Cuisine & Beverages

American food history, regional flavor and beverage trails by state.

Choose a region, scan the signature dishes, then click a state to learn the stories behind its food culture, classic plates, markets, restaurants, drinks and easy recipe ideas.

Pick a State Recipes by Region

Northeast

Northeast cuisine and beverages

Start with the flavors that make this region recognizable, then click a state to go deeper into local food history, beverages, recipes and trip ideas.

Northeast

New York

Bagels, deli counters, pizza slices, oysters and apple-country desserts.

New York-style bagel board

Toast split bagels, add cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomato, onion, capers and dill.

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Northeast

Massachusetts

Clam chowder, lobster rolls, cranberries, baked beans and old port tavern cooking.

Coastal chowder bowl

Simmer potatoes, onion and clams in a creamy broth; finish with cracked pepper and oyster crackers.

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Northeast

Vermont

Maple syrup, cheddar, cider doughnuts and farm suppers in small mountain towns.

Maple cheddar toast

Broil sourdough with sharp cheddar, apple slices and a light maple drizzle.

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Southeast

Southeast cuisine and beverages

Start with the flavors that make this region recognizable, then click a state to go deeper into local food history, beverages, recipes and trip ideas.

Southeast

Louisiana

Cajun and Creole food, gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, seafood boils and festival cooking.

Simple Cajun skillet rice

Sauté onion, celery and pepper; add rice, tomatoes, Cajun spice and smoked sausage or shrimp.

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Southeast

Georgia

Peaches, barbecue, soul food, biscuits, coastal seafood and Atlanta’s modern dining scene.

Peach biscuit shortcake

Split warm biscuits and layer with peaches, lightly sweetened cream and toasted pecans.

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Southeast

North Carolina

Vinegar barbecue, smokehouses, seafood shacks, biscuits and mountain apple traditions.

Carolina pulled chicken

Toss slow-cooked chicken with vinegar, pepper flakes, brown sugar and a little tomato.

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Midwest

Midwest cuisine and beverages

Start with the flavors that make this region recognizable, then click a state to go deeper into local food history, beverages, recipes and trip ideas.

Midwest

Illinois

Chicago deep dish, hot dogs, steakhouse history, corn country and immigrant bakeries.

Chicago-style veggie bake

Layer thick crust, mozzarella, peppers, mushrooms and crushed tomato sauce; bake until golden.

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Midwest

Michigan

Great Lakes fish, cherries, pasties, Detroit pizza and market-driven city food.

Cherry lake salad

Combine greens, dried cherries, toasted nuts, blue cheese and cider vinaigrette.

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Midwest

Iowa

Corn, pork tenderloin sandwiches, pie, fairs, bakeries and family-style diners.

Sweet corn fritters

Fold corn into a simple batter with scallions; pan-fry small cakes and serve with honey butter.

Explore Iowa food history →

Southwest

Southwest cuisine and beverages

Start with the flavors that make this region recognizable, then click a state to go deeper into local food history, beverages, recipes and trip ideas.

Southwest

Texas

Brisket, chili, Tex-Mex, breakfast tacos, kolaches and smokehouse culture.

Texas brisket bowl

Use smoked or slow-roasted beef over beans, rice, pico de gallo and pickled onion.

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Southwest

New Mexico

Green chile, red chile, stacked enchiladas, posole and Pueblo/Hispanic foodways.

Green chile eggs

Warm tortillas with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese and roasted green chile.

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Southwest

Arizona

Sonoran flavors, tacos, citrus, desert ingredients and Indigenous food traditions.

Sonoran bean tostadas

Top crisp tortillas with beans, grilled peppers, avocado, salsa and lime.

Explore Arizona food history →

West & Pacific

West & Pacific cuisine and beverages

Start with the flavors that make this region recognizable, then click a state to go deeper into local food history, beverages, recipes and trip ideas.