How to eat your way around the USA
If someone were to say to you American cuisine, what would instantly spring to mind? Hamburgers and fries? There so much more to America than its exceptionally tasty fast food! The USA is a huge, diverse melting pot of a country with 50 states and just as many national dishes. Its culinary wealth is unrivalled in the Western world, simply due to its size and population, but what would you like to eat when you visit? (And yes, hamburgers and fries are available in every region!)
Today were looking at the variety of food on offer here, as well as the speciality dish of each state. Spoiler alert! As we work our way through an alphabet of flavours, expect to get very hungry!
Alaska
Often referred to as one of the final frontiers, parts of Alaska, which is situated away from the bulk of the USA, close to the Arctic circle, still contains a wilderness waiting to be explored. It has snowy peaks full of skiers in the winter and tall forests fringed with wide, fast-flowing rivers, that are incredibly picturesque in the summer. Here seafood is important. King crab and salmon are considered national dishes.
Arizona
Its a southwestern state in the USA, best known for being home to the major geological attraction that is the Grand Canyon. Much of this state has a hot, dusty desert-vibe. Theres plenty of space and big open skies, but its also characterised by the influence of what lies over its border – Mexico! A favourite cuisine here is Mexican food. Think fajitas, tacos and burritos, all crammed full of spicy chicken or beef, chillies, peppers and onions.
Arkansas
Another southern state, were entering barbecue territory now. Break up your hike around the mountains or alongside the Mississippi with chicken, catfish or duck, served with okra. Grits are also big here; a porridge-like meal made with corn.
California
Home to LA, San Francisco and the California winelands, this is widely believed to be one of the most beautiful states. Long stretches of pristine beaches, sun-kissed vineyards, mountains and valleys all serve to make this west coast region all the more exciting. Famed for its Californian diet, which consists of a super healthy take on the Mediterranean diet; lots of fresh fruit and vegetables with lean meats and fish, this region is also a fast food king. Check out in n out; a chain that provides unique hamburgers and fries!
Colorado
Colorado in the west is home to the mighty Rocky Mountains. A trip will include a journey up the peaks and troughs of a high altitude landscape and while youre here youll almost certainly want to try the Rocky Mountain oysters. Dont be fooled by the name. It isnt a food with its origins in the sea or river. Theyre actually the breaded testicles of pigs or bulls and theyre delicious. This is authentic ranch food, served with a cocktail sauce.
Connecticut
Practically a suburb of Manhattan, Connecticut is just a short train ride away from New York, but retains a character all of its own. If youre spending any time here, two things you simply must do is take a trip around the Yale University art collections and try a New Haven style pizza. Youll be amazed by the range of flavours, but a particular favourite is the mashed potato pizza!
Delaware
Geographically located between Washington and New Jersey, Delaware boasts picturesque sand dunes that overlook the Atlantic, 18th century architecture and the city of Wilmington with its famous riverfront. Blue claw crabs, slippery dumplings and peaches are the foods this state proudly produces on a large scale for its citizens and the wider population to enjoy.
Florida
Situated in the southeast, Florida is a playground for wealthy American seniors. You can expect to eat well here as well as be thoroughly entertained with trips to Miami, Disneyland, the Epcot Centre and Cape Kennedy. You might even be lucky enough to catch a rocket launch! Surrounded by plenty of sea, fish always features heavily on the menu here; particularly grouper. Grouper sandwiches is a must-try dish during your stay.
Georgia
With its diverse landscape, featuring mountains, beaches and farmland, Georgia in the south east is famed for its colonial buildings and the city of Atlanta. The fried chicken here is out of this world. Try it with locally sourced corn bread and a handful of pecans. You wont be disappointed.
Hawaii
An archipelago of islands in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, the volcanic islands that make up Hawaii; which include Maui and Oahu are all exotic, tropical and are as close to paradise as you can imagine. Despite not being connected to the mainland, Hawaii is a state of America and the national food here poke. It consists of diced, raw fish and can be served as a starter or a main course.
Idaho
Located in the northwest, this state consists of huge swathes of wilderness and farming land. The river Boise, that flows from the Rockies through here is a magnet for outdoor adventure types. Its great for exciting rafting rides and fishing. The national state food of Idaho is the humble potato. Dont be be put off by this pedestrian sounding dish however, because if anyones an expert in the full range of preparation methods and tastes that can be produced from it, its the good folk of Idaho. This is their biggest farming crop. You havent properly appreciated a potato, until youve eaten one in Idaho!
Illinois
Illinois represents the Midwest of America at its very best. Its known as the farming state for its vast acres of farmland. It also boast fine wetlands, hills, Lake Michigan and the famous windy city of Chicago, one of the largest in North America. This state has claimed popcorn and apples as its official national dish, but Chicago is also widely known for its deep dish pizza.
Indiana
Known throughout the world for its connections with motor racing, the Indiana 500 is held at the Indiana Motor Speedway and is watched extensively. Its another big midwestern farming state and its state food is pork tenderloin. Coated in breadcrumbs and served in a hamburger bun with fries, this is a juicy meat feast
Iowa
With plains and cornfields as far at the eye can see, Iowa straddles both the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers. A loose meat sandwich is the order of the day here, with the Maid-Rite brand being an Iowa household name.
Kansas
This is another midwestern farming state, but this time wheat is the big crop. Kansas City and Wichita are the two big urban centres here. Famously the home state of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the food of choice here is barbecue. Meat is flavoured with spices, slow smoked and served with a thick tomato sauce. Youll find barbecue restaurants all over to provide you with a hearty meal Kansas-style.
Booking your trip around the USA
The best way to travel around the USA in style and comfort, with your own personal guide in tow, is by booking yourself onto a luxury escorted tour. If youve got a couple of weeks off work you could travel from the east coast to the west, or from the north to the south. Here at Lowcostdeals, the range of USA trips on offer is tremendous.
Keen to see geographical wonders, then why not consider a canyon tour that will take you to the see the dizzying heights of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Bryce Canyon among other places. Or perhaps youd be interested in a music tour? You could find yourself in the footsteps of the King on a tour of Memphis, Nashville and Tennessee, or taking a self-drive journey across the iconic Route 66.
As a respected booking partner of a number of internationally renowned and award-winning tour operators who specialise in holidays in America; such as Titan Travel, Collette Worldwide and Cox and Kings – click here for all tours, to name just a few, well be able to find the perfect trip to match your itinerary expectations, your budget and any other particular preferences you might have. Please get in touch with our experienced team of advisors to find out more about our tours. Well gladly remove all the stress from the booking process for you.