The United State’s Famous Dishes: Part I

Each state has their own signature cuisines that every visitor just has to try. For example, you can’t visit Philadelphia without trying a cheesesteak. No trip to Detroit is complete without a Coney dog. A lot of cities even have their own special cuisines. Do you like New York-style or Chicago-style pizza? There are even special dishes that give credit to an entire region for their inception or mastery. The local culinary and baking and pastry arts scenes vary from region to region, so wherever your next trip in the country takes you, be sure to try a local dish.

East Coast

• Clam chowder: It’s not referred to as “New England clam chowder” for nothing. Located off of the Atlantic Ocean, clams are always fresh and taste awesome in the region’s signature soup.
• Pizza: New Yorkers area always on the go and need something they can eat and move with. There is a reason that the opening credits of “Saturday Night Fever” feature John Travolta eating a slice of pizza walking through the streets of Brooklyn.
• Cheesesteaks: Philly cheesesteaks are the pride and joy of Philadelphia: Shaved beef, onions, peppers and provolone cheese in a warm hoagie roll. Hungry yet?

West Coast

• Fish tacos: The West Coast keeps things light and healthy. Rather than using beef or chicken covered in cheese like the traditional American take on tacos, Baja-style fish tacos are typically served with shredded cabbage and white sauce.
• California rolls: A California roll is typically the introductory sushi roll, made inside with cucumber, crab and avocado. Americans tend to respond better to the mild flavors and the rice on the outside over traditional Japanese-style sushi.
• Cioppino: This fish stew originated in San Francisco. It’s filled with various Pacific Ocean seafood with tomatoes and wine sauce. Since sourdough is also a region-favorite, it’s usually served alongside cioppino.

Down South

• Biscuits and gravy: Biscuits and gravy isn’t a breakfast for the health-conscious. This dish consists of soft biscuits covered in sausage gravy made of sausage drippings, flour and milk. Greasy and delectable, you won’t be hungry again until lunchtime.
• Barbecue: This blanket term for ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more is what the South is known for. If you travel down south and don’t try some of the region’s barbecue, you’ve just wasted a trip.
• Gumbo: Native to Louisiana, this stew consists of shellfish or meat, and a plethora of vegetables, including celery, bell peppers and onions. It’s has a very strong taste, and depending the region you’re getting it in, it may be very spicy.