10 Unique State Foods Worth the Detour on Any Road Trip

State Foods That Are Worth a Detour on Your Road Trip

When it comes to embarking on a road trip, there are several essential elements to consider – bonding with loved ones, curating the perfect playlist, and of course, enjoying some delicious cuisine. While classic dishes like Philly cheesesteaks and New York pizza are often at the top of everyone’s list, there are numerous other unique state foods across the United States that are certainly worth a stop along your journey. From Georgia’s boiled peanuts to Cincinnati’s signature chili and Idaho’s intriguing ice cream potato, these state specialties offer a culinary adventure like no other.

**Delaware: Fries with Vinegar**
Delaware boasts a unique offering of fries with vinegar, with Thrasher’s being a popular go-to spot for this delicacy. Locals can’t stop singing praises about these fresh-cut French fries cooked in 100 percent peanut oil and seasoned with apple cider vinegar, creating a salty and tangy flavour that keeps customers coming back for more.

**New Orleans: Beignets**
A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without indulging in Café Du Monde’s famous beignets. These square pieces of dough, fried to perfection and generously covered in powdered sugar, offer a delightful crunch and flavour that is simply unmatched. Just be sure to enjoy them outside your car as they are famously messy!

**Georgia: Boiled Peanuts**
A Georgia staple, boiled peanuts are a convenient and healthy snack option for travellers. Vendors such as Hardy Farm Peanuts often set up roadside stands during peak seasons, offering these delicious boiled treats. You can also opt to order them online if you can’t get enough of this savoury snack.

**Idaho: The Ice Cream Potato**
While Idaho is renowned for its potatoes, Westside Drive-In serves up a unique dessert known as the ice cream potato. Despite its appearance, this delectable treat is made of vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa powder, paying homage to the state’s iconic crop. Don’t miss out on a visit to the potato museum while you’re in the area!

**Ohio: Cincinnati Chili**
Cincinnati is home to a hearty dish known as Cincinnati chili, a must-try meal for any food enthusiast. This flavourful chili can include a variety of ingredients such as hot dogs, ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce, and cheese, with unique additions like cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate setting it apart from traditional chili recipes.

**New Mexico: Frito Pie**
New Mexico offers a delightful twist on classic Fritos by adding chili and cheese to create the popular dish known as Frito Pie. You can elevate the flavours with additional toppings like onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and sour cream, making it a satisfying and delicious snack option for your journey.

**Missouri: Burnt Ends**
Once considered brisket trimmings, burnt ends have become a beloved specialty in Kansas City’s barbecue scene. These delectable meaty treats were initially offered as appetizers at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, quickly gaining popularity and becoming a staple dish across various barbecue joints nationwide.

**Utah: Fry Sauce**
Fry sauce, a simple yet delicious condiment made by combining ketchup and mayonnaise with additional flavourings, has found fame in Utah. Stan’s Drive-In is a local favourite known for serving up some of the best fry sauce in the state, with a blend of ingredients that keep customers coming back for more.

**West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls**
West Virginia’s Pepperoni Rolls have gained such popularity that there is an entire restaurant dedicated to crafting these savoury treats – The Pepperoni Roll Bar. These rolls feature sweet dough filled with pepperoni slices, offering a quick and flavourful snack option for travellers passing through the state.

**Wyoming: Game Meats**
For those looking to expand their palate, Wyoming offers an array of game meats such as elk, bison, and venison burgers and steaks. Establishments like Senator’s Steakhouse and Gaming Saloon, Proud Cut Saloon, and Jackson Drug are perfect places to indulge in these unique and flavourful dishes.

In conclusion, exploring the culinary diversity of the United States through its state foods is a truly enriching experience for any road trip enthusiast. Whether you’re savouring Boise’s ice cream potato or indulging in Wyoming’s game meats, each state offers a distinct and delectable taste of its local culture. So, next time you hit the road, be sure to include these unique state foods in your travel itinerary for a truly unforgettable gastronomic adventure.