In the United States, there are unique pasta dishes in the Midwest and traditional native cuisine in the Southwest. Each city offers its own specialized meals, reflecting the pride and local culinary traditions of the area. If you're seeking an extraordinary dining experience, it's highly recommended to indulge in one of these extravagant delicacies. Here are 3 regional US dishes that you must try at least once.
Unusual American eats: have you actually tried these regional delicacies?
1. Cincinnati Chili – Cincinnati, Ohio
Source: Google Search
Cincinnati chili is not your typical chili. It's a unique Ohio specialty that consists of a bed of spaghetti topped with chili, cheddar cheese, beans, and onions. However, you can customize your order to your liking. Many restaurants offer Cincinnati chili in three ways: just spaghetti, chili, and cheese (3-way), adding beans or onions (4-way), or adding beans and onions (5-way).
The idea behind Cincinnati chili originated from Greek immigrants who wanted to give the dish a Mediterranean twist to set it apart from traditional American chilis. Each bite of Cincinnati chili may have subtle flavors of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, and other non-traditional chili seasonings. However, many restaurants keep their special recipes a secret. Today, there are several popular Cincinnati chili fast-food chains, such as Dixie Chili, Gold Star, and the famous Skyline Chili.
2. Juicy Lucy Burger – Minnesota
Source: Google Search
If you thought cheeseburgers were already indulgent enough, then you've never experienced the local Minnesota delight known as a Juicy Lucy. This regional specialty takes it up a notch by stuffing gooey cheese inside the patty instead of melting it on top. For years, two Minneapolis bars – Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club – have been in a spirited debate over who actually invented the Juicy Lucy.
What sets the Juicy Lucy apart is its versatility when it comes to using various types of cheeses that melt beautifully. You have the classic options like American or cheddar, or you can get creative with a Mexican-inspired burger filled with pepper jack cheese and topped off with tangy pickled jalapeños. Some restaurants even offer unique holiday variations, such as a Thanksgiving-themed version with a turkey patty filled with stuffing, or one stuffed with the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly.
3. Spam Musubi – Hawaii
Source: Google Search
Although the origins of Spam musubi are a subject of debate, it's a very popular dish in the Hawaiian islands. It closely resembles traditional sushi, consisting of a bed of rectangular rice topped with lightly caramelized Spam, all wrapped in edible seaweed.
Spam has gained immense popularity in Hawaii, particularly due to its association with World War II. During this time, the canned meat was frequently served to servicemen stationed in Hawaii and eventually became a staple in various Hawaiian dishes. Today, Spam is enjoyed sliced in breakfast hashes, placed on sandwiches, and even incorporated into poke bowls throughout Hawaii.
4. Toasted Ravioli – St. Louis, Missouri
Source: Google Search
Toasted ravioli is exactly what it sounds like – pasta that has been deep-fried. To make this indulgent dish, small ravioli pieces are coated in breadcrumbs, fried until they become crispy, and then topped with parmesan cheese. They are served alongside marinara sauce for dipping. While traditional versions of toasted ravioli used to be filled with meat, modern variations tend to focus more on making the ravioli extra cheesy.
This delectable dish originated in the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis. Two restaurants, Mama's on the Hill and Charlie Gitto's, both claim to be the creators of toasted ravioli. According to both establishments, the treat was accidentally invented in the 1940s when ravioli was mistakenly cooked in hot oil instead of boiling water.
5. Snickers Salad – Iowa
Source: Google Search
In the Iowa classic called Snickers salad, you won't find any leafy greens. Instead, this indulgent dessert "salad" is made by combining Snickers bars, Granny Smith apples, whipped cream, and vanilla pudding. These ingredients are chopped and mixed together to create a creamy and sweet treat.
The exact origin of this treat is uncertain, but it's likely that it was developed shortly after the creation of the first Snickers bar in 1930. Over the decades, the recipe has evolved to include additional elements, such as bananas, crushed pineapple, and lemon juice.
Arrive stress-free with our smart booking platform – ParkingNearAirports.io!
Source: Alex Haney/Unsplash
In addition to our ultimate travel guide, we would like to convey some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it is critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
Our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are affordable and convenient. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. The app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, off-site parking is much cheaper. So you can save money and then spend the most considerable amount on the things you really want to try or see while traveling.
Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It is a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
Source: Octav Cado/Unsplash
Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
With ParkingNearAirports.io, it takes just a few clicks within the application to reserve a parking spot. Upon arrival at off-airport parking, customers receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking spot. The app helps customers find the most convenient airport parking lots. If plans change, cancellations are hassle-free and refundable.
We also offer you services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you're planning a trip to St. Louis, Missouri, you can choose cheap parking near MSP Airport. If you're coming from St. Louis, the situation is the same – you can use affordable STL long-term parking. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
On our official website, you can find the best deals, domestic airport parking charges, and other information connected with parking near US and Canadian airports.
