Santa Fe’s Culinary History
Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a really special and interesting food history that mixes together Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American flavors, making Santa Fe’s food unique and extremely delicious.
The foundation of Santa Fe’s culinary history lies in its indigenous roots. Corn, especially, was and remains a cornerstone, used in everything from tortillas to atole, a traditional corn-based hot drink.
The Puebloans also introduced chiles to the region, which have become synonymous with New Mexican cuisine. The cultivation of chiles has evolved over centuries, resulting in the famed New Mexico Hatch chile, celebrated for its balance of heat and flavor.
When Spanish people came in the 16th century, they brought new foods like dairy products and different farming methods. The Spaniards introduced new livestock, dairy products, and agricultural techniques.
They brought with them chile peppers from their own explorations, which crossbred with the local varieties, leading to the development of the distinctive New Mexico Chile. Spanish influence is also evident in dishes like posole, a hearty stew made with hominy, pork, and red chile.
When Mexico controlled the area in the 19th century, they introduced ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and limes, which further diversified and enriched the local cuisine. Dishes such as enchiladas and tacos, were adapted to incorporate local ingredients and tastes, creating unique variations that are quintessentially New Mexican.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought new ingredients and cultural influences from the East Coast and Midwest, further diversifying Santa Fe’s culinary scene.
This period saw the introduction of new cooking techniques and ingredients, such as wheat flour, which led to the creation of the sopapilla, a puffed, fried bread often drizzled with honey.
The 20th century marked a period of revival and celebration of Santa Fe’s culinary heritage. The city emerged as a cultural and artistic hub, attracting artists, writers, and chefs from across the country.
This influx of new influences led to a fusion of traditional New Mexican cooking with modern culinary techniques and global flavors, giving rise to contemporary Southwestern cuisine.
Today, Santa Fe’s food culture is a harmonious blend of its historical influences. Traditional dishes, cooking methods, and ingredients are celebrated and preserved, while contemporary chefs continue to innovate and experiment. The city’s numerous festivals, like the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta and the Traditional Spanish Market, showcase its rich culinary heritage and contemporary gastronomic scene.
One Day Itinerary For Santa Fe, New Mexico
Only spending one full day in Santa Fe can be daunting to plan. With so many great attractions and restaurants it’s hard to find a place to even start. When I visited Santa Fe, I focused on food first and activities in between. If you love food like me, your day trip to Santa Fe will be fun and delicious.
Breakfast In Santa Fe
The city is filled with amazing spots to grab your morning meal from a full on breakfast or a quick bite. To leave room for those filling meals, I recommend grabbing a pastry or breakfast sandwich at Clafoutis, a very popular French bakery that serves amazing freshly baked pastries, breads, tarts, and pies.
I loved their bacon, egg, and cheese croissant which was the perfect beginning to my day. The butter croissant and delicious fillings were enough to fuel my day of exploring the city.
Santa Fe Farmer’s Market
One of the highlights of my trip to Santa Fe and a must-try activity is experiencing the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market. Simply walking through the market is an adventure of the senses with amazing produce from around the state and inviting aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted chiles.
Each stall is a small window into the life of the local farmers and producers who bring their passion and hard work to the table. From crisp apples, and juicy tomatoes, to handcrafted cheeses, there’s an abundance of high-quality, locally-sourced products that showcase the diversity of New Mexico’s agriculture.
What makes the Santa Fe Farmers Market truly special is its commitment to sustainability and supporting local agriculture. It’s more than just a place to shop; it’s a community hub where people come together to celebrate local produce and crafts. The market operates year-round, providing a steady platform for local farmers and artisans to sustainably grow and sell their products.
Must Eat Lunch In Santa Fe – Jambo Cafe
Showcasing the diversity of the Santa Fe food scene, Jambo Cafe is an amazing restaurant that specializes in African and Caribbean homestyle cuisine. I think their awards and accolades speak for themselves.
Jambo Café was named Best International Cuisine for 13 years running by the Santa Fe Reporter with Chef Ahmed Obo winning “Best Chef” from 2015 – 2023.
Jambo Café was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives in 2013 and again in 2023.
In 2022, Chef Ahmed Obo received a nomination from the James Beard Awards for Best Chef in the Southwest.
