- Every state has its own iconic dish, whether it was invented or popularized there.
- Maine and Connecticut are both famous for their lobster rolls, though they prepare them differently.
- Tennessee is famous for its spicy Nashville hot chicken.
From Illinois’ famous deep-dish pizza to the Colorado-born “Fool’s Gold” sandwich, every state has its own iconic meal.
Some famous foods, like Nashville hot chicken, have become synonymous with their state and have even become the signature food of famous institutions, as hot chicken has at Hattie B’s.
Local foods can also make an impact far beyond their origin states, sparking nationwide trends. KFC and Dave’s Hot Chicken have added iterations of Tennessee’s most famous local dish to their menus over the years, and mentions of “Nashville hot chicken” on menus have increased 65.7% over the last five years, CNBC reported in November 2023, citing data from food-service consulting company Technomic.
Here’s the most famous local dish from every state.
