Where to find traditional foods for Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix

As Dia de los Muertos – also known as the Day of the Dead – approaches on Nov. 1 and 2, metro Phoenix residents are gearing up to celebrate the cherished Mexican holiday. Through vibrant customs, such as preparing and sharing special foods and treats, the multi-day festivities honor loved ones who have died.

The offerings nourish both the living and the spirits of the departed, displayed on beautifully adorned altars or ofrendas with colorful backdrops, tablecloths, candles, photos, religious artifacts, flowers, pumpkins, skeleton and skull sculptures and intricately cut papel picado decorations.

In metro Phoenix, there are superb restaurants and stores to find traditional foods and sweets which play a vital role in the celebration. Whether you’re building an altar at home or looking to enjoy the holiday’s flavors, these Valley spots are perfect for embracing the spirit of the season.

Tamales at The Tamale Store

15842 N. Cave Creek Road Named Best Tamales in the 2023 Best of Phoenix awards, this North Phoenix tamale factory prepares small batches of the handmade masa pockets daily. Their popularity soars in the fall when The Tamale Store introduces seasonal flavors.

One highlight is the hefty Chile Relleno Tamale, which weighs a full pound. It features a roasted poblano pepper enveloped in seasoned masa, stuffed with ground beef, Monterey Jack cheese and a touch of red chile sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pumpkin Pie Tamale is a must-try, made with all-natural pumpkin puree and seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfect autumn treat. Pair it with ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Vegetarian options include flavors like Southwest Veggie, Cilantro Black Bean, AZ Cornbread and Green Corn with Cream Cheese. Unique offerings like Baja Seafood and Tex-Mex complement the customary pork and beef varieties. Enjoy the tamales on-site or take home frozen packs to prepare later, perfect for an altar or gathering.

Tamales symbolize sustenance and nourishment, making them an essential offering on Dia de los Muertos altars.

Pozole at Pozoleria Mexican Food

2801 E. Van Buren St. Another former Best of Phoenix winner, Pozoleria Mexican Food has the perfect stew for the upcoming holidays. Their pozole rojo has a deep red-colored broth that is robust in flavor, packed with tender hominy and pork and seasoned with Mexican spices. The restaurant also offers a lighter white pozole variation, equally as scrumptious.

The bowls of homestyle stews are $12.50 and can be topped with avocado, onions, cilantro, oregano, a splash of Tapatio and a squeeze of lemon – complimentary on the side. The soups also come with tortillas, bread or tostada shells to dip. Pozole symbolizes bringing people together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experience.

Pan de Muerto at Panaderia Los Jarochos

2822 N. 32nd St. #4 Pan de Muerto, or Bread of the Dead, is one of the most iconic foods associated with the early November celebration. The slightly sweet, soft bread is sometimes shaped to resemble a human body, bones or skulls and is topped with sugar or sesame seeds. The bread symbolizes the circle of life and death. It’s often enjoyed with hot cocoa or coffee as families remember their loved ones.

Panaderia Los Jarochos bakes fresh Pan de Muerto daily in the weeks leading up to the holiday, selling them for $5 each.

Sugar Skulls (Calaveras) at El Rancho Market

8901 N. 19th Ave.
1076 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Brightly decorated sugar skulls, or calaveras, are another essential Dia de los Muertos item. These intricate skulls, made of sugar and decorated with colorful icing, represent the spirits of the departed and date back to Aztec times, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

At El Rancho Market, sugar skulls are sold in the bakery section for $4.99 each. Measuring about 3 inches long, they come in various vibrant colors. These sugar skulls are perfect for both altars and gifts during this festive time of remembrance.

Atole and Champurrado at Oaxaca Restaurant

7816 N. 27th Ave.
2316 W. Bethany Home Road, #119 Atole blanco and champurrado are warm, traditional holiday drinks with roots in Aztec culture. Both are made from masa harina (corn flour) and sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. When blended with chocolate, the drink transforms into champurrado.

These thick, comforting beverages warm the body as temperatures cool in metro Phoenix and the soul when shared with friends and family. They cost $3.99 each at Oaxaca Restaurant and pair perfectly with pan de muerto and other Dia de los Muertos dishes.