In 1906, John Taylor (commonly known as Taylor Ham) created the pork roll in Trenton, New Jersey. Shortly after, the delicious breakfast meat became a Jersey staple. You’re guaranteed to find it in Jersey diners, boardwalks, and kitchens.
However, it’s hard to find pork roll in any other state.
As a New Jerseyan attending college in New York, I was shocked to find out my school friends had never even heard of pork roll. I decided to cook them all classic pork roll egg and cheese sandwiches, so they could finally understand what they’ve been missing.
On March 3rd, 2015, I had my four non-New Jerseyan friends experience pork roll for the first time ever.
Here’s what they thought.
Kendal, Rhode Island
Photo by Emily Burnham
“I wouldn’t order a bacon, egg, and cheese if I could order this in Rhode Island. It’s super salty and just perfect by itself. No condiments are needed, and that says something.”
Peter, Massachusetts
Photo by Emily Burnham
“It kept me quiet for a while. The pork roll, egg, and cheese combination works really well together, almost like a handshake between foods. I wonder, what else I’m missing out on?”
Kelly, Connecticut
Photo by Emily Burnham
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to like pork roll, but after all the hype and finally getting my hands on it, I now understand. It’s just like a better bacon, egg, and cheese.”
James, New York
Photo by Emily Burnham
“Pork roll brings a great name to New Jersey. This could be the true breakfast of champions…”
Well, there you have it. Maybe pork roll really isn’t just a “New Jersey” thing after all.
Check out these other articles about New Jersey and other states’ favorite foods: