American food culture is as diverse as its people and landscape. Some of the country’s regional foods have become immensely popular, making them often top the list of cuisines that tourists and residents alike intend to try at least once. Many plan trips to various regions in the country just to get their hands on these dishes. If looking for American food specialties, one cannot go wrong with a few iconic regional recipes.
1. Creole and Cajun food
New Orleans is known for its food, bringing certain uniqueness and flavors to the table. The city is particularly known for crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, boudin, and po’ boys (sandwiches), among other dishes. Creole and Cajun cuisines are especially popular in the city and are served at many local food joints. In the city, one can also easily step outside and find delicious French bread dripping with tartar sauce and oyster filling at any well-known restaurant. So, if looking for a great combination of American, African, and French cultures when it comes to food, one can add New Orleans to their travel plans.
2. Lobster rolls
This dish is believed to have originated in a small town in Connecticut. First introduced in the 1920s, this regional recipe has quickly gained popularity as a staple summer dish. Lobster rolls are often seen as a warm, meaty dish, with the melted butter on top adding to its richness. This scrumptious filling is wedged into a toasted bun and served as a roll. Not just Connecticut but even Maine is known for its lobster rolls. The latter has abundant access to cold-water lobsters, making it the country’s lobster roll capital. This street food can be easily found at fast-food chains, seafood shacks, and lobster pounds in seaside regions. Today, even supermarkets have started selling lobster rolls. That said, if one wants to enjoy authentic versions of this dish, they should visit the Maine Lobster Festival on their next vacation.
3. Key lime pie
Pies are considered classic American desserts. Four American states have their own official pies. Texas calls dibs on pecan pie, Vermont has apple pie, Illinois is known for pumpkin pie, and in Florida, key lime pie reigns supreme. While making key lime pie, restaurants in Florida use a combination of butter and crackers for the crust. The filling here would be a perfect balance of condensed milk, freshly squeezed key lime juice, and egg yolks. Over the 4th of July weekend, Florida also holds an annual Key Lime Pie Eating Contest.
4. Barbeque
The southern regions of the country are well-known for their delicious barbeque food. Each region in the south has its own specialty. Some specialize in dry smoked ribs, some in sliced brisket, while others are known for spice and vinegar marinated steak. There is always an ongoing debate on what each state considers real barbeque. Regardless, all these regions whip up good food, given that their barbeque goes way beyond grilling hot dogs and burger patties in the oven.
5. Fried chicken
While it is a popular fast food in many parts of the world, fried chicken is one of America’s regional cuisine specialties. Some people appreciate the Nashville fried chicken for its dry rub and heat, while others prefer the North Carolina version of the same dish. In the latter variant, the chicken would be coated in flour, fried, and then dunked in barbeque sauce. The Nashville fried chicken is usually served on top of a slice of bread and comes with a side of pickle slices.
A few different versions of the dish can be found in other regions. For instance, in Texas, fried chicken consists of boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated in buttermilk. It is served along with corn, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and creamy gravy. Finally, it is impossible to forget Colonel Sander’s chicken. The famous Kentucky fried chicken is now available around the world, thanks to the franchises. However, Kentucky is one of the first places that made use of pressure fryers to achieve that extra crispy texture on the chicken.
6. Funeral potatoes
This beloved potato dish from Utah has found its way to the menu of certain diners in the country. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is believed to be strongly associated with this dish, having served it at funerals as well as luncheons in the past. That said, variations of the recipe exist everywhere today. Typically, all versions of the recipe consist of cubed potatoes combined with cream soup and sour cream and cheese and topped off with cornflakes. Regardless of the name, this regional dish can be enjoyed for any meal on any occasion.
7. Crab cakes
One can go to any restaurant, diner, or eatery in Maryland to find this dish. The state is known for its blue crabs, which are ideal varieties for dishes like crab cakes. This explains how Maryland became the birthplace of crab cakes. These “cakes” are made by combining crab meat, salt, pepper, eggs, and onions (optional). Additionally, breadcrumbs and mayonnaise are used to bind the mixture. This mixture is then molded into a patty and fried in a pan or skillet.