- Some more favorite dishes from different places.
Did you see This is the Meal That Defines Your State: Part One? Because this is part two, and more delicious meals that define each state.
Alaska
Location, location, location. Right? That’s the case for the meal that defines Alaska, salmon. It’s fresh and if you grill it, you’re in for a damn good dinner. Alaska brought in $643.9 million worth of salmon in 2021 alone, they know what they’re doing with that fish.
Hawaii
Did you know that spam and Hawaii have a history dating back to World War II? The meat product was served to GIs and by the end of the war, the products were adopted into local culture making picked pan-fried slices of spam, steamed rice, and scrambled eggs Hawaiian’s favorite meal. This dish is so popular, McDonald’s sells it as well.
California
As a trendsetting coastal state, California has some of everything, and is on the edge of all new and delicious food. But when it comes to the meal that Californians call theirs, it’s street tacos. The best part about street food is the atmosphere. You’re in the hustle and bustle with all the people-watching you could ever want, and it’s a great time for a snack.
Florida
Another coastal state but on the other side of the country, with new and upcoming favorites. A melting pot of people, there are pockets of flavors all over the state and heavy Cuban influences, after all, it’s right there. Cuban sandwiches are Floridians pick for food. Top a Cuban bread roll with braised pork shoulder, deli ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and bread and butter pickles, delicious. Side note on delicious, if you love coffee you just have to try Cuban coffee. It’s a mix of the strongest and sugariest coffee and it’s truly delicious as well.
Louisiana
As the home of Cajun cuisine, the states most popular dish reflects that. According to the people of Louisiana, there’s nothing better than a good pot of gumbo. Have you had it? This stew of sorts is full of vegetables like celery, onion, green bell pepper, okra and garlic, and meats like andouille sausage, lump crab meat, and shrimp. It’s got a thick broth filled with Cajun spices and bacon drippings, and flour to thicken it up a bit.
Maine
Back to the coast and into the water, Maine is home of the lobster so of course it’s main dish would have to be one that included lobster. The people of Maine like lobster bake the best and say that it best represents their state. And for a side? Why not have some clams.
Montana
Wide open spaces, cue the Dixie Chicks, right? When it comes to space, Montana has a lot of it. They also have a lot of bison and for people who live and eat in Montana, they love a bison burger. Don’t forget the dessert, and be sure to enjoy a slice of huckleberry cobbler to finish.
Mississippi
Mississippi is a fun word for us word nerds, and it’s even fun to spell. Mississippi is known for it’s catfish and they eat it with fries and hushpuppies. Be sure to add collard greens and black-eyed peas with this meal and you will be in for a treat.
Nevada
You know that baren place in the dessert, the one home to late-nights and light in Las Vegas? Shrimp cocktail and prime rib come in as Nevada’s best dish, and with all the Vegas influence, that’s not much of a surprise. Besides, either shrimp and cocktail sauce or prime rib eventually grows on you, if you weren’t a fan as a kid, and because of Vegas prices, you can find these dishes delicious and cost effective.
New Mexico
Let’s go just north of south of the border and get the best food in New Mexico. Their meal of choice is something called Carne adovada. This pork dish is simmered in a thick sauce of New Mexican chiles, garlic, oregano and tons of other spices.
Florida isn’t my favorite state but I would love to have a Cuban sandwich right now. How good does that sound? There will be a part three, so watch for it!