3. Arizona - Chimichangas

A lot of southern border states have a lot of thanking to do to our brothers and sisters in Mexico for the influence of our cuisine. While the burrito technically was invented in America, Mexico is to thank for the ideology behind some of our most coveted dishes, one of which includes the accidental invention of the chimichanga. In the mid-1950s, a chef by the name of Monica Flin accidentally dropped a burro (a large burrito) into a sizzling deep fryer. Minutes later, the chef recolonized an already world-renowned dish by creating the chimichanga.

The one thing about the chimichanga that makes it an exceptional dish is that the contents of the wrap can fit the dietary needs of almost anyone. If you're not a fan of red meat, pollo (chicken) should suffice. Like seafood? Why not add shrimp to the mix. Don't eat meat at all, vegetarian chimichangas with beans as a base are just as good. You can't lose when it comes to chimichangas, there are options for everybody.

NEXT


Copyright © 2026 CultureHook