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Your Guide To Chinese Chorizo Fest 2023

Guide

Your Guide To Chinese Chorizo Fest 2023

by Tucson FoodieSep 27, 2023Updated Aug 24, 20265 min read
Taste a piece of Tucson history by going to one of the 35+ locations across Tucson and Phoenix that are participating in the second annual Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival! The month-long festival celebrates a historic lost food called the Chinese chorizo that was born out of some 100+ Chinese grocery stores that once existed in downtown Tucson from the early 1900’s to 1970’s. Made possible by the symbiotic relationship between Mexican and Chinese immigrants, these grocery stores naturally became centers for community, offering food and daily necessities on credit.  At a time when both groups were targeted against their very existence, Chinese chorizo mirrors the story of immigrant resilience. It was often made from whatever meat was on hand: end cuts and scraps of meat that were destined for the trash. However, once it was revived with a mixture of Mexican spices, chilis, and red wine, this meat became transformed into a highly sought after product. The festival is not a traditional one in the sense. The 35+ locations of restaurants, food vendors, and special events will be featuring unique dishes utilizing the modernized Chinese chorizo recipe that comes in 2 versions: mushroom plant-based and pork that is donated by the Chinese Chorizo Project.  The robust schedule of eating, community building, historic preservation, and culinary innovation around the Chinese chorizo is all here in this guide and will be updated as we add more locations! [Click here for more information]
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22 spots

Dinner at 5 Points (Photo by Jackie Tran)

5 Points

756 South Stone AvenueDowntown

5 Points will be hosting the festival all month long! The restaurant will feature a Chinese chorizo dish October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out... AND the market is the official place to buy Chinese chorizo in bulk for the month of October!
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on Resy ↗(520) 623-3888
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonWhere to Eat & Drink in Downtown Tucson

Ate Kei's Filipino Treats

Second SundAZe / Segundo Domingo at TMA On October’s Second Sunday, celebrate community and the recently opened Southwest Art: Contemporary Conversations with a Chinese Chorizo Festival kick-off showcasing food from Ate Kei Treats, Phatboii’s BBQ, and more! The Chinese Chorizo Project has also interpreted the text for the exhibition including Larry Yanez's "Cocina Jaiteca" and created a qr code that features a rotating recipe video that is translated in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Plus, connect with makers influenced by the land and materials of the Southwest; vendors include: Apapáchame Tierra, Blue Corn Custom Designs, Drutopia, Love in a Cup, Lower Arizona Jewelry, Nogaleria, Señorita Art & Culture, and more. October 8th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM [Click here for more information]
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Where to Eat During the 2024 Chinese Chorizo FestivalPassport for Tucson Foodie Insiders [Map]

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(Photo courtesy of the Center Creative Photography)

Center for Creative Photography

1030 North Olive RoadDowntown

Activism in Motion (AIM) Discussion & Tasting Workshop at the Center for Creative Photography Featuring Chef Feng-Feng Yeh of the Chinese Chorizo Project AIM organizer Matthew Denny and Feng-Feng Yeh discuss the importance of savoring everyday experiences as a means of resistance. October 28, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM [Click here for more information]
Website ↗Instagram ↗

Dining room at Falora (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Falora

3000 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

ItalianPizzaVegan
Update: Falora is still serving the Bok choy, white miso sauce, house made hoisin sauce, chili crisp! Get it until it's gone! Death Free Foodie x Falora are working on an exclusive vegan pizza featuring the Chinese chorizo! October 6th, 7th, & 8th until sold out
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on Resy ↗(520) 325-9988
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonLove is on the Menu: Tucson’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Meat Lasagna fom Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria

3011 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

ItalianPizza
Chinese Chorizo and Clams over linguini and a Chinese Chorizo Cheese Bread October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 881-5555
Also featured inGuide to Caesar Salads in TucsonYour Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2025The Best Pizza in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of MOCA Tucson)

Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson

265 South Church AvenueDowntown

MOCA Chorizo Dancehall Fall Fundraiser MOCA’s annual fall fundraiser takes over the entire first floor and outdoor patio at the museum, bringing video art, installation, a huge dance party, photo ops, local food & drink together to raise funds for MOCA's artistic program. Chinese Chorizo Project and Barrio Bread are pairing up to serve some Chinese Chorizo Foccacia Bread, alongside craft beer from Motosonora. 18+ only. October 6th, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM [Click here to register for the event]
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 624-5019

Owls Club bar (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Owls Club

236 South Scott AvenueDowntown

BeerCocktailsSpirits
American Queer AF Horror Story at Owl's Club Queer AF presents a one-of-a-kind Halloween event this October 2023. Come out in your American Horror Story costume and experience creepy fun vibes at the Owl’s Club. We will be dancing in the Owl’s Club parlor with DJ Mijito and eating delicious food curated by the Chinese Chorizo Project! This includes  Nopalinda, Ador, Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea, and more! October 28th, 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM [Click here to buy tickets]
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 207-5678
Also featured inWhere to Eat & Drink in Downtown TucsonWhere to Eat & Drink Near the Día de los Muertos Concert DowntownThe Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket List

Penelope Pizza (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Penelope Pizza

800 North Kolb RoadEastside

Pizza
The 114 pizza is named after the 114 Chinese grocery stores that once existed in downtown Tucson. It features: Ginger & Black Garlic Oil Base Mozz Chinese Chorizo Meat or Vegan Blistered Shisiito Peppers Roasted Chive Flowers Pineapple Pickled Chili Drizz House Furikake (that is also served in a ranch dressing that is pure American nostalgia!) October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out And also at Patagonia Lumber Co October 14th
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 444-6346
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonThe Best Pizza in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of Tucson Village Farm)

Tucson Village Farm

4210 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) -- Global Flavors Fall Festival Food from GUT chefs, international bites from Iskashitaa, drinks, games, dunk-a-chef, silent auction, and more fun for fall! Chinese Chorizo Project will be serving up some savory Shanghai style Chinese Chorizo Mooncakes! October 1st, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM [Click here for more information]
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 621-1006
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