Only a multi-city domestic trip can help one see how truly diverse the US is, whether it is in terms of landscapes, climates, or food. Some of the world’s most interesting food destinations can be found in the country, each offering something unique in its cuisine, flavors, and variations of classic or common dishes. If planning a trip around food, one cannot go wrong with a few must-visit foodie cities in the country.
1. New York City, NY
When it comes to the best food travel destinations in the US, New York City is undeniably one of the top places to visit. After all, the city is home to many cultures, each offering a unique culinary experience. So, here, one can find dishes from around the world. Additionally, a food experience in the city is not complete without a slice of its iconic pizza and a New York-style cheesecake. NYC is also home to more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants, which only substantiates its reputation of being one of the top cities for food lovers.
2. Tucson, AZ
Food often reflects the culture and traditions as well as the history of a community. This makes the experience quite special for people preparing, serving, and enjoying the food. Such a rich cultural association with food is what makes Tucson one of the must-visit cities for foodies in the country. The Native American and Mexican cuisine in this city has a history that goes back around 4,000 years. This fact has been recognized by UNESCO, which regarded Tucson, Arizona, as a City of Gastronomy. Apart from the rich culinary history and traditional foods, local desserts such as corn masa ice cream and blue corn macarons are a must-try here.
3. San Francisco, CA
This coastal city in California is also home to diverse culinary products from various parts of the world. While it is known for its affordable and casual eateries, San Fransico also houses some of the top high-end restaurants. So those looking for the best cities for gourmet dining in the US can add San Francisco to their itinerary. Some of the best international cuisines to try in the city include Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. Apart from this, one can try the famous bread bowl with sourdough here. In addition to its wide range of restaurants, San Francisco is also known for some of the coziest cafes and coffee shops.
4. Chicago, IL
Pizza lovers who do not mind trying variations of the traditional Italian dish will love visiting Chicago. The city is home to the famous deep-dish pizza, which is known for having a thick crust, loads of fillings, and a generous layer of cheese. When in the city, one can also explore fine dining and multi-course tasting menus in Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is also widely known for its ketchup-free hot dogs—a sight that would be quite out of place elsewhere in the country, especially in NYC.
5. Portland, ME
If there is one city in the country that seafood enthusiasts must not skip, it is Portland in Maine. The city is renowned for its lobster rolls and a multitude of other delicious lobster recipes. Some of these include lobster mac and cheese, lobster on a stick, and lobster pizza. Along with this, the city has more than 10 varieties of oyster recipes to offer. So, if one is looking for a unique food experience, then Portland is a city they must explore. Apart from seafood, one can try the pork belly yakitori and crispy fried tofu here.
6. Detroit, MI
A food tour in the country often involves exploring multiple regional variations of pizza. Along with Chicago, Detroit also has a unique pizza to offer. It is famous for its Detroit-style pizza, which is prepared with a rectangular bread base instead of the traditional circular one. One can also find diverse cuisines in Detroit, including Indian, French, Middle Eastern, Greek, Eastern European, and African. What’s even more interesting is that the city is also known for being among the most affordable foodie destinations in the US, which means one can experience the culinary delights in the region without breaking the bank.
7. Los Angeles, CA
Those looking for some of the best Mexican food in the country must consider adding Los Angeles to their travel plans. From barbacoa to crispy fish and shrimp tacos, one can find all kinds of taco recipes in the city. Not just Mexican food, Los Angeles also offers cuisines like Burmese, Indian, Japanese, and Italian. The city also does it all, from food trucks to gourmet, fine dining joints.
8. Austin, TX
Those who want to get their hands on some authentic Texan chili or chicken fried steak can consider visiting Austin, Texas. The city is widely known for its numerous food trucks. If one misses their chance to catch a food truck on the street, they can always stop by one of the numerous food truck parks in the city. Along with delectable meals, the food truck parks also offer live entertainment, which elevates the dining experience. One also cannot go wrong with trying another Austin specialty—barbecue.