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
“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
“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
“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
“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: