Dine & Drink

Red or Green?

In New Mexico, the word “chile” does not usually refer to the common hearty bean soup, but rather to chile peppers. Chile is a celebrated part of most meals in Gallup. It's added to everything from pizza and breakfast burritos, to steaks, pies, and even some local New Mexican beers.

All chiles start green then turn yellow or red as they ripen. Contrary to popular wisdom, green is almost always hotter than red.

Green chile is generally used fresh while red chiles are dried and used as powder or reconstituted into a sauce which has an earthy flavor with a hint of cherry. For those who like a little heat with their meal, the most important question is “red or green?” You can also order your meal Christmas-style, which includes both red and green chile. Not surprisingly, New Mexico ranks first in the world for the amount of chile produced and acreage planted. Try it on one of your meals today!

Dining in Gallup

Where culture meets cuisine, restaurants in Gallup have something for everyone. Spice it up with authentic New Mexican and Native American-inspired dishes and put your senses to the test. Relax at a local coffee roaster with a latte and a pastry. Let the aromas of ginger and garlic coax your selections at the Mandarin buffet. Dine in, take out, or get delivery. If you're looking for somewhere to bring your taste buds along for the adventure, Gallup’s diverse cuisine scene is the perfect destination for the foodie in us all.