No trip will be complete without trying out the best local food. So, if you find yourself vacationing in the warm deserts of Tucson, make sure you find time on your schedule to check out their specialty food and drinks. As a reminder during your travels, Tucson food and drinks you shouldn’t miss are listed below.
Mexican cuisine heavily influences the food in Tucson, mainly because it borders Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. But aside from that, there are a lot more delicious options you can enjoy, regardless of your preference and budget.
To get you started, here are some must-have foods and drinks you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Tucson.
1. Breakfast Burrito
Grabbing a burrito is the perfect choice if you are in the mood for something that’s rich in flavors. It’s simple and portable, too, so you can have it with you even as you explore the beauty of Tucson.
A must-try breakfast menu item in this city is the breakfast burrito. Starting with a giant tortilla, they wrap it around scrambled eggs and other ingredients like potatoes, peppers, onions, cheese, beans, and salsa. To make it richer or fuller, you can take a pick of your favorite meat—chorizo, bacon, or carnitas. Lastly, add some avocado or guacamole on top to complete the meal.
As a bonus, many to go places usually wrap the breakfast burritos in aluminum foil, so you can enjoy the burrito once it’s cooked and ready to eat.
2. Prickly Pear Margarita
Tucson is home to numerous species of cacti so it’s only fitting to enjoy a margarita that uses the fruit of the prickly pear. This sweet, prickly fruit has the texture of fruit and the tart taste of a lemon. Chefs also commonly use it in making desserts and jams due to its sweet taste and gummy texture.
3. Lindy’s Challenge Burger
If you’re a burger enthusiast, Lindy’s Challenge Burger is a must-try for you. You can have a pick of the OMFG Burger or the Burnout burger, depending on your tastes.
The OMFG comes with three pounds of Lindy’s house-seasoned beef, packed with cheddar, swiss cheese, Lindy’s secret sauce, onion, lettuce, and tomatoes. If you are up for something hot, the Burnout adds on jalapenos, ghost pepper sauce, green chilis, guacamole, and pepper jack cheese.
Now, what’s the challenge? Finish your choice from these burger monsters within 20 minutes, and it’s free!
4. Birria
If you love spicy Mexican food, then you have to check out the birria in this city. It’s a stew made from a goat or lamb. Tucsonians usually braise the meat for 8 hours in a tomato and chili sauce.
Traditionally, many serve birria in a tortilla, but the Arizona locals have been turning the dish into a taco by putting the meat and other ingredients inside a soft or hard shell.
5. Sonoran Hot Dog
The Sonoran Hot Dog carries a heavy influence from Mexican cuisine. People wrap a hot dog in bacon and serve in a bolillo roll. Chefs typically top it with mayonnaise, pinto beans, onions, Mexican cheese, and jalapeno salsa.
One of the local places that serve this dish has been voted as the best hot dog restaurant in Tucson. If you want to give it a try, head on to El Guero Canelo, the place known for serving up the tastiest Sonoran hot dogs.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a great city to visit? Tucson is a laidback, comfortable destination that offers something for everyone. With its mounds of history and outdoor activities, this one is well worth the visit. During your travels Tucson food and drinks you shouldn’t miss are fun to try and find.
Have an authentic culinary experience in Tucson with Food Fire + Knives is coming soon. When you book the service of private chef in Tucson, you will get to know local meals with a deeper understanding, whether you opt for Latin cuisine, Southern cuisine, or a touch of both.
