Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city with a rich culinary history, influenced by Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures. Its unique cuisine, often featuring bold flavors and fresh ingredients, is a must-try for any visitor. Here are some of the most iconic dishes you should consider trying in Albuquerque:
1. Green Chile Cheeseburger:
The green chile cheeseburger is a beloved staple in Albuquerque, where green chile, a staple ingredient in the region, takes center stage. This dish is a classic cheeseburger elevated with the addition of diced green chile, offering a delightful combination of savory and spicy flavors. You can find green chile cheeseburgers at various restaurants, from local diners to fast-food chains.
2. Breakfast Burritos:
Albuquerque’s breakfast burritos are a hearty and satisfying way to start your day. These burritos typically include eggs, potatoes, cheese, red or green chile sauce, and your choice of meat like bacon or sausage. The flour tortillas used in these burritos are a key component, adding a soft and chewy texture. Some popular spots for breakfast burritos include Golden Pride and Duran’s Central Pharmacy.
3. Sopaipillas:
Sopaipillas are a versatile fried dough pastry enjoyed throughout the day in Albuquerque. They can be served with various fillings and toppings, making them a perfect option for any meal. For breakfast, they are often served with eggs and hash browns, while lunch and dinner options include fillings like carne adovada (braised pork shoulder in red chile sauce). For a sweet treat, sopaipillas can be drizzled with honey. Casa de Benavidez is a renowned spot for sopaipillas, offering both traditional and breakfast versions.
4. Blue “Meth” Candy:
Inspired by the popular TV show “Breaking Bad,” blue “meth” candy has become a unique souvenir and treat in Albuquerque. This candy, resembling blue rock candy, was originally created for the show and is now available at The Candy Lady and Rebel Donut, where it is incorporated into the Blue Sky donut.
5. Biscochitos:
New Mexico’s official state cookie, biscochitos are anise-flavored shortbread cookies coated in cinnamon sugar. These cookies are traditionally enjoyed during Christmas but are delicious year-round. Celina’s Biscochitos offers a variety of biscochitos, including classic and more unique flavors like green chile pecan.
6. Green Chile Sushi:
Albuquerque’s culinary scene embraces global influences, and sushi is no exception. However, in Albuquerque, sushi gets a local twist with the addition of green chile. Azuma Sushi Teppan is a popular spot to try green chile sushi, offering a delightful fusion of Japanese and New Mexican flavors.
7. Indian Taco:
Also known as a Navajo Taco, this dish is a delicious combination of Indian frybread and taco fillings. The base of the Indian taco is a crispy frybread, topped with ground beef, beans, chile, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s Pueblo Harvest Café serves a delicious version of this dish, called the “Tewa Taco.”
8. Chocolate:
Chocolate has a long history in New Mexico, dating back to the consumption of cacao by indigenous peoples. Carrying on this tradition, Albuquerque offers various chocolate treats, including chocolate bars infused with red chile at Chocolate Cartel.
9. Blue Corn:
Blue corn, cultivated by indigenous peoples for centuries, is an integral part of Albuquerque’s cuisine. Many restaurants serve blue corn enchiladas, but some offer it in more creative ways. Tia B’s La Wafflería serves blue corn waffles topped with scrambled eggs, red chile sauce, and cheese. Pueblo Harvest Café also features blue-corn crusted fried chicken.
10. Paletas:
These Mexican ice pops, made with milk or water and fruit, are a refreshing treat in Albuquerque. Paleta Bar offers paletas dipped and coated in unique toppings like gummy bears and Fruity Pebbles cereal. Pop Fizz, located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, has various refreshing flavors, including mango chile, Mexican chocolate, and sandia (watermelon).
Albuquerque’s diverse culinary scene offers an array of flavors and dishes to satisfy every palate. From traditional New Mexican fare to innovative twists on global cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. So, when in Albuquerque, be sure to sample these iconic dishes and experience the city’s unique culinary heritage.
Savor the Flavor during Annual Events
You can be sure that we have food festivals because we have our own official cuisine. and wine festivals. and beer festivals to explore. Travelers enjoy experiencing New Mexico’s flavors through culinary events.
What Is New Mexican Cuisine?
Cooks here have been combining Native American ingredients—such as blue corn and squash—with chile peppers, wheat flour, pork, and other items that the Spanish settlers brought from Europe and Mexico for almost 500 years. What became of it is now recognized as New Mexican cuisine. Today, our favorite meals, like breakfast burritos, stacked enchiladas, and stuffed sopaipillas, would not be the same without the earthy fruitiness of red chile sauce and the smoke-kissed flavor of freshly roasted green chiles.
You’ll soon pick up the ability to authoritatively respond to your Albuquerque server’s “red or green?” question. If you would like to try both red and green chili, say “Christmas.” If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for the chili on the side. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to experience traditional feast day foods like frybread and posole, a pork stew with chiles, for a taste of real Native American cuisine.
New Mexico Food Tour! (Albuquerque + Santa Fe Cuisine)
FAQ
What is the signature dish of Albuquerque?
What is the most popular food in New Mexico?
What is Albuquerque best known for?
Is Albuquerque a foodie city?
What to eat in Albuquerque?
While Albuquerque overflows with chile-laden New Mexican cuisine, the metropolis also has a few surprises up its culinary sleeves. It takes cues from Native American culture—both traditional and contemporary—and global dishes here are aplenty. The Duke City also has a sweet tooth: Candy, cookies, and popsicles rank among its favorite dishes.
Does Albuquerque have a restaurant?
No problem. Albuquerque restaurants span everything from brick-oven pizzerias to pit-smoked barbecue joints, Vietnamese cafés and prime steakhouses. Dining options include vegetarian, Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Chinese cuisine. Open the accessible version of Visit ABQ’s virtual experience.
What food did New Mexico eat?
The food in New Mexico, and Albuquerque specifically, is a representation of this history. In addition to the introduction of wheat and domesticated livestock to the Southwest, ingredients like safflower, a cheaper substitute for saffron, as well as anise seeds and citrus, arrived by way of Spain.
What to eat in New Mexico?
Sopapillas are hot puffs of fried dough and a classic New Mexican dessert. You get to drizzle (or drench) them with honey. Padilla’s are the right combination of chew and fluffiness with a light crispy exterior. Delicious. 3. Brunch from The Grove Cafe & Market