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Beyond BBQ and lobster rolls: The regional foods that define American cuisine

Nothing speaks to the culture of a region more than its cuisine. You can’t think of Italy without pasta or New York without pizza. Food is the fabric of society and, despite regional differences, it’s what brings everyone together.

takes a look at the tastiest regional foods in the United States that most Americans haven’t heard of. From the desert Southwest to coastal New England, these local foods taste just as delicious as they sound.

The Midwest: Hearty, home-cooked delights

Classic, home-cooked comforts are the locals’ choice throughout the Midwest. Culinary trends differ from one state to another, but in general, one can expect savory meats and cheeses around every corner.

Wisconsin has its , Cincinnati, Ohio has its , and Iowa has its . No matter where you go in the Midwest, you’re sure to leave your destination full.

Southern Appalachia: Resourceful traditions

Appalachian states like West Virginia and Mississippi can be hidden culinary gems. The cuisines in this region come from a place of resourcefulness and have deep roots in the region’s hardworking lineage.

Take, for example, the West Virginia pepperoni roll. This simple, yet mouth-watering dish was first created by the wives of miners, explains . The first commercial variant was a few slices of pepperoni in a fluffy roll, but soon bakeries across the state started offering their own style.

The has equally humble beginnings. This burger features ground beef mixed with flour or soybean grits. It was originally created during the Great Depression years to extend the use of limited quantities of expensive meat. Today, it’s a delicious treat that locals enjoy.

The Southwest: A fusion of indigenous and immigrant flavors

The Southwestern U.S. features a blend of different cultures and cuisines. Some of the best food here has roots back to Native American and Mexican dishes.

Frybread is one of the region’s delicacies. how it was created by the Navajo tribe in the 1860s in response to the government’s forced relocation from Arizona to New Mexico reservations. It’s a flavorful, pancake-style fried dough.

Another highly-regarded Southwestern food is the . This spicy twist on a traditional cheeseburger can be found at nearly every casual restaurant in the region.

Coastlines: From savory seafood to wild game

The U.S. coastlines are rich in fresh foods that locals get to experience every day. There is also a huge variety depending on location.

You might know Maine for its lobster rolls, but wild game is just as revered here. As , game cannot be bought or sold in Maine. It either has to be shot, bartered, or freely given. The experience of obtaining the meat is just as fulfilling as eating it. Popular options include moose, wild turkey, and venison.

Don’t forget dessert. The Whoopie pie was invented here and is actually the .

City fare: How urban culinary scenes differ

The cat's out of the bag when it comes to local classics like the Philly cheesesteak and Chicago deep dish pizza. It’s become more difficult to find the authentic foods that truly embody the culture of a city. Here are some culinary trends across U.S. cities that most people don’t know about:

• Seattle, Wash.: You might picture salmon specialties when you think of the Puget Sound region, but did you know that Seattle has a bustling teriyaki scene? As , teriyaki fast food is everywhere these days. In 1984, there were 19 spots. Now there are 519.
• St. Louis, Mo.: Toasted ravioli are a long-standing tradition of the city. , rumor has it this dish was invented when a local chef accidentally dropped ravioli into a pan of bread crumbs and decided to fry them.
• Rochester, N.Y.: A garbage plate may not sound appetizing, but it’s a staple of Rochester. how this dish can be found everywhere in the city, from “small hamburger joints to fine-dining restaurants.” Every place makes it with their own special twist, but the concept is a base of home fries, French fries, baked beans, or mac and cheese, a top layer of hamburger or hot dog, and a finishing drizzle of Rochester-style hot sauce.

The dishes that locals crave

Across the United States, locals are diving into amazing dishes that the rest of the country has never experienced. From sweet treats like Indian frybread and Whoopie pies to satisfying meals like German Goetta and toasted ravioli, originality lies in every region of the country. The next time you’re visiting another state or city, consider skipping the tourist special. Find the foods that locals love but never glamorize.

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