What Happened When Canadians Asked: “What Foods Are Uniquely Arizona?”

When I was growing up, our family lived in many places, but I never felt at home until I moved to Arizona.

I've been here three decades now, and there's nowhere I'd rather be. From the scenery to the friendly people to the food and culture, Arizona is a wonderful place to live.

Arizona is also a great place to EAT. We have some fantastic flavors in our state, and we're not the only ones who've noticed.

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Canada Asks Arizona Reddit: What Are Some Uniquley Arizonan Foods?

User Pacific Albatross took to Reddit r/Arizona and asked what foods are unique to Arizona:

Hey All! Non-Arizonan here (up in Canada). Me and a buddy have been talking a lot lately of foods we know of that are unique to various states (we're super exciting folks) and we haven't been able to think of anything from Arizona so far. Figured I'd come here and ask, what are some uniquely Arizonan foods (including variations on otherwise common food)?

Nothing gives you a sense of place more than unique flavors. Arizona has flavors and foods you can't find anywhere else.

The answers came flooding in from around the state. Redditers agreed: Arizona is home to some of the best Mexican food in the nation. Plus, dishes were created from foods that only grow in the desert Southwest, and Arizona's indigenous populations created food.

Here are some of the best comments from the Reddit thread. Do you agree? What did Reddit miss?

Green Corn Tamales

The poster didn't elaborate; he just added this culinary delight to the list.

Chimichangas Were Invented in Tucson

Chimichangas were invented in Tucson at El Charro restaurant when the chef dropped a burrito into hot oil and muttered a Spanish epithet. The name was cleaned up a little and became today's legendary dish.

Another Redditor noted that Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

READ: These Arizona Restaurants Are TV Famous

Fry Bread & Indian Tacos

If you've ever been to any of Arizona's county fairs or to the state fair, you've probably had Fry Bread at least once.

Prickly Pear Anything!

This Reddit post is right: prickly pear, anything is very Arizona. Prickly Pear is a sweet, fruity flavor that you have to experience to understand.

In Arizona, you can find prickly pear jam, jelly, candy, margaritas, lemonade and a lot of other products. It's sometimes paired with zesty and spicy flavors for a uniquely Arizona taste!

READ: Top 3 Ethnic Restaurants in Sierra Vista

Sonoran Hot Dogs and Cheese Crisp

You've never had a hot dog until you've had a Sonoran Hot Dog. 

Chicago and New York have a version of a hot dog, but for an utterly unique take, you've got to try this.

Imagine a delicious and unique twist on a traditional hot dog. The hot dog is wrapped in bacon and then grilled.

The bacon-wrapped dog is lovingly placed on a soft, slightly sweet bolillo-style bun and topped with an incredible range of flavorful ingredients, like pinto beans, onions, pico de gallo, jalapeños, mayo, mustard, and spicy salsa.

You can try picking this up and eating it like any other hot dog, but it's so loaded with goodness that using a knife and fork is easier!

Enchilada Fries

Enchilada fries. I can't vouch for this as a uniquely Arizona dish, but I imagine it's fries covered with enchilada sauce and other deliciousness. I'm willing to give this a try. It sounds yummy!

Sources: Reddit | r/Arizona | Atlas Obscura | Tucson City of Gastronomy