Food differentiate the story of a place , link people through shared custom and local ingredient . Each State Department has a unequalled culinary identity that speculate its finish , history , and agricultural heritage .
Alabama
Alabama invented a creamy white barbeque sauce that transforms grill chicken into a regional delicacy . Bob Gibson created this tangy mayo - based sauce in the 1920s , make it a true southerly culinary excogitation .
Alaska
Alaska ’s pristine body of water produce unbelievable salmon , make fume salmon a cornerstone of local culinary art . Locals set salmon in various ways , celebrating the state ’s rich maritime resource and fishing traditions .
Arizona
Tucson claim the invention of chimichangas , a deep - fry burrito filled with savory kernel and veggie . The crispy , cheese - top sweetheart represents the vivacious Mexican - American culinary influence in southwest cooking .
Arkansas
have a go at it for fried fix , the first clock time it emerged at Duchess Drive - In in Atkins , create a crispy , tangy bite sensation . These deep - fried pickle slice speedily became a dear comfort food across the land .
California
California ’s Persea Americana toast go steady back to 1855 , showcasing the Department of State ’s agricultural invention and refreshing ingredient . simple-minded yet delectable , the dish aerial highlights California ’s world - renowned avocado product .
Colorado
Elvis Presley magnificently flew to Denver just to enjoy the Fool ’s Gold sandwich stuffed with peanut butter . This effete existence sport a sourdough loaf packed with 1st Baron Verulam and blueberry mess .
Connecticut
Connecticut pioneered the quick lobster rolling , service fresh seafood in a buttered , split up - top roll . Unlike insensate version , this manner sport warm lobster kernel drizzled with melted butter .
Delaware
Delaware ’s official body politic dessert pecan pie celebrates its rich agricultural inheritance of peach husbandry . At its peak in 1875 , the state ship six million hoop of peaches nationwide .
Florida
Tampa ’s Cuban immigrants make a unique sandwich combining Cuban and Italian culinary traditions lie with as the Cuban sandwich . Salami and specific ingredient combinations tell apart the Florida version of this iconic sandwich .
Georgia
Georgia claims the blood of the hearty Brunswick fret with its first cooking in 1989 . The dish combines substance , vegetables , and local culinary custom in a classic Southern quilt food .
Hawaii
Kalua pork is traditionally cooked in an underground oven , make tender , smoky chopped substance . This Hawaiian classic showcases the island ’s singular cooking method acting and rich culinary heritage .
Idaho
Boise ’s Milo ’s Torch Lounge invented finger steaks in 1957 as a creative way of life to use remnant tenderloin . These crispy fried beef strips became a darling local daintiness across the potato United States Department of State .
Illinois
Chicago invented deep - dish pizza in 1943 , create a thick , hearty option to traditional flimsy - crust styles . Pizzeria Uno introduced this iconic dishful that became a cornerstone of the state ’s culinary identity .
Indiana
inhale by German hotdog schnitzel , Indiana ’s monumental breaded pork sandwiches became a Midwestern culinary staple . Nick Freinstein created the first “ Hoosier sandwich ” using topically uncommitted pork in 1904 .
Iowa
Iowa embraces deep-fried catfish as a popular dish , combining Southern cooking techniques with Midwestern agricultural traditions . This crispy , golden fish represents the state ’s love for hearty and solace meals .
Kansas
A unparalleled creation sitting between a hamburger and sloppy joe , slack meat sandwiches are Kansas favorites . The Nu - Way Cafe in Wichita popularise this mussy , delicious local specialty .
Kentucky
Invented by Chef Joe Allman at the Driftwood Inn near Winchester , beer cheeseflower became a local sensation . The creamy , tangy dip was in the first place designed to encourage more beer sales .
Louisiana
Gumbo represents Louisiana ’s culinary thawing pile , combining African , French , and Native American cooking traditions . This rich sweat reflects the country ’s various heritage and complex flavor profiles .
Maine
Maine ’s cold lobster roll showcase the state ’s fabled seafood , featuring French lobster meat on a toasted bun . The dish highlight Maine ’s majestic maritime culture and abundant sea resource .
Maryland
Maryland ’s crab cakes trace back to Native American cooking in the Chesapeake Bay area . The first official recipe appear in the 1930s , celebrating the state ’s copious seafood traditions .
Massachusetts
Boston ’s Ye Olde Union Oyster House first serve New England - style clam chowder in 1836 . The creamy soup became a staple fibre of Massachusetts culinary art , representing the country ’s coastal inheritance .
Michigan
Grand Rapids Beltline Bar created smashed burritos insure in red chili pepper sauce and melted cheese . This unique dish represents Michigan ’s originative approach to Mexican - inspired cuisine .
Minnesota
Minnesota State Fair exact to have devise the bread and fried hot dog known as the edible corn dog in 1942 . The crispy , portable snack became a beloved state fair custom .
Mississippi
Mississippi mud Proto-Indo European , a dessert that develop in the Vicksburg - Natchez area aggregate pudding , cake , and multiple fresh ingredients . Mississippi mud pie showcases the state ’s love for rich , indulgent sweet .
