When it comes to state pride, we’d all fight to the death to defend our state’s signature foods. Here’s a round-up of some of the most renowned and well-known foods from every state that are sure to start the Hunger Games.
Alabama: Cheese Grits
Photo courtesy of cookistry.com
Cheesy and creamy, what more could you ask for? This southern staple is anything but bland, and it’s the breakfast staple you’ve been searching for. ‘Bama’s doin’ it right.
Alaska: Salmon
Photo courtesy of TheKitchenAccomplice on Flickr.com
With some of the best salmon out there, it’s pretty clear why Alaskans pride themselves on their salmon. Not only is it delicious, but it should be your next go-to study snack because it’s packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Arizona: Mexican Food
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Let’s be honest, tacos, burritos and nachos might be some of our favorite drunk foods, so we can’t blame Arizona for giving Mexican food a little extra TLC.
Arkansas: Cheese Dip
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
Nothing beats some cheesy goodness on game day, so next time you rally up, turn your ordinary cheese dip into something extraordinary.
California: In-N-Out
Photo courtesy of tumblr.com
Though the In-N-Out vs. Shake Shack debate may never end, any west coast native will agree that a Double-Double Animal Style will always satisfy your needs. That’s what a hamburger’s all about, and California sure wants everyone else to know it.
Colorado: Beef Enchiladas
Photo by Eugene Ang
While Colorado might be especially infatuated with beef enchiladas, the rest of the country wouldn’t dare exclude all the other enchiladas out there. Enchiladas for president? #Enchiladas2020
Connecticut: New Haven Pizza
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
It’s no doubt that everyone out there loves a good slice, but our friends from Connecticut swear by New Haven pizza. While other states (*cough* New York *cough*) claim their pizza is the best, Connecticut knows how to make their mark with their pizza.
Delaware: Chicken
Photo by Helena Lin
Chicken is versatile as hell, and everyone from Delaware knows it. Breakfast? Chicken. Lunch? Chicken. Dinner? You guessed it, chicken. Once you go chicken, you never go back, and Delaware is killin’ the chicken game.
Florida: Cuban Food
Photo by Susan Bean
Though our country’s relationship with Cuba may not have always been the best, we’ll always be devoted to the wonderful food they’ve given us. Florida, stay true to who you are, and the food you’re known for.
Georgia: Peach Cobbler
Photo courtesy of Ralph Daily on Flickr.com
They don’t call it the Peach State for nothing. Georgia’s fierce pride for their beloved fruit is no joke, but they’re surely as sweet as can be.
Hawaii: Spam
Photo by Janet Galore
Yeah, Spam might be a little mysterious, but can’t we find some pleasure in the unknown? Hawaii sure can.
Idaho: Potatoes
Photo by Alia Wilhelm
Potatoes are the reason we have latkes, french fries, tater tots and so much more. Everyday, I wake up and thank God for potatoes. Actually, I thank Idaho.
Illinois: Meat
Photo by Christin Urso
Carnivores unite. Head over to Illinois and find a world full of meat-lovers, lusting over bacon, sausage, and so much more.
Indiana: Sugar Cream Pie
Photo courtesy of tastykitchen.com
This pie sure knows how to win over a crowd. Heavenly, decadent and sweet as can be, it emulates everything that Indiana is all about.
Iowa: Corn on the Cob
Photo by Tiare Brown
It’s summertime. The sun is setting. You’re eating corn on the cob. Life is good. Iowa knows how to take corn from ordinary to extraordinary.
Kansas: Bread
Photo courtesy of mymundaneandmiraculouslife.com
Carnivore? More like CARBivore. If you love bread more than you like your significant other, Kansas is the place for you. There’s a reason they call it the breadbasket.
Kentucky: Fried Chicken
Photo courtesy of Andrea Nguyen on Flickr.com
Heart attack inducing? Maybe, but everything is okay in moderation, right? There’s nothing like a hot piece of fried chicken after a long day.
