How the Sonoran hot dog made its way to Arizona

The iconic Sonoran hot dog has become a popular street food and can be found at food stands, food trucks, and restaurants throughout the Valley and Arizona.

The Sonoran hot dog, also known as a Sonoran dog, is a regional specialty and a type of hot dog that originated in Sonora, Mexico, particularly in the city of Hermosillo.

The significance of this Sonoran hot dog in Arizona reflects the state’s cultural ties with Mexico and has solidified as a cherished local tradition, thriving within the state’s culinary landscape and serving as a symbol of culinary diversity and cultural exchange.

What makes the Sonoran Hot Dog so unique?

What makes this hot dog so unique compared to standard ones is the use of a bacon-wrapped hot dog, slightly sweet bolillo bread, and a wide variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, cream, beans, jalapeños, and cheese.

The popularity of the Sonoran hot dog has also made it a culinary draw for tourists. Visitors often seek out local gastronomic experiences in Arizona, and the Sonoran hot dog has become a must-try item on many food enthusiasts’ lists.

This popular meal has become a beloved local tradition in Arizona, especially in cities like Tucson and Phoenix. It has become a symbol of Arizona’s diverse culinary landscape and its ability to embrace and celebrate different cultural influences.

Who invented the Sonoran hot dog?

Its history begins as an American import through baseball, but it evolved into a unique dish in both Sonora and Arizona, representing the power of food to bridge cultural gaps and create something delicious and distinctive.

There are no records indicating that a single person invented the dish; however, in the 1970s, Sonoran hot dogs gained popularity as a late-night snack for students at the University of Sonora in Mexico. Due to the emergence of numerous food vendors around university campuses for students looking to enjoy late-night snacks, particularly after weekend parties, the Sonoran hot dog became recognized at that time.

It was during this period that this dish gained recognition, and it took approximately 10 years for the first Sonoran hot dog stand in Tucson, United States, to be established. The place was called “El Güero Canelo.” The face and owner of the local franchise, Daniel Contreras,that started with his business because from 1979 to 1993, he couldn’t find the flavor he was looking for in Arizona. Currently, this chain has over 5 restaurants across the state.

Today, there are over 50 different locations throughout Arizona making their own version of the Sonoran hot dog.

The 3 best places to eat Sonoran hot dogs

Based on the recommendation of locals and tourists who have visited several places to try this unique dish, the top three recommendations are as follows:

• El Caprichoso
  This place has gained renown across the city, possibly serving the best Sonoran hot dog in the Valley. It stands out for its sausage wrapped in crispy grilled bacon, nestled in well-seasoned beans and slippery grilled onions. Topped with a touch of pico de gallo and guacamole, it avoids overwhelming condiments, with a snowy layer of salty cotija cheese and cream to crown it all, creating a burst of flavor for anyone who tries it.
  
  Location: 2826 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix. 602-561-3723. Also, 9444 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix. 602-561-3723, elcaprichosohotdogs.com

• Hot Dog La Yaquesita
  The preparation at this establishment will feel familiar to the most devout fans of this style: a better sausage, more consistent bacon, and fresher bread than many of its competitors. La Yaquesita’s hot dog feels more substantial, with a well-seasoned sausage and a golden, consistent, and flavorful bun.
  
  This can be enhanced by the “Chili-Dogo,” which wraps the sausage in a whole green chili, fried, before being wrapped in sizzling bacon pieces on the griddle, creating a juicy and green base with a unique, smoky flavor.
  
  Location: Northeast corner of Buckeye Road and Avondale Boulevard, Avondale. 602-500-6634, www.facebook.com/HotDogsLaYaquesita

• Lupita Hot Dogs
  Lupita’s hot dog doesn’t quite match the preparation of the previous ones; it has a bit more flair and stands out for its uniquely crispy bacon, which might be the key to its popularity, along with a consistent layer of mayonnaise that seems like the perfect match for the other ingredients.
  
  If you come across a brick-and-mortar restaurant bearing the same name, you’ll need to head one block further north. There, you’ll find a brightly colored tent set back from the street, nestled among the parking lots of car repair workshops.
  
  Location: 16456 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-296-5645.

What are your favorite hot dogs?