To be honest, I was a bit taken aback by New Mexico's food culture when I first arrived.

I thought it would be similar to Mexican food, but it turned out to be a completely different world. New Mexicans have a strong pride in their food, and once you try it, you understand that pride. Today, I will summarize the representative food culture of Albuquerque and local specialties.

At the center of New Mexico's food culture is undoubtedly the New Mexico chili pepper. New Mexico is famous worldwide for its chili pepper production, with Hatch Chile being the representative brand.

Hatch is a small town located about 150 miles south of Albuquerque, and the Green Chile and Red Chile grown in this area boast unique flavors. New Mexicans refer to the question "Red or Green?" as the state question, as it is so common. When asked about sauce choices at restaurants, locals often respond with "Christmas!" (both red and green).

Every year, from late August to early September, the Hatch Chile Festival takes place. During this time, roasting events occur in supermarkets and roasters throughout Albuquerque, where chili peppers are roasted in large drums. This scene can be seen in parking lots of Smith's and Walmart, with the aroma of freshly roasted green chile filling the streets. Buying a bag (about 25 pounds, or 11 kg) to peel and freeze will last you all year. It's a bit of work at first, but having green chile stocked in the freezer is reassuring.

One dish that cannot be missed in New Mexico is the Green Chile Cheeseburger. This is an officially promoted dish by the state, and there is even an official food tour route called the Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail within the state. In Albuquerque, Blake's Lotaburger is the most beloved brand among locals.

Founded in Albuquerque in 1952, this regional chain has locations throughout New Mexico, and their green chile burger has a traditional taste.

Local restaurants like Bob's Burgers and Duran's New Mexico Kitchen also have their own unique green chile burger recipes.

New Mexican Cuisine is a distinct category that differs from Mexican food. It is the result of a blend of Navajo, Pueblo Native American, Spanish colonial, and Mexican cultures over hundreds of years. Representative dishes include Carne Adovada (pork slow-cooked in red chili sauce), Red Chile Enchiladas (stacked in a flat style typical of New Mexico), Posole (a stew with hominy and pork), and Bizcochito (the official state cookie of New Mexico, anise-flavored cookie).

Local restaurants that you must visit in Albuquerque include Duran's New Mexican Kitchen (near Old Town, specializing in traditional New Mexican food), Frontier Restaurant (across from the UNM campus, open 24 hours, popular with both students and locals), and El Pinto (in North Valley, a large restaurant that also manufactures and sells salsa).

In terms of local specialties, in addition to chili sauces and salsas, New Mexico Pistachios are also famous. They are primarily produced on farms in southern New Mexico, not near Albuquerque, and are recognized for their unique flavor compared to California pistachios. Some people buy direct-from-farm products as souvenirs. Additionally, New Mexico Honey is a specialty, known for its deep flavor and pleasant aroma, collected from various wildflowers at high elevations.

If you haven't tried a New Mexico chili burger yet, honestly, you have only experienced half of Albuquerque. Once you try it, you'll immediately understand why New Mexicans take pride in it.