We have lots of good food here in America, ones that really showcase our history with taste. Each state has unique specialties that highlight local ingredients. Most of these recipes are transferred through generations and become specific to their location. Whatever flavor you’re craving, be it spicy to sweet to savory, you’ll find just about any flavor of specialty dish somewhere within the country that will satisfy your palate.
We’ve listed 9 dishes that we think you should try at least once in your life. Let’s explore these must-try regional favorites that make American food so special.
1. Lobster Rolls
Lobster rolls are one of the most beloved specialty dishes in New England. The freshly caught lobster meat wrapped in soft, buttered bread is a must have when you visit the Northeast. They’re usually chilled and dressed with a bit of mayo, but some spots serve them warm with melted butter to let the lobster’s natural sweetness shine. Lobster rolls are a big part of Northeast’s coastal culture and best enjoyed by the seaside during late summer to early fall.
2. Philly Cheesesteaks
You can’t go to Philadelphia without at least trying their iconic Philly cheesesteak. This hearty sandwich is a culinary icon that traces its roots back to a hotdog stand. It’s made of thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak that’s griddled to perfection, then topped with melty cheese like provolone, American, or the legendary Cheez Whiz (which most locals love). Finally, it’s served on a long, soft hoagie roll, often with sautéed onions and sometimes peppers or mushrooms. You can eat it while sitting down, or on the go as you go around sightseeing in Philly.
3. Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are deep-fried chicken wings that are dipped in a spicy sauce made with cayenne pepper and melted butter. The wings are usually hot and crispy with celery and blue cheese on the side to tame the heat. Buffalo wings were invented in the 1960s and soon became a national sensation, particularly as a snack during a sports game. If you’re in New York, make sure to give it a try and experience the real spicy, tangy and buttery taste of Buffalo wings that’s become a big part of American bar culture.
4. Low Country Boil
This classic coastal Carolina dish is known as Frogmore stew or Low Country Boil. It is a one-pot dish consisting of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes cooked in a seasoned broth with Old Bay or other spices. The ingredients are normally drained and laid on newspaper to make a family-style feast. This is a recipe that reflects the Southern affection of fresh seafood and basic, robust cooking. It’s always a hit for parties, showcasing the South’s coastal culture and friendly, welcoming spirit.
5. Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken is a spicy fried chicken dish of Nashville, Tennessee known to be incredibly hot due to the cayenne pepper in both batter and coating. The buttermilk marinated chicken is dredged in seasoned flour and fried until crisp. It’s then coated with a spicy paste which consists of cayenne pepper, and other spices which are blended with hot oil, which is what gives it the signature intense heat. It’s also served on plain bread and pickles to counter the spiciness of the chicken. Chicken dish is a local favorite in Nashville and a must-try for everyone who loves spice.
6. Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
The Chicago-style deep dish is famous for having a thick buttery crust made to fit the sides of a deep round pan. The pizza is then filled with tomato sauce and lots of mozzarella cheese at the bottom. You can also add whatever toppings you like, such as pepperoni in between the cheese and sauce. This pizza was developed in the 1940s and is named so because it reflects the larger-than-life attitude that Chicago is famous for. It’s definitely a must-try to those who love pizza in the Midwest, those who prefer a rich and satisfying meal.
7. Geoduck
It’s always a hit for parties, showcasing the South’s coastal culture and friendly, welcoming spirit. Geoduck is sweet, briny with a firm and crispy texture. It is usually consumed in raw form (as in sashimi), sliced thickly in order to bring out its mild taste, or used in other seafood dishes such as chowders and stir-fries. The Geoduck’s appearance is bizarre, with its lengthy siphon which can be shocking to look at. But its delicate taste is acclaimed to be one of the greatest tasting clams by chefs and seafood enthusiasts. Geoduck is a local specialty that perfectly displays the abundance of marine life in the West Coast.
8. Marionberry Pie
Marionberries are the type of blackberry that’s grown in Oregon and have an aromatic, sweet and sour flavor. Try the marionberry pie if you’re in the area. It’s a delicious Pacific Northwest delicacy and a crowd favorite. The pie is considered as Oregon’s state official pie for its uniqueness, being the only place where you can get them. Marionberry pie is best served freshly baked during berry season but is also available in local fairs and bakeries year round. Trying these delicious pies is a great way of indulging in the fruit growing culture of the Pacific Northwest.
9. Kansas City Barbecue
Kansas City Barbecue is known for slow-smoked meat, specifically pork ribs, burnt ends and brisket. The meats are smoked over wood until they become tender before dipped into a sweet and thick tomato-based barbecue sauce. Multiple popular barbecue restaurants in Kansas City have a unique way of smoking while their sauces are usually a balance between smokey, sweet, tangy and savory flavors. Anyone that enjoys barbecue and visits the Midwest or the South owes it to themselves to taste this delicious and savory product of the region that is the American culture of barbecue.