr
You can’t go wrong with cheese on a tortilla. So simple but so satisfying.
4. Any meal served with a glass of homebrewed sun tea.
Kellie/Flickr
I know this isn’t exactly an Arizona-specific drink but a lot of people I know grew up drinking this in the summer. In fact, my mom brewed hers in the exact same container.
5. A date smoothie harvested and served at Dateland is another favorite!
Dateland Travel Center/Facebook
If you love butter pecan and other rich flavors, you’ll love this! See our recent article for details.
6. Or, for something a little lighter, a frozen drink at Eegees is a great way to stay cool in the summer.
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Their flavor of the month is always a winner!
7. Another refreshing drink for a hot day: prickly pear lemonade.
Erinn/Flickr
It's not a meal but this stuff is seriously good.
8. A quick meal at a favorite local chain, like Lenny’s Burgers, Pete’s Fish and Chips, or the aforementioned Eegees.
Pete’s Fish & Chips/Facebook
9. Or, for something more refined, try a steak and glass of wine from the Stockyards Steakhouse in Phoenix, Silver Saddle Steakhouse in Tucson, or the Horsemen Lodge in Flagstaff.
Stephen A./Yelp
These are the places to eat if you want to feel like a million bucks!
10. If you’re looking for something unique and difficult to find anywhere else, try a roll of the crispy, paper-thin piki bread from Hopi communities.
Alan Levine/Flickr
For a chance to sample them, try hitting up one of the Indian markets in your nearest city.
11. A burger (or just about anything, really) topped with jalapeños is heavenly.
Rainchurch/Flickr
This needs more jalapeños. Most Arizonans eat jalapeños like they’re going out of style.

Do you have a favorite iconic meal that always reminds you of your home in Arizona? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

You can check out more favorite Arizona food and restaurants by reading about eateries on Route 66. Some of our favorites can be found in Here Are 13 Iconic Restaurants Along Arizona’s Route 66 That You Need To Try.