Foods you MUST eat when you visit these states in the USA. From Plate Lunches in Hawaii to Lobster Rolls in Maine, I’ll tell you what my favorite foods are in these states that you NEED to eat when you visit.
1 – In Hawaii:
Garlic Shrimp
From the North Shore of Oahu — Giovanni’s shrimp truck
Or from Blue Water Seafood at Ala Moana
Plate Lunches
Zippy’s! It’s all about the Macaroni Salad
Poke
From the Poke counter at Foodland, or as a bowl
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairan
Best Katsu-don in the US!
Malasadas
From Leonards. Portuguese donuts with a tropical filling like Guava
Henry’s Ice Cream
Fresh made tropical ice creams in a styrofoam cup, Mango, Guava, etc
Shave Ice from Maui
Breakfast at the Andaz Hotel in Maui
The best hotel breakfast ever!
2 – California:
This is where I live…
My favorites are Burgers, Pizza, Mexican! Avoid anything that says “California Cuisine”
Burgers: In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, Five Guys
Pizza: Bronx Pizza in San Diego, Blaze Pizza for “fast fired” pizza
Mexican: Carne Asada (in Burritos, Tacos, Nachos) — my favorite is “King Taco”
Fish Tacos (grilled, fried, or shrimp) — my favorite is “Baja Fish Taco”