#4
A Pinch of Chili in Everything
With heavy Hispanic roots, the food in New Mexico is almost always made with a spicy touch. While you’re likely used to ethnic food from your time in New Jersey, with several spicy options to choose from, if you like your food on the milder side, make sure to let your waiter know when ordering.
In time, you’ll get used to the most common question asked at almost any diner or restaurant in the state: “Red or green?” In fact, this query is so common it’s been labeled New Mexico’s official state question. This isn’t a question aimed at discovering your favorite color but instead the type of chile you prefer.
Green and red chiles have a way of sneaking their way into almost every type of food, from Mexican classics like enchiladas and pozole or into less-expected dishes, like pizza and cheeseburgers. While it may not ever beat New Jersey pizza in your book, anyone from New Mexico would tell you there’s no better complement to spicy pepperoni than green chilis.