Join us on the Secret Food Tour: Tucson, where desert traditions meet bold flavors and modern creativity. Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, is home to one of the most unique food scenes in the United States, shaped by centuries of Native American, Mexican, and Southwestern influences.
Your adventure begins at The Mercado, an authentic Mexican marketplace, where youāll savor a sweet pastry to set the tone for the day. From there, youāll dive into Tucsonās most famous street food ā the Sonoran hot dog, a beloved local specialty wrapped in bacon and loaded with toppings.
Next, youāll discover a creative twist on tradition with the award-winning Elote pizza, where classic Mexican street corn meets Italian craft. To refresh, youāll enjoy a locally beloved hand-crafted tea, a lighter stop that showcases Tucsonās love of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
As we walk through downtown, youāll experience Tucsonās thriving art scene and hear stories of how a humble farming village transformed into a vibrant creative hub. Along the way, youāll taste Monicaās Tamales, a true local treasure that reflects the deep Hispanic heritage of the city.
Finally, weāll end our journey in the heart of historic downtown with our Secret Dish, a surprise that captures Tucsonās eclectic character and bold flavors.
By the end of this tour, youāll have sampled six unique tastings that define Tucsonās culinary landscape, all while uncovering the history and culture that make this desert city a true foodie destination.