Louisiana: Crawfish
Photo courtesy of James on Flickr.com
If we can be certain about one thing, it’s that our friends down in Louisiana know how to get down ‘n dirty with their crawfish. When spring comes, I know I’ll be heading down south to spice things up.
Maine: Lobster
Photo courtesy of gizmodo.com
Dear Maine, with arguably the best lobster out there, we’re all jealous that we can’t live in endless, lobster-filled bliss. Sincerely, the other 49 states.
Maryland: Crab
Photo by Benjamin Martin
Don’t be crabby just because you don’t live in Maryland. Just travel on over and get some fresh and flavorful crabs. That’s the reason vacations exist, right?
Massachusetts: Clam Chowder
Photo courtesy of harrysfresh.com
Or should I say, clam “chowdah.” It’s a widely known fact that New Englanders love their clam chowder, but Massachusetts has that special bond that we all wish for so deeply.
Michigan: Cherries
Photo courtesy of Nik Photographie on Flickr.com
Nothing says summer like a good cherry pie, and Michigan is sure of it. Netflix and chill? More like cherry picking and chill.
Minnesota: Tater Tots
Photo by Kailla Coomes
Warm, crunchy, potato-y goodness? I can assure you that there’s nothing better. We know Minnesota is known for their freezing blizzards, but I know the cold wouldn’t bother me anyway if I had some tater tots.
Mississippi: Biscuits and Gravy
Photo courtesy of Jackie Alpers on Flickr.com
Creamy, dreamy and oh-so needed. A little indulgence is much needed sometimes, and these biscuits and gravy are just telling you to treat yo’self.
Missouri: BBQ
Photo by Rafi Letzter
When I fall asleep at night, I dream about that charred, crispy, sweet and savory taste of a perfectly barbecued rib. Doesn’t everyone?
Montana: Rocky Mountain Oysters
Photo courtesy of Wally Gobetz on Flickr.com
Okay, so maybe it’s a little hard to fathom the idea of eating Rocky Mountain oysters because… yeah. But when you love something, you’re willing to go to great lengths to have it. In the wise words of fashion icon Tim Gunn, Montana knows how to “make it work.”
Nebraska: Runzas
Photo courtesy of Isachandra on Flickr.com
Unless you’re from Nebraska, odds are you probably don’t know what a runza is, so let me enlighten you. Imagine some meaty, tasty deliciousness wrapped up inside a doughy pocket you can only dream of. A runza’s like that, but fulfills so much more, and Nebraska wants everyone to know.
Nevada: Buffet
Photo courtesy of Haimanti Weld on Flickr.com
How can you ever visit Las Vegas without going to one of the legendary buffets? You can’t. From sushi to steak and so much more, there’s no craving a buffet can’t satisfy.
New Hampshire: Cider Doughnuts
Photo courtesy of Food52
It’s a crisp fall afternoon, and you’re relaxing with a cup of coffee and these cider doughnuts. Is there really anything better? I think not.
New Jersey: Salt Water Taffy
Photo courtesy of K. Herbrand on Flickr.com
Chewy, sweet and the core of every New Jersey native. With more flavors out there than words in the dictionary, the possibilities are endless for a tasty snack. Sharing is caring, New Jersey, so spread the love (and taffy).
New Mexico: Green Chiles
Photo courtesy of twistedstringknits on Flickr.com
Packed with flavor and spice, green chiles are a force to be reckoned with. Chile this, chile that, chile everything. Chile pride.
New York: Bagels
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
So maybe bagels are available across the country, but there’s no bagel out there that could possibly compare to a good, New York bagel. Chewy and baked to perfection, breakfast isn’t complete without them. Bae-goals, am I right?
North Carolina: Pork BBQ
Photo courtesy of Richard Rutter on Flickr.com
Though BBQ may come in all shapes and sizes, pork BBQ has its own personality. Sweet and flavorful, some pulled pork sliders will make you feel so warm inside.
North Dakota: Bison Burgers
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Sometimes a hamburger can get a little old, so who doesn’t want to spice things up with some bison? If you’re watching your figure, skip the gym and make some bison burgers.
