Here are five of the best, most local-driven cuisines across the United States. You may have had the outsiders' versions of these dishes elsewhere, but going to the birthplace and having an authentic meal changes everything.

1. B J O R N K O C H . N E T
D E F I N I N G F O O D S
F I V E O F T H E U S ' S S I G N A T U R E D I S H E S Y O U S H O U L D T R Y
The United States'

2. A N O V E R V I E W
T R A V E L I N G A N D F O O D A R E A N I N T E R T W I N E D ,
I N T E R S E C T I N G P A I R O F I N T E R E S T S O F M I N E
T H A T I O F T E N F I N D M Y S E L F E X P E R I E N C I N G A T
T H E S A M E T I M E .
W H E N I T R A V E L , I S A M P L E T H E L O C A L C U I S I N E
R E G A R D L E S S O F H O W E X O T I C I T I S O R I S N O T .
T H E R E ’ S N O T H I N G L I K E V I S I T I N G T H E H E A R T
A N D B I R T H P L A C E O F A D I S H A N D T A S T I N G A N
A U T H E N T I C V E R S I O N Y O U R S E L F . I T
A L W A Y S – A L W A Y S – B L O W S I M I T A T I O N S O U T O F
T H E W A T E R .
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T

3. L O U I S I A N A :
G U M B O
If you’ve been to Louisianna before, you know that the state is known for its
cajun creole inspired seafood dishes. In New Orleans you’ll likely find a good
bit of jambalaya, but statewide, gumbo is a must-try. The base vegetables of
celery, onions and peppers with stock, a meat or seafood and a variety of
seasonings, spices and other ingredients combine to form a fantastic southern
dish.
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T
Photo: JeffreyW, Flickr

4. M A R Y L A N D :
C R A B / C R A B C A K E S
The popularity of Maryland crabs comes from the method in which they’re
cooked. Instead of simply boiling blue crabs with little to no spice, Maryland
has made famous the method of utilizing Old Bay and a variety of spices to
bring out the flavor of the crabs. If cracking is too much work for you, Maryland
crab cakes are a fantastic substitute in Maryland.
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T
Photo: Food Group, Flickr

5. I L L I N O I S :
C H I C A G O D E E P D I S H P I Z Z A
You’ve probably tried deep dish pizza before, but unless you’ve been to
Chicago, you haven’t really tried deep dish pizza. The chunky tomato sauce, the
heaps of cheese and the perfectly cooked crust makes eating authentic
Chicago-style deep dish an experience that every human on earth should try at
least once in their life.
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T
Photo: Luiz Eduardo, Flickr

6. P E N N S Y L V A N I A :
C H E E S E S T E A K
A classic example of something that you can get just about anywhere in the
world, but probably shouldn’t. Visiting just about any pizza place in America,
you’ll find a menu item that will likely read “Philadelphia cheesesteak.” If you
want a real Philly cheesesteak, avoid this. Philly cheesesteaks should be eaten
in Philly. Avoid tourist-based spots like Pats and Genos, and opt instead for
Dalessandros or Steve’s. My final recommendation: cheese whiz and onions.
Not exactly upscale, but certainly delicious.
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T

7. M A S S A C H U S E T T S / N E W E N G L A N D :
C L A M C H O W D E R
You had to have seen this coming. As a Boston resident, filling up with a bowl of
clam chowder, particularly on a chilly evening, is hard to beat. Thicker than
most other chowders because of its creamy base, New England clam chowder is
a must-try when you’re in the area. And, by the way, to the locals it’s chowda’.
Defining Dishes
B J O R N K O C H . N E T
Photo: ayustety, Flickr