Hey Good-Lookin’, What’s Cookin? Discovering Iconic Foods from Every State
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Despite its vast interior, 11 states are celebrated for their seafood specialties.
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Americans have a penchant for meat and sandwiches, with 7 states famous for one or the other.
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Illinois stands out as the only state renowned for its pizza. What about you, New York?
When considering the quintessential foods of each state, there are some deliciously obvious choices. From Vermont’s sweet maple syrup to California’s trendy avocado toast, it’s easy to think of a few favorites.
These culinary delights can enhance your travel experiences. For instance, how could you possibly visit Wisconsin without indulging in their famous fried cheese curds?
Everyone wants to embrace their inner Cheesehead, after all! It’s essential to know each state’s signature dishes for those spontaneous adventures. If you’re anything like me, your travel plans revolve around food. If that resonates with you, be sure to take notes on these iconic favorites. I’ve meticulously curated a list of each state’s most representative dish to ensure you have a delicious itinerary ahead. Let’s dive into some of my top picks!
Must-Try Mouth-Watering Foods
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Idaho – French Fries: A must-try, given Idaho’s famous potatoes. This culinary staple is iconic.
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Illinois – Deep-Dish Pizza: While both deep-dish and Chicago hot dogs are unique to the area, deep-dish pizza is arguably the more famous choice. Plus, it has a spirited rivalry with New York-style pizza.
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Kentucky – Hot Brown: Don’t let the name fool you. This dish features an open-faced turkey sandwich topped with Mornay sauce, tomato halves, and crispy bacon. Creamy and savory, it’s a delicious must-try.
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Louisiana – Gumbo: Known for its flavorful blend, gumbo is a staple here. If you need a sweet break from the spice, don’t miss out on the beignets paired with coffee—a delightful combo!
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Maine – Lobster Roll: An obvious choice, Maine is famed for its fresh lobster, served in a buttery bun with mayo. A real treat!
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Maryland – Crab: Known for its versatile crab dishes, Maryland offers a variety of ways to enjoy this delicacy.
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Michigan – Pasty: This meat-filled hand pie is a beloved staple in Michigan, celebrated at its own annual festival. Stuffed with beef, onion, potato, and rutabaga, it’s a comfort food classic.
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Missouri – Toasted Ravioli: Known locally as toasted ravs, these crispy, breaded, and fried ravioli are a must-try. Other local favorites include Imo’s pizza and gooey butter cake.
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Nevada – Shrimp Cocktail: A classic casino dish, the shrimp cocktail is a must-have at any top restaurant in Nevada.
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New York – Bagel: A true classic, the New York bagel is iconic. Don’t forget to try a slice of New York pizza, which competes with Chicago-style for the title of America’s favorite.
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North Dakota – Bison Burger: While Lefse and Cheese Buttons are popular, the bison burger is a standout choice that showcases local flavors.
Your Taste Buds Will Thank You Later
Are you already salivating and planning your next culinary getaway to Louisiana or New York? Before you finalize any plans, check out the complete list of foods by state below to ensure your trip is fully food-focused and satisfying.
| State | Well-Known Food |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Shrimp and Grits |
| Alaska | King Crab |
| Arizona | Chimichangas |
| Arkansas | Fried Pickles |
| California | Avocado Toast |
| Colorado | Rocky Mountain Oysters |
| Connecticut | New Haven-style Clam Pizza |
| Delaware | Scrapple |
| Florida | Cuban Sandwich |
| Georgia | Chicken Biscuit |
| Hawaii | Poke |
| Idaho | French Fries |
| Illinois | Deep-dish Pizza |
| Indiana | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Iowa | Sweet Corn |
| Kansas | BBQ Ribs |
| Kentucky | Hot Brown |
| Louisiana | Gumbo |
| Maine | Lobster Roll |
| Maryland | Crab |
| Massachusetts | Clam Chowder |
| Michigan | Pasty |
| Minnesota | Tator Tot Hotdish |
| Mississippi | Fried Catfish |
| Missouri | Toasted Ravioli |
| Montana | Huckleberry Cobbler |
| Nebraska | Runza |
| Nevada | Shrimp Cocktail |
| New Hampshire | Poutine |
| New Jersey | Pork Roll |
| New Mexico | Christmas-Style Chicken Enchiladas |
| New York | Bagel |
| North Carolina | Pulled Pork |
| North Dakota | Bison Burger |
| Ohio | Cincinnati Chili |
| Oklahoma | Fried Okra |
| Oregon | Marionberry Pie |
| Pennsylvania | Philly Cheesesteaks |
| Rhode Island | Coffee Milk |
| South Carolina | She Crab Soup |
| South Dakota | Chislic |
| Tennessee | Hot Chicken |
| Texas | Brisket |
| Utah | Funeral Potatoes |
| Vermont | Maple Syrup |
| Virginia | Virginia Salty Ham |
| Washington | Cedar-Planked Salmon |
| West Virginia | Pepperoni Roll |
| Wisconsin | Fried Cheese Curds |
| Wyoming | Fry Bread |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
