Road trips offer the perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones, enjoy scenic views, and sample some of the country’s most unique and delicious cuisine. While classics like Philly cheesesteaks and New York pizza are must-tries, there are plenty of other regional specialties worth adding to your itinerary. Here are 10 unique state foods that deserve a stop on your next adventure.
1. Delaware: Fries with Vinegar
Thrasher’s Fries in Delaware is famous for its unique take on French fries. Cooked in 100% peanut oil and seasoned with apple cider vinegar, these salty and tangy fries are a must-try.
2. New Orleans: Beignets
No visit to New Orleans is complete without stopping by Café Du Monde for their legendary beignets. These square pieces of dough, fried and covered in powdered sugar, are a delight that’s best enjoyed on the spot.
3. Georgia: Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are a Georgia staple and the perfect convenient snack for your travels. Popular vendors like Hardy Farm Peanuts offer seasonal roadside stands, but you can also order online if you can’t get enough.
4. Idaho: The Ice Cream Potato
Westside Drive-In in Idaho offers a unique dessert called the Ice Cream Potato. Made of vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa powder, this treat looks like a potato and pays homage to the state’s famous crop.
5. Ohio: Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is a hearty dish featuring ingredients like hot dogs, ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce, and cheese. Unique seasonings like cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate set it apart. Skyline is the most famous spot, but many others vie for the title of best chili.
6. New Mexico: Frito Pie
Frito Pie is a New Mexico classic that combines corn chips with chili, cheese, and optional toppings like onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and sour cream. It’s a delicious twist on a classic snack.
7. Missouri: Burnt Ends
Burnt ends, popularized by Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque in Kansas City, are brisket trimmings that have become a specialty. These flavorful, crispy bits are now offered at many barbecue joints across the country.
8. Utah: Fry Sauce
Fry sauce, a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise with added ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and pickle juice, is a Utah favorite. Stan’s Drive-In in Salt Lake City claims to have invented the mixture and serves some of the best fry sauce around.
9. West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls
Pepperoni Rolls are a West Virginia specialty, made of sweet dough stuffed with pepperoni slices. The Pepperoni Roll Bar is dedicated to perfecting this delicious bite.
10. Wyoming: Game Meats
Wyoming is known for its game meats, including elk, bison, and venison. Senator’s Steakhouse and Gaming Saloon, Proud Cut Saloon, and the Jackson Drug are all great places to try these unique meats.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for something different, these regional specialties are sure to make your road trip even more memorable.
