Inspired Culinary Creations from the Navajo Nation
New Mexico is home to 23 Native tribes, pueblos, and nations, which have an indelible impact on the state's culture. You can experience this culture many ways, including through traditionally influenced cuisine across New Mexico. Native-inspired foodways in New Mexico can include traditional preparations and cooking methods, as well as brand-new takes on long-cultivated products like squash, corn, and beans. Traditional dishes can be found in countless restaurants, at stands near tribal lands, or while influencing future chefs in one of the culinary programs throughout the state.
Meet Justin Pioche
Justin Pioche is an Áshįįhi (Salt) Diné born for the Bit'ahnii (folded arms) who grew up in northwestern New Mexico on the Navajo Nation. Inspired by his grandmother’s home-cooked meals with fresh-picked garden ingredients, Justin has been creating award-winning dishes since he was a teenager. Blending creative visuals with balanced components, his dishes stimulate all the senses and evoke creative expressions of his culture, history, and authenticity. A graduate of the Arizona Culinary Institute, Justin now owns Pioche Food Group in Fruitland, NM along with his sister Tia and mother Janice and continues to create innovative dishes inspired by his Navajo heritage.
Visit Farmington
Farmington lies along the banks of the San Juan and Animas rivers at the heart of the Four Corners region. There are limitless opportunities for adventure, from aquatic activities to outdoor exploration and off-roading, so your trip to Farmington is sure to be action-packed.
Native Culture, Cuisine, and More!
Native Culture in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to 23 Native tribes, pueblos, and nations, which each have their own languages, cultures, and ways of life. The influence of these communities is ever-present across the Land of Enchantment. There are countless Native events and experiences across the state that allow the general public insight into Native culture, art, and tradition. If you do plan to attend any cultural events, please be respectful and aware of recommended visitor etiquette.
Tales of Native Cuisine
Food is such a large part of the culture in the Land of Enchantment and understanding how these dishes have been influenced by the Indigenous population is extremely important. Delve into the history of the famous Indigenous Taco and how it came to be so prominent!
Navajo Nation
Support the vibrant culture of the Navajo Nation, or Diné, through respectful exploration of their lands, beautiful expressions of art, and the history of their people in the Land of Enchantment. If you do plan to attend any cultural events, please be respectful and aware of recommended visitor etiquette.
More New Mexican Cuisine
New Mexican cuisine is a unique combination of influences developed by the storied history and culture of our state. Turn up the heat with a dish smothered in chile, taste the savory sweetness of biscochitos, or sample one of the many other dishes that are so special to this unique slice of the Southwest!
Visit Northwestern Ancestral Sites
The northwestern region of New Mexico is home to three Ancestral sites, all of which hold immense significance to the Indigenous population. Respectfully explore these three sites that feature the preserved ruins of the Ancestral people that inhabited New Mexico thousands of years ago, many of whom still call New Mexico home. These are sacred places, so please treat them with the utmost regard.