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Get ready for the Chinese Chorizo Festival 2023

Your Guide To Chinese Chorizo Fest 2023

Updated November 16, 2023

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]

(Photo courtesy of Tucson Village Farm)

Tucson Village Farm

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]

a sign in front of a building
(Photo courtesy of MOCA Tucson)

Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson

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]

(Photo Courtesy of Tucson Museum of Art)

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

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]

a pizza sitting on top of a table
Pizza at Falora (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Falora

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

(Photo courtesy of the Center Creative Photography)

Center for Creative Photography

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]

a bowl with a salmon salad
Salmon Salad at Ermanos (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Ermanos Bar

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

a piece of cake on a paper plate
Fatboy Sandos (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Fatboy Sandos (Tucson)

Negi Chorizo Onigiri

October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out

(Photo courtesy of Noodies)

Noodies

Chinese Chorizo Carbonara

October 13th, 14th, & 15th until sold out

Penelope Pizza (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Penelope 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

(Photo courtesy of Desert Diamond Casino West Valley)

Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley

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.

  • Chinese Chorizo Vendors:
    • Bonzai Boyz
    • Chinoz Grill
    • Hot Bamboo- Chinese Chorizo Baos!
    • and more!

October 20th & 21st, 5:00 pm – 11:00 PM

[Click here to buy tickets]

a bowl of food on a plate
Black Pink at Chilte (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Chilte

Recently named one of the best restaurants in America by Bon Appetit.

October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out

a plate of food and a cup of coffee
(Photo courtesy of Disco Dragon on Instagram)

Disco Dragon

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

(Photo courtesy of Fatboy Sandos)

Fatboy Sandos (Mesa)

October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out

a bowl of food on a plate
(Photo courtesy of Valentine on Instagram)

Valentine

October 20th, 21st, & 22nd until sold out

a picture of a bar
(Photo courtesy of Owls Club)

Owls Club

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]

 

Huevos Rancheros at 5 Points Market & Restaurant (Photo by Jackie Tran)

5 Points Market & Restaurant

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!

 

 

 

(Photo courtesy of The Delta)

The Delta Bar & Grill

October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out

a close up of food
Vegan Donuts at Houlden's Rise Above (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden’s Rise Above

Houlden’s Rise Above x Chinese Chorizo special will also be carried at Presta locations!

October 27th, 28th, & 29th until sold out

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