Missouri
Kansas City barbecue groundbreaker Henry Perry started selling slow - smoked meats wrapped in newsprint in the early 1900s . His love was so cryptical that his death certificate lean his business as “ barbecue valet . ”
Montana
Butte ’s Irish mineworker popularized inwardness pies called pasties as convenient , portable repast during long workdays . These hearty pastries became a staple fiber of Montana ’s mining community culinary art .
Nebraska
An Omaha grocer cook up the classic Reuben sandwich in 1925 , combining corned beef cattle , sauerkraut , and Swiss cheese . The iconic sandwich quickly became a beloved local and home favorite .
Nevada
Las Vegas ’s Golden Gate Hotel insert the famous 50 - cent shrimp cocktail in 1959 , creating a signature ravisher . visitor have since embraced this dewy-eyed yet iconic Nevada culinary tradition .
New Hampshire
New Hampshire produces exceptional maple syrup , which locals sleep with to pour liberally over fluffy pancakes , leading to maple syrup flapcake . The province ’s maple tradition represents its rich agrarian and breakfast culture .
New Jersey
later - Nox diners created disco fries , surround french fries with gravy and melt mozzarella cheese . The dish vex its name from club - goers seeking a hearty post - dancing snack .
New Mexico
New Mexico ’s theme song immature chilies transform average Warren E. Burger into a state culinary picture leading to gullible chili con carne cheeseburgers . The spicy , flavorful addition highlights the state ’s unequalled Southwestern cooking style .
New York
New York City premise America ’s first pizzeria in 1905 , creating a culinary bequest of perfect pizza pie slice . From cheap street food to gourmet varieties , pizza defines New York cuisine .
North Carolina
The Winston - Salem bakehouse known as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts started sell donuts in 1937 , eventually cutting a hole in the paries to match customer demand . The glazed donuts became a home sensation from their humble North Carolina origins .
North Dakota
North Dakota celebrate walleye as its theme song Pisces the Fishes , dish out it fried or in sandwiches . The dish represents the state ’s abundant freshwater fishing custom .
Ohio
Cincinnati boasts over 180 chili parlors serve unequalled chilly served over alimentary paste with typical toppings . The thin Cincinnati - stylus chili show a regional culinary innovation different from traditional chili flair .
Oklahoma
Oklahoma loved chicken - fry steak so much that they made it an official state meal in 1988 . The dish combines Southern cookery traditions with local agricultural heritage .
Oregon
Oregon ’s abundant mollusk make clams a cornerstone of the State Department ’s coastal culinary tradition . Clamming remains a popular activity that directly influence local culinary art .
Pennsylvania
A red-hot domestic dog vendor invented the Philly cheesesteak in 1930 , creating an iconic sandwich . thin sliced steak , cheese , and various toppings delineate this Philadelphia favorite .
Rhode Island
Rhode Island ’s stuffed clams or stuffies are filled with breadcrumbs , herb , and local seafood ingredients . The dish represent Rhode Island ’s copious maritime culinary traditions .
South Carolina
Charleston in all probability initiate this classical southerly mantrap combining fresh peewee with creamy corn grits . The repast showcases the state of matter ’s coastal and agricultural culinary heritage .
South Dakota
South Dakota ’s Navajo taco use frybread instead of traditional taco shells , reflecting Native American cookery . The cup of tea emerge from selection techniques during challenging historical periods .
Tennessee
A fabled tale of revenge created Nashville spicy chicken when a scorn fan made extremely spicy chicken . This dish became a beloved local specialisation with a fiery report .
Texas
Texas barbecue focuses exclusively on beef cattle , make a typical style of easy - cooked heart and soul . The state ’s barbeque custom highlights its ranching and cattle - raising inheritance .
Utah
Salt Lake City ’s Crown Burgers popularized pastrami - topped burgers with special sauce and fresh topping . The unique compounding represents Utah ’s modern access to Graeco-Roman American cuisine .
Vermont
Vermont ’s corn chowder combines local corn , veg , and often Vermont American cheese tall mallow . The dish showcases the state ’s farming abundance and dairy traditions .
Virginia
Virginia host multiple huitre fete , fete eight different regional oyster harvesting areas . The state ’s oyster culture shows its rich maritime heritage .
Washington
Washington State offers a alone take on the definitive British - panache Pisces the Fishes and chips . The dish reflects the state ’s abundant seafood and multicultural culinary influence .
West Virginia
Originating in the Appalachian region , biscuits and gravy powered sawmill workers with red-blooded , flavourful meal . The dish showcases local cooking traditions and working - socio-economic class food culture .
Wisconsin
Wisconsin ’s cheese manufactory produce day-by-day tonic tall mallow curds , deep - electrocute to crispy flawlessness . The state ’s dairy custom shines through this beloved local snack .
Wyoming
A Louisiana chef called Paul Prudhomme reportedly invented this elaborate three - bird roast known as Turducken while in a Wyoming inn . This dish shows culinary creativity and indulgent preparation traditions .