Ohio: Buckeyes
Photo courtesy of Travis Estell on Flickr.com
Jelly, move out of the way. Chocolate is here to steal your spotlight. Peanut butter and chocolate is arguably one of the best combos out there, so no wonder Ohio uses it to flaunt their state pride.
Oklahoma: Chicken Fried Steak
Photo courtesy of ruffing on Flickr.com
No one said that everything we eat has to be part of the newest health craze. Comfort food is a must sometimes, and Oklahoma’s on the right track with their chicken fried heaven.
Oregon: Marionberry Pie
Photo courtesy of Darius Kuzimckas on Flickr.com
So maybe it’s not your typical berry pie, but I guess you could call it Oregon’s dirty little secret. Sweet and tart, you should add marionberry pie to your next summer barbecue menu.
Pennsylvania: Cheesesteak
Photo courtesy of bridgesburgersbeer.com
When you think Philly, you have to think cheesesteak. Health conscious? Maybe not, but that warm, gooey, cheesy goodness will make you forget that you haven’t been to the gym in a week.
Rhode Island: Clam Cakes
Photo courtesy of Krista on Flickr.com
This fried treat is like a savory doughnut, and no one can refuse a doughnut, am I right ladies?
South Carolina: Sweet Tea
Photo courtesy of Lecia Phinney on Flickr.com
Just like its residents, South Carolina’s sweet tea is as sweet as can be. On a hot summer day, nothing cools you down like a nice, chilly glass of sweet tea.
South Dakota: Kuchen
Photo courtesy of Johannes Zabel on Flickr.com
As the official state dessert of South Dakota, Kuchen deservingly shines like no other. Its sweet, doughy pastry paired with fruit and custard will fulfill your need for that sweet indulgence, while maintaining your diet.
Tennessee: Hot Chicken
Photo courtesy of Chris Wage on Flickr.com
If you think fried chicken is good, you’re gonna think hot chicken is irresistible. Doused in a cayenne-based paste, this spicy, crunchy delight will make you happier than a significant other ever could.
Texas: Tex Mex
Photo courtesy of Alexandre Macedo on Flickr.com
You thought there was nothing better than authentic Mexican cuisine, but our favorite Texans know how to put a spin on some of our favorite dishes. Cheese is a staple in all of our diets, and our friends in Texas surely take advantage of that with their love for queso.
Utah: Jello
Photo courtesy of Food Librarian on Flickr.com
It’s not a party without Jello shots, but it can also be a super fun snack. With a ton of fun variations, this jiggly gelatin-based snack will leave you and your taste buds dancing.
Vermont: Maple Syrup
Photo courtesy of simplyscratch.com
The staple for all your favorite breakfast foods, maple syrup is irreplaceable. From waffles, to pancakes, to bacon, there is nothing that doesn’t pair perfectly with that sweet syrup.
Virginia: Apples
Photo by Paige Rodgers
Apple pie, apple fritters, baked apples, apple juice and apple cider wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for our favorite fall fruit. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so channel Virginia and start eating apples.
Washington: Pho
Photo by Scott Harrington
This Vietnamese noodle soup trumps every other soup out there. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, there’s nothing better than a bowl of pho to get you through those typical Washington rainy days.
West Virginia: Pepperoni Roll
Photo courtesy of Martha on Flickr.com
We all know that the best part of going out for dinner is the bread they give you before the meal, and our friends in West Virginia know that. Take your white doughy bread and stuff it with pepperoni and cheese, and you have your own personal pizza. Drunk cravings: satisfied.
Wisconsin: Cheese
Photo courtesy of thekitchenskinny.com
Doubtful that this comes as a surprise to anyone. No one could deny that Wisconsin has the best cheese out there, and I think we’re all a little jealous that we don’t get a little Wisco’ cheese everyday. Craving it now? Here’s your solution.
Wyoming: Beef Jerky
Photo Courtesy of Aaron HUI on Flickr.com
Chewy and savory, Oliver and Jackson from Hannah Montana know beef jerky knows how to work-y. Next time you take a trip to Wyoming, make sure you bring some jerky along on your hike.