One of the greatest things about food in America is all the regional specialties in food. Each state has their own personality due to the many diverse people that have made this land so great. It’s exciting to see what different cuisines each state has to offer, especially the unique foods that may not be heard of in another place. A food that’s common in Georgia might draw blank stares in Massachusetts, while a Missouri delicacy might horrify citizens of Florida.
Why not try them all? We’ve selected a unique regional food from each state, so you can do just that.
Alabama: Orange Rolls
Photo courtesy of @malloryjorgensen on Instagram
In Cullman, Alabama people stand hours in line for these bright orange, sticky sweet buns.
Alaska: Eskimo Ice Cream (Akutaq)
Photo courtesy of @michiko_tali on Instagram
Akutaq is whipped of reindeer fat or tallow, seal oil, freshly fallen snow or water, fresh berries, and sometimes ground fish. Fat has never looked so good.
Arizona: Ach’ii’
Photo courtesy of @tribalrenegade on Instagram
Ach’ii’ is Navajo delicacy with the sheep’s small intestines wrapped around the large intestines, then roasted over a fire until crispy. How does ‘Testine Tuesday sound instead of Taco Tuesday?
Arkansas: Chocolate Gravy
Photo courtesy of @buckwingbbq on Instagram
Southerners win the brunch game.
California: Garlic Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of @livelikelilz on Instagram
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of the largest festivals in the US serving lots of free garlic ice cream. You can get delicious garlic ice cream year round at Marianne’s Ice Cream in Santa Cruz. Just make sure not to kiss anyone afterwards.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain Oysters
Photo courtesy of @durtmuhgurt on Instagram.
Not the oysters from a shell like you might be thinking. It’s actually deep fried bull testicles! Make sure to go to the Testy Fest and a have a “ball.”
Connecticut: Steaming Cheeseburgers
Photo courtesy of @thesteammachine on Instagram
I thought steaming was just for clothes until I saw this. Steaming cheeseburgers instead of frying them is common around the mid-Connecticut area. Watch these West Coasters’ thoughts on it.
Delaware: Capriotti’s Bobbie
Photo courtesy of @pk_middleton on Instagram
A sandwich with Thanksgiving leftovers served anytime of the year? Yes, please! Other sandwich places need to take note. Make your own version at home.
Florida: Swamp Cabbage
Photo courtesy of news-press.com
Contrary to how it sounds, swamp cabbage is one tasty dish according to South Floridians.
Georgia: Coke & Salted Peanuts
Photo courtesy of @elegantislandliving on Instagram
A very popular snack in the South, but not common in the North. Just add peanuts and watch the soda fizz. Georgia is the #1 producer of peanuts and the founding state of Coca-Cola.
Hawaii: Poi
Photo courtesy of tarobrand.com
Looks like an acai bowl but with a much neutral taste. It is made by pounding the root of the taro plant and adding water until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Idaho: Ice Cream Potato
Photo courtesy of @visitboise on Instagram
I can’t think of anything more Idaho.
Illinois: Horseshoe Sandwich
Photo courtesy of @tail_face_space on Instagram
The unofficial sandwich of Springfield, Illinois. An open-faced sandwich with a hamburger patty, topped with fries and cheese sauce. Obama and Bette Milder liked the Horseshoe sandwich, so it has to be good.
Indiana: Brain Sandwich
Photo courtesy of @kheben on Instagram
From a cow’s brain and only for the mooo-st adventurous. Can find ’em at Hilltop Inn in Evansville, IN.
Iowa: Maid Rite Sandwiches
Photo courtesy of @anneadamsondds on Instagram
Maid-Rite has been an Iowa tradition since 1926. A Maid-Rite is a loose meat sandwich made with seasoned, slow-cooked ground beef served on a warm, slightly sweet bun. It may be the best sandwich you ever eat.
Kansas: Sour Cream and Raisin Pie
Photo courtesy of @susie703 on Instagram
I thought sour cream was just for nachos, until I saw this. This proves that sour cream makes anything look delicious.
Kentucky: Hot Brown
Photo courtesy of @statelysandwiches on Instagram
Fancy Kentucky Derby hangover food. The Hot Brown is a turkey and bacon open faced sandwich turkey and bacon, covered in Mornay sauce and broiled until the bread is crisp and the sauce begins to brown.
Louisiana: Turtle Soup
Photo courtesy of @brennansnola on Instagram
People are just snapping up this New Orleans delicacy.
Maine: Needhams
Photo courtesy of tablespoon.com
These chocolate covered potato candies put chocolate covered chips to shame.
Maryland: Thrasher’s Vinegar Fries
Photo courtesy of @billylamana on Instagram
Doused in vinegar while chasing seagulls away on the boardwalk.
Massachusetts: Grape Nuts Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of thebettercrumb.com
New Englanders are really good at hiding cereal in desserts.
Michigan: Olive Burger
Photo courtesy of @eatgr1 on Instagram
Olives on burgers are just as good as olives in martinis.
