When it comes to American cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is probably fast food like hot dogs and hamburgers. So today we’re going to take a look at the “signature dishes” of each state in the United States!

Alabama: Grilled Chicken with White Sauce

Alabama white sauce is a rich, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

The sauce was invented in the 1920s by Bob Gibson of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Alabama and is typically served on sandwiches or with grilled or fried chicken.

Alaska: Smoked salmon

Alaska is famous for its salmon, but there is always controversy over whether the locals prefer smoked, grilled or pan-fried salmon.

In Alaska, salmon is best enjoyed with vegetables or on a bagel with cream cheese.

Arizona: Fried burritos

Many people think that chimichangas are a Mexican delicacy, but they were actually invented in Arizona.

Two restaurants in Tucson, Arizona, claim to have invented the dish, which is essentially a tortilla stuffed with vegetables, meat, and spices, then fried and topped with cheese and seasonings.

Arkansas: Fried Pickles

Fried pickles might seem a little strange to us, but they are very popular in the United States.

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, the first fried dill pickles appeared on the menu at the Duchess Drive-In in Atkins, Arkansas, in the summer of 1963.

California: Avocado toast

California is famous for its avocados, and avocado toast is one of the state's most popular and famous dishes.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Californians have been making avocado toast for over 130 years: a recipe dating back to 1885 in the Daily Californian Morning Post called for avocado spread on bread and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Colorado: Fool's Gold Sandwich

A now-closed restaurant in Denver, Colorado, first invented the "Fool's Gold" sandwich, a bread sandwich filled with peanut butter, blueberry jam, and bacon.

Legendary singer Elvis Presley was so impressed after eating this sandwich that he even flew to Denver on a private plane overnight just to try it.

Connecticut: Hot Lobster Roll

Culture Trip magazine reports that the first recorded lobster roll was served in 1929 at a restaurant called Perry's in Milford, Connecticut.

While New England and Maine are also famous for their lobster rolls, Connecticut's lobster roll has its own twist, featuring a bun filled with warm lobster meat and butter.

Delaware: Peach Pie

Peach pie is the official dessert of Delaware.

According to the Delaware state government website, peaches were introduced to Delaware during colonial times and later became a significant local industry. At its peak, Delaware shipped 6 million baskets of peaches to the United States.

Florida: Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich, of course, can be traced back to Cuba, but the American "Cuban sandwich" owes much of its origin to Cuban immigrants in Tampa, Florida.

There are reportedly some key differences in the ingredients of sandwiches made in Cuba and the U.S. Florida sandwiches often use salami imported from Italy.

Georgia: Brunswick Stew

Although both Brunswick, Virginia and Brunswick, Georgia claim to have invented Brunswick stew, the Georgia town's monument features an iron pot with the inscription: "July 2, 1898, Brunswick Stew Was Created Here."

Hawaii: Kalua Pork

Kalua pork, smoked and thinly sliced ​​pork shoulder sometimes cooked with cabbage, is one of Hawaii's most famous local delicacies.

In Hawaiian, kālua means "cooking in an underground oven."

Idaho: Finger steaks

Many people trace the origins of finger steak to Milo's Torch Lounge in Boise, Idaho.

According to a local barbecue blog, owner Milo Bybee created finger steaks in 1957 using tenderloins left over from the restaurant.

Illinois: Thick-crust pizza

When you think of pizza, you might think of Italy, but thick-crust pizza was actually invented by Americans.

According to the BBC, owners Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo first introduced their creation, a thick-crust Italian-American pizza, in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago's Near North Side neighborhood.

Indiana: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The pork tenderloin sandwich, also known as the "Hoosier sandwich," was invented by Nick Freienstein, a Hoosier from Huntington, Indiana. The sandwich was originally inspired by the Wiener schnitzel.

In 1904, Freinstein was selling sandwiches and hamburgers from a pushcart. Veal was hard to come by at the time, but pork was. So he added pickles and onions to a fried pork tenderloin sandwich, and it became an instant hit.

Iowa: Fried catfish

While fried catfish is popular throughout the South, Iowans are particularly fond of it.

