New Mexican food culture is truly one of the most unique in the county. Even though these favorites are served frequently all over New Mexico, they are not often seen outside of the state. Don’t miss out adding stops to taste ALL of these treats when planning a trip to New Mexico.
Hatch green chilies, grown in southern New Mexico are a state treasure. Both spicy and sweet, they are super versatile and can be found in everything from salsa to burger toppings to apple pie. The flavor is truly unique. Even if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, give these a try more than once.
Where to find it: Allover! One of the most famous spots is Sadies of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Their award winning green chili tops just about everything on the menu,
Bizcochitos are crispy, butter based cookies flavored with cinnamon and anise. They are traditionally baked for weddings and holidays, but can be found year round at many bakeries.
Where to find it: My favorite version is made by the French Pastry Shop and Restaurant in Santa Fe.
Similar to pine nuts, pinions are actually seeds of the Pinion tree. When roasted, they take on a buttery, creamy flavor. They are difficult to both grow and harvest, which explains their scarcity and higher retail price. Farmers like to say that a good crop of pinion nuts only comes around once every seven years. So don’t pass them up!
Where to find it: If you are lucky enough to see a farmer on the roadside selling Pinions from his truck, stop and get some. Since fresh nuts are not always available, consider ordering some from Pinion Nut Company.
Not a pear at all, this is actually the hot pink fruit of a certain species of cactus. It tastes like a sweet tropical watermelon..and it turns everything neon pink! I’ve seen prickly pear ice cream, candy, doughnuts and more. My favorite though, prickly pear margaritas.
Where to find it: Menus across the state feature prickly pear margaritas, but The Shed in Santa Fe is said to have one of the best.
This confused me at first because it is both the name of the main ingredient and of the actual dish! Posole is a New Mexican stew, the main ingredient being Posole (a type of hominy.) It’s a traditional comfort food and holiday dish made with pork and chiles and served with a variety of toppings.
Where to find it: El Parasol has been a local staple since the 1960s and now has 6 locations around Santa Fe serving their famous Posole.
Large chucks of pork are marinated and slow cooked in red chili sauce to create this one of a kind stew. The tender and spicy meat is served over rice or in a tortilla. Yes it is spicy, but the depth of flavors achieved through the long cooking process are well rounded rather than in your face heat.
Where to find it: Rancho De Chimayo is famous for its Carne Adovada.
These sweet, fried pastries are as common with a meal in New Mexico as a tortilla. They are often served as a side or in place of a bread basket. A little bowl of honey will likely be next to them, just waiting to be drizzled on top.
Where to find it: Most New-Mexican restaurants, but La Choza in Santa Fe is said to have some of the best.
Award-winning sparkling wine in New Mexico? You bet! Gruet wineries make a variety of exceptional sparkling wines from grapes grown right in the state. Sandy soils and the high elevation are two ingredients that lead to a truly unique wine experiece.
Where to find it: Tasting rooms can be found in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque, or order online.
SaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
Travel planning shouldn't be stressful, but with life these days getting busier and busier, it…
Along a hiking trail in the middle of the forest lies a ruined stone house…
Why should someone use a travel agent in 2021? When asking that question I still…
Arizona is one of the most historic and naturally beautiful states in the United States.…
When the sun comes out, so do we. Summer means traveling to new places, soaking…
Arizona is a state renowned for its wide open, rugged, and untamed landscapes. Adventure-lovers come…
