Arizona’s Valley of the Sun Is Abundant With Global Flavors

Just as Arizona’s Mexican population (its largest ancestry group) and ranching history influence its cuisine, so does its remarkable diversity. Generations of residents hail from all different backgrounds and countries—and the food reflects these varied cultures. For instance, Mesa’s Asian District alone, established in 2020, showcases dishes from Vietnam, China, Korea, the Philippines, and beyond.

If your travel choices revolve around food, don’t underestimate the culinary scene in this part of Arizona.

Simple, Southern-inspired comfort food

While Southern comfort food might not immediately register as a “global flavor” to Americans, it does embody rich culinary traditions and distinctive ingredients, hallmarks of any global cuisine. At Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe, which opened in 1964 by Texas transplant Elizabeth White, Southern heritage is delivered in every bite of fried chicken, smothered pork chops, chicken fried steak, collard greens, and cornbread.

Though Mrs. White is retired, her son and his daughter now manage the restaurant, imbuing every interaction with the eatery’s eponymous golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Beyond the flagship, you can get a taste of the White family dynasty’s cooking at Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Monroe’s Hot Chicken (both of which have multiple locations across Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale), and Brunch & Sip—all of which are owned by White’s grandson.

Contemporary pan-African

A meal at Latha takes you through the flavors and traditions of the African diaspora. “Our contemporary pan-African kitchen crafts memorable dining experiences, honoring authentic recipes and responsibly sourced seasonal ingredients,” founder and owner Evelia Davis says. Every dish communicates the rich culinary heritage of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Southern U.S. For example, all-American pimento cheese is just as cozy on this menu as Davis’s favorite, the dayboat moqueca, a comforting bowl of rice grits, charred broccolini, roasted coconut chutney, chimichurri, and pickled onions. Latha’s menu reflects far-flung places—and its unique Arizona community. “Arizona cuisine encompasses dishes that celebrate the diverse cultures and use the local ingredients available throughout the state,” Davis says.

Decorated Native American fine dining

The Gila River Indian Community is home to Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee-Posh (Maricopa) tribe members. Here, within the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, find Kai, Arizona’s sole AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant. “Kai,” which translates to “seed” in the O’odham or Pima language, blends classic techniques with local ingredients to create delicious dishes that honor the tribes’ cultures and heritage. The menu even includes items from the Native Seeds/SEARCH Foundation, which preserves ancient indigenous seeds.

Kai offers more than a meal—during this multi-hour experience, your server shares the stories behind each dish. Menu examples include the u’uwhig, seared duck roulade with fermented leek, confit rutabaga, celeriac puree, and duck consommé, and the grilled bison tenderloin, served with corn puree, oxtail and bean cassoulet, cholla bud (cactus flower buds), and saguaro blossom syrup.

Middle Eastern restaurant and grocery

In between hiking the area’s many trails like South Mountain Park and Preserve, Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden, the Apache Trail, and visiting museums like the S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum), you’ll need to eat. Consider dining on some of the best Middle Eastern food in Arizona at Haji Baba.

This Tempe stalwart has been slinging high-quality, straightforward kebab combo plates, kafta (a seasoned mixture of ground meat), chicken shawarma, gyro (lamb and beef seasoned with Greek spices, cooked on a spit), and other delicious dishes from a counter tucked inside a grocery store for more than 40 years. The ambiance is casual, the service is efficient, the portions are generous, and the flavors are all traditional Mediterranean. Finish your meal with baklava and Arabic coffee.

Charbroiled Vietnamese meats and broken rice

Located in Mekong Plaza, Mesa’s largest center for Asian-owned restaurants and businesses, family-owned and operated Com Tam Thuan Kieu specializes in cơm tấm, or broken rice. This beloved southern Vietnam staple features small, fractured rice grains and protein. Look elsewhere for pho—here, marinated pork chops, short ribs, chicken, sliced beef, sliced pork, and more reign supreme. Try the 10-Meats Broken Rice Plate, the prodigious house special consisting of broken rice, grilled pork chop, shrimp paste, crispy shrimp paste wrapped in tofu skin, grilled pork sausage, steamed pork egg cake, julienne pork, pork eggroll, Chinese sausage, shrimp eggroll, grilled shrimp, and—take a breath—a side of pork broth. The gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) are also excellent.

Pair an epic Valley of the Sun sunset with an equally spectacular corn dog cheese pull from this Korean chain import. You might’ve already seen these dogs and their stretchy, melty cheese innards on the internet, but no short-form video can prepare you for the real-life experience. There are locations nationwide, including three in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

First, choose your sweet or savory coating. Then, choose a sausage, cheese, or half-and-half filling. Watch as your dog is battered (using two hands). You can make 35 different combos of corn dogs, but you can always opt for a pre-designed dog. The spicy corn dog comes with a generous coating of flaming hot Cheetos, and the ever-popular potato corn dog gets a fried potato cube coat, Two Hands sauce, and flaming hot Cheetos powder.

Within India Plaza, Arizona’s largest South Asian shopping center, The Dhaba channels the effortless charm of India and Pakistan’s roadside eateries, dhabas, in an elegant atmosphere. The Dhaba offers Punjabi dishes like Rahon Dal Tarka (yellow lentils cooked and seasoned with house-blended spices and herbs) and Lahori Malai Kofta—paneer (Indian cheese) dumplings with cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. Pair these authentic flavors with a glass of wine off the impressively deep list.

Arizona’s culinary scene invites you to explore, taste, and savor the world through local plates. Plan your trip at Foodiesaz.com.