Kansas: Loose Meat Sandwich

A cross between a sloppy joe and a cheeseburger, the loose meat sandwich is a Kansan favorite, especially at the Wichita-based Nu-Way Cafe.

In Kansas, a loose meat sandwich is also known as a tavern sandwich.

Kentucky: Beer Cheese

Chef Joe Ellman, cousin of owner Johnny, is said to have invented beer cheese at the Driftwood Inn near Winchester, Kentucky, as a way to get patrons to buy more beer with their meals.

Louisiana: Gumbo

Gumbo, the state dish of Louisiana, is a traditional stew made primarily of stock, meat or shellfish, thickeners, and vegetables.

Gumbo dates back to the late 19th century, and many food historians believe it was an okra-based stew brought by colonial slaves.

Maine: Lobster Roll

Maine is famous for its lobster rolls, largely because lobster is one of Maine's most profitable exports.

Although the lobster roll's origins can be traced back to Connecticut, Maine-style lobster rolls are typically made with cold lobster meat and served with mayonnaise on toasted bread.

Maryland: Crab Cakes

Crab cakes may date back to Native American times, but the first official recipe for crab cakes appeared in the 1930s, when they were called "Baltimore Crab Cakes."

Massachusetts: New England-style clam chowder

Clam chowder is common in the Northeastern United States. According to American Cooking Magazine, New England-style clam chowder was first served in 1836 at Ye Olde Union Oyster House in Boston.

Michigan: Wet Burrito

The moist burrito, smothered in red chili sauce and generously slathered with cheese, originated at the Beltline Pub in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Minnesota: Corn Dogs

While some believe the corn dog was introduced at the Texas State Fair between 1938 and 1942, the Pronto Pup food stand at the Minnesota State Fair claims to have invented the first breaded and deep-fried hot dog in 1942.

Mississippi: Mississippi Slime Pie

Mississippi Slime Pie is a dessert made with pudding, cake, cookies, ice cream, whipped cream, marshmallows, and some kind of liqueur.

It is said to have been invented in the Vicksburg-Natchez area near Jackson County, Mississippi.

Missouri: Barbecue

Henry Perry, known as the "Father of Kansas City Barbecue," started selling slow-smoked meat wrapped in newspaper for 25 cents in the garment district of Kansas City, Missouri, in the early 1900s, according to Biz Journals.

He later opened Kansas City's first barbecue restaurant in an old pushcart warehouse. Henry Perry loved barbecue so much that his death certificate listed his occupation as "BBQ Expert."

Montana: Meat Pie

Although mince pies originate in New Zealand and parts of Europe, they are also popular in Montana, USA.

Mince pies, often called "little pies," were brought to work by Irish miners who lived in Butte, Montana.

Nebraska: Reuben Sandwich

The classic Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, German pickles, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, served on rye bread.

The Reuben sandwich is said to have been invented in 1925 at an Omaha grocery store in Dallas, California.

Nevada: Shrimp Cocktail

Nevada, or even the United States, may not have invented shrimp cocktail, but Las Vegas residents claim it's their go-to appetizer.

According to the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, they introduced the 50-cent shrimp cocktail in 1959. Since then, it has become a Las Vegas signature dish and a tourist favorite.

New Hampshire: Maple Syrup Pancakes

Although Vermont produces more maple syrup, New Hampshire is still very famous for its maple syrup products.

Maple syrup pancakes are a New Hampshire favorite.

New Jersey: Disco Fries

Disco fries, which are French fries topped with gravy, cheese, and other toppings, originated in New Jersey.

Disco chips are a late-night snack that originally originated as a food eaten after a night out, hence the name.

New Mexico: Green Chili Cheeseburger

Green chilies are New Mexico's signature vegetable, so it's no surprise that New Mexicans add them to burgers, most commonly the green chili cheeseburger.

New York: Pizza

As we all know, New York is famous for its pizza. The cheapest one is only $1, and there are many kinds of pizza.

The first pizza parlor in the United States was in New York City: Lombardy's Pizza, which opened in New York's Little Italy in 1905.

North Carolina: Krispy Kreme Donuts

Krispy Kreme Donuts, also known as KK Donuts, first opened its doors on July 13, 1937, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

At the time, the owner, Vernon Rudolph, simply sold donuts to local grocery stores. Later, as the donuts became more and more famous, he began selling them directly outside the store. Today, Krispy Kreme donuts has become a large American donut chain and the second largest donut food store in the United States.