Minnesota: Lutefisk
Photo courtesy of @thescrooge on Instagram
Lutefisk is dried and salted white fish that has a gelatinous texture. It was brought to Minnesota by Scandinavian immigrants. Thousands of people eat for the holidays every year.
Mississippi: Koolickles
Photo courtesy of @laaaurenharcarik on Instagram
Have you seen a pickle so bright? A Koolickle is a pickle dipped in Kool-Aid that originated in the Mississippi delta region. Whoever thought of this is genius.
Missouri: Snoots
Photo courtesy of @sewamouf on Instagram
People actually eat pig snouts as well. They are considered a delicacy in St. Louis.
Montana: Pemmican
Photo courtesy of @tormking179 on Instagram
Often a snack for hiking, Pemmican is a ball of protein and fat from an animals like deer, elk, bison, or moose mixed with berries. They’re the perfect snack for those on a Paleo diet.
Nebraska: Cheese Frenchees
Photo courtesy of @ohsweetbasil on Instagram
Deep-fried grilled cheese. This looks so good, I’m at a loss for words.
Nevada: Honey Toast
Photo courtesy of @azncherrypie on Instagram
Ice cream stuffed in a box of toasted and buttered brioche. Perfect for breakfast after a night of bad decisions in Sin City.
New Hampshire: Apple Pie with Cheddar Cheese
Photo courtesy of @theroyalamerican on Instagram
The perfect combination of salty and sweet.
New Jersey: Tomato Pie
Photo courtesy of mainlinepizzaquest.blogspot.com
This pie originated from the Trenton area. It is kinda like a Sicilian pizza but with no cheese. The power is all in the sauce.
New Mexico: Roadside Beef Jerky
Photo courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com
You may see more roadside beef jerky stops than rest stops in New Mexico, just a heads up.
New York: Garbage Plate
Photo courtesy of @kasandrinos on Instagram
Despite the name, you should absolutely eat it.
North Carolina: Livermush
Photo courtesy of @photolisar on Instagram
A North Carolina speciality that, despite being made from pig’s liver and head, is actually quite tasty.
North Dakota: Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Photo courtesy of @jessmolstre on Instagram
Although Lay’s has made this chip popular, “chippers” were originally made in ND.
Ohio: Skyline Chili
Photo courtesy of @pardonmytake on Instagram
Skyline Chili is chili made with a secret sauce that is rumored to contain some chocolate or cinnamon. It’s usually on top of pasta and topped with cheese.
Oklahoma: Deep-Fried Gummy Bear
Photo courtesy of @xd0ct0r_wh0x on Instagram
This has to win the prize for being one of the most outrageous fair foods that we can’t wait to bite into.
Oregon: Bone Marrow with Bourbon Smoked Cherry Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of @shuncutlery on Instagram
In Portland, it’s completely normal to have bone marrow in your ice cream. Not only is this ice cream yummy, but bone marrow has lots of health benefits. Way to go, Portland!
Pennsylvania: Hog Maw
Photo courtesy of @cbfgoat on Instagram
Hog Maw is pig’s stomach cleaned and stuffed with potatoes, cabbage, onion, and spices.
Rhode Island: Coffee Milk
on Instagram
Coffee milk is so popular in Rhode Island that it’s even served in schools.
South Carolina: Banana & Mayo Sandwiches
Photo courtesy of gq.com
There is a Facebook page dedicated to this very unique sandwich combo. People even fight over if it should have peanut butter or not. It is also NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr’s favorite sandwich.
South Dakota: Chislic
Photo courtesy of @shalista on Instagram
Cubed beef, lamb, or venison that’s cut into cubes deep fried, and salted.
42. Tennessee: Sweet Potato Pancakes
Photo courtesy of @sammanguiat on Instagram
Taylor Swift loves these pancakes, so her girl squad probably does too.
Texas: Frito Pie
Photo courtesy of @chatchowtv on Instagram
Frito pie is not pie at all, but rather a pile of Fritos with chili on top.
Utah: Funeral Potatoes
Photo courtesy of @callmebettyblog on Instagram
You might die of happiness eating this delicious crunchy, potato casserole.
Vermont: Maple Syrup Snow Candy
Photo courtesy of dishmaps.com
Next time it snows, pour some maple syrup over snow and roll it up with a stick. It’s so yummy that you’ll never complain about snow again.
Virginia: Peanut Soup
Photo courtesy of @georgewashingt0n on Instagram
If you love peanuts, Virginia is for you.
Washington: Apples on Top of Pizza
Photo by @marijuanamo420 on Instagram
It’s no secret that Washingtonians love their apples… even on top of pizza. Saddle Rock Pub & Brewery is famous for this pizza.
West Virginia: Ramps
Photo courtesy of @cedarstreetgrill on Instagram
Ramps are like the unofficial food of West Virginia, there’s even a festival dedicated to them. Be careful not to cook them at home because they can stink.
Wisconsin: Beer Cheese Soup
Photo courtesy of @chilipeppermadness on Instagram
Every frat boy’s dream.
Wyoming: Elk Burger
Photo courtesy of @hh_deer on Instagram
Too bad elk is pretty rare because it is naturally low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in protein.