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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!
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
October 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th until sold out
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
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
October 6th, 7th, & 8th until sold out
October 6th, 7th, & 8th until sold out
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
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
A vegan Chinese Chorizo Foccaccia Bread
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
A decadent and chic Paté en croute: a Chinese Chorizo meat pie wrapped with a hot water pastry crust , made with foie, tamari egg, and served with a strong Chinese mustard and cornichons.
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
Negi Chorizo Onigiri
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
Chinese Chorizo and Clams over linguini and a Chinese Chorizo Cheese Bread
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
Chinese Chorizo Carbonara
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
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
Chinese Chorizo Wonton Nachos!
October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out
Asian Chamber Night Market at the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley (Glendale)
Tradition meets modernity in a captivating celebration of culture and commerce. Step into a world where tantalizing aromas, vibrant performances, and an electric atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience. ACCNM is your gateway to discovering the rich tapestry of Asian Pacific American heritage, connecting with a dynamic community of enthusiasts, and supporting local businesses that showcase their finest offerings.
October 20th & 21st, 5:00 pm – 11:00 PM
Recently named one of the best restaurants in America by Bon Appetit.
October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out
Former Tucsonan Chef Paulo Im is collaborating with Disco Dragon’s Chef Kevin Rosales on a Korean x Filipino Ado-BoSSam. Also available at FYPM, the secret bar inside!
October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out
October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out
October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out
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
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!
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
Houlden’s Rise Above x Chinese Chorizo special will also be carried at Presta locations!
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out