North Dakota: Walleye

North Dakota is famous for its walleye, a freshwater fish native to the United States. Locals eat it fried or make it into sandwiches.

Ohio: Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnati, Ohio, is known as the Chili Capital of the U.S., with over 180 chili shops. Cincinnati's chili is slightly different from traditional chili, with a lighter consistency and is often served over pasta.

Cincinnati chili is also served with chopped onions, cheese, beans, and even crushed oyster crackers.

Oklahoma: Fried steak

Fried steak is often served with mashed potatoes and gravy and is popular throughout the American South.

Oklahoma designated fried beef as one of its state dishes in 1988.

Oregon: Clams

Clams are a popular food in Oregon, where shellfish are plentiful. They're used in many classic Oregon dishes.

Pennsylvania: Philly Cheeseburger

By far, Pennsylvania's most famous food is the Philly cheesesteak, which is said to have been invented by hot dog stands in 1930.

The sandwich includes thinly sliced ​​steak, cheese, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, pepper, or ketchup.

Rhode Island: Stuffed Clams

Stuffed clams, also known as stuffed quahogs, are a Rhode Island delicacy.

Chop the clam meat, mix it with breadcrumbs, herbs, diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, then bake it in clam shells.

South Carolina: Shrimp and Grits

The exact origins of shrimp and grits aren't entirely clear, but many believe the dish may have originated in Charleston, South Carolina, or other parts of the Carolinas.

Now, shrimp and grits have become a favorite in South Carolina.

South Dakota: Navajo Tacos

Unlike traditional tortillas, South Dakota tortillas use flatbreads, which are flattened dough fried in hot oil until puffy and crispy, and then they are made into Navajo tortillas.

Originally, this food was a staple food invented by Native Americans to fill their stomachs.

Tennessee: Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken is known for being incredibly spicy.

This delicacy is also related to an interesting legend. It is said that a wife who was in a bad mood made a very spicy chicken to teach her husband a lesson. Unexpectedly, her husband liked it very much after tasting it. He also discovered a business opportunity and opened a restaurant selling this spicy chicken. As a result, it was well received - this restaurant is Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, which is also the spiciest fried chicken restaurant in the United States.

Texas: Barbecue

Texas is synonymous with barbecue. Texas barbecue features beef as the main ingredient, and you can taste a variety of beef-related barbecue dishes here.

Utah: Pastrami Burger

The pastrami burger originated at Crown Burger in Salt Lake City, Utah. The burger is served with Thousand Island dressing, tomato, lettuce, and onion, and can also be served with cheese or other toppings.

Vermont: Vermont Corn Chowder

Vermont's favorite is corn chowder, made with a milk-based broth, corn, and other vegetables like onions, potatoes, and cabbage, topped with flour or Vermont cheddar cheese and sometimes bacon.

Virginia: Oysters

Virginia's official website claims that "Virginia is for all oyster lovers." There are multiple oyster festivals and oysters can be caught in eight different regions.

Washington State: Fish and Chips

Fish and chips are often considered a quintessentially British dish, while the American state of Washington is famous for its flaky fish and chips.

West Virginia: Biscuits with Gravy

The origins of gravy biscuits can be traced back to the Appalachian region of the American South in the late 1800s.

According to The Washington Post, the earliest versions of this Southern food used sausage gravy, also known as "sawmill gravy." It's said that this was because sawmill workers often used it to fuel their energy, and the rich, flavorful gravy made plain biscuits more delicious.

Wisconsin: Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds are a favorite in Wisconsin, a state known for its cheese and dairy products.

The cheese factory here has to make only cheese curds every day to meet the high local demand for fried cheese curds.

Wyoming: Extra Large

Turducken is short for Turkey-duck-chicken.

It's said to have been invented by Paul Prudhomme at a Wyoming inn. It involves stuffing a chicken into a duck, which is then stuffed into a turkey, and then stuffing the chicken with other stuffing, like sausage and bacon.

The above are the classic foods from various states in the United States that we have reviewed today. Have you tasted any of them?