Traveling across the country gives you the perfect excuse to taste local food. Every state has a signature sandwich that tells a story about its history and people. I decided to try ten of the most famous regional sandwiches to see what the hype is all about. Here are the ones I tasted on my journey.
Alabama Chicken Sandwich With White Sauce
This simple chicken meal dates back to a railway worker in the 1920s, and it is still a huge hit today. I thought the creamy mayo and spicy horseradish white sauce were a really clever twist that makes regular chicken taste amazing.
Alaska Salmon Sandwich
Folks up north skip the lunch meat and go straight for fresh wild salmon mixed with celery and onions. It feels super healthy and light, but I totally get why the local bears are so obsessed with this tasty fish.
Arizona Sonoran Hot Dog
I know people argue about whether a hot dog is a sandwich, but this bacon wrapped creation in a sweet roll is too good to skip. The mountain of pinto beans and jalapeño sauce on top made a giant mess, but every single bite was completely worth it.
Arkansas Fried Bologna Sandwich
Some people call this round steak, but it is really just a thick slice of fried bologna served hot on soft bread. This is definitely a guilty pleasure food that brings back childhood memories, even if it is not the fanciest thing on the menu.
California French Dip Sandwich
This West Coast classic features sliced beef piled high on crunchy bread that you dip right into a bowl of warm gravy. I found that dunking the bread makes it wonderfully soft and flavorful, which is a really fun way to eat lunch.
Colorado Fool’s Gold Loaf
This completely surprised me because it is a massive hollowed out loaf of bread stuffed with peanut butter, blueberry jelly, and crispy bacon. Elvis apparently loved eating these giant sweet and salty creations, but I honestly could only handle a few bites before feeling full.
Delaware The Bobbie
If you love holiday food, you will enjoy this roll packed with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. It basically tastes like Thanksgiving dinner in the palm of your hand, and it is a very cozy meal to eat anywhere.
Florida Cuban Sandwich
This pressed sandwich is built with marinated pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles all melted perfectly together. The crunchy Cuban bread and tangy mustard give it an incredible flavor punch that really represents the bright energy of Miami.
Illinois Italian Beef Sandwich
Made famous by local workers and recent television shows, this French bread loaded with thin beef and pickled veggies is a heavy hitter. The spicy vegetable mix cuts right through the rich meat juices and leaves you wanting another bite even when you are stuffed.
Louisiana Po’ Boy
The secret to this Southern favorite is the soft French bread that is strong enough to hold up a giant pile of fried seafood. I tried the fried shrimp version, and the crispy texture combined with the pillowy bread makes it an absolute masterpiece.
Related Posts