BUT, is the food still good? Yes, absolutely.
I enjoyed the Savory Stuffed Phyllo which comes stuffed with spinach, Moroccan black olives, organic feta, roasted red peppers, and chickpeas served over organic field greens and covered in a pomegranate sauce.
The winner of the meal for me was the Combination Plate with chicken curry, goat stew, and peanut chicken stew. I enjoyed the mix of different flavors with each stew showcasing its own unique characteristics.
Served with white rice, I enjoyed every single bold flavor that absorbed into the refreshing rice.
Afternoon Pit Stop At Kakawa Chocolate House
I love chocolate shops and whenever I can find locally made artisan chocolates, I am all in.
At Kakawa, they focus on creating handcrafted chocolates and chocolate drinks that are not only indulgent but also rich in historical significance.
They specialize in an array of historically inspired chocolate elixirs from Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican, Mayan, and Aztec recipes spanning 1000 BC to the mid-1900’s.
These elixirs are a testament to Kakawa’s dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship, offering a taste experience that’s both unique and educational.
I sampled the truffles, caramels, and elixirs, each more delightful than the last. The chocolates, made fresh daily, are hand-rolled using the finest local organic ingredients. They range from intense dark chocolate to smooth, creamy milk chocolate, catering to every chocolate lover’s preference.
As someone who adores dark chocolate, the truffles at Kakawa were sensational. They were incredibly rich, with the perfect hint of bitterness that characterizes excellent dark chocolate.
The highlight for me was undoubtedly the sea salt caramels. They were nothing short of heavenly, with an exquisite balance of chocolate and caramel that melted in my mouth, creating a memorable and indulgent experience.
Museum of International Folk Art – Afternoon Activity
If you are a first-timer only able to spend one day in Santa Fe, then I think the Museum of International Folk Art is a must-see.
As the largest museum of its kind, it’s a special place that brings together the unique artistry and diversity of folk art from across the globe. With over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries, this museum isn’t just a gallery, it’s a global experience that’s both fascinating and accessible to all.
The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, showcasing a variety of themes and regions. From intricate African masks to delicate European lace, each artifact tells a story, reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and daily life of its creators. It’s a place where you can see the world through the lens of artists who have passed down their skills through generations.
The Museum of International Folk Art isn’t just about observing; it’s about engaging and learning. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make it an ideal spot for families. Children can create their own folk art-inspired crafts, making the visit both educational and fun.
Fine Dining At SAZÓN For Dinner
There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Santa Fe but I think if you are only spending one day there, go all out with a fine dining experience at SAZÓN. During my visit, I had the pleasure of dining at SAZÓN creating a life long memory revolving around remarkable food.
The mastermind behind SAZÓN’s exquisite menu is Chef Fernando Olea, a native of Mexico City and the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef of the Southwest. Chef Olea skillfully blends traditional indigenous Mexican culinary techniques with global ingredients, creating artistic and flavorful masterpieces.
The highlight of my meal was the octopus salad appetizer, which was the best I’ve ever tasted. The octopus was incredibly moist and tender, with just the right touch of lemon.
Then I tried the mole sauce with Duck Breast, and it was a remarkable choice. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in the mole complemented the duck perfectly, resulting in a dish that was both innovative and delicious.
But the standout dish of the evening was undoubtedly Chef Olea’s signature soup. It featured a base of poblano cream with a dollop of Amaretto cream on top. This soup was a symphony of flavors – sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, creating a taste sensation that was absolutely out of this world.
Make The Day Trip To Santa Fe
Santa Fe has a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, offering an experience that’s unforgettable. From strolling through the vibrant streets, filled with adobe buildings and local art galleries, to exploring history at the Museum of International Folk Art, every moment is a step through culture.
The culinary adventures in Santa Fe, such as the exquisite dining experience at SAZÓN or the indulgent chocolate delights at Kakawa Chocolate House, are not just meals but an experience of the city’s diverse heritage.
The flavors of Santa Fe, ranging from traditional New Mexican cuisine to innovative contemporary dishes, mirror the city’s spirit – bold, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving.
If you can make it to Santa Fe, even for 24 hours, you will fall in love with the city in a way unlike any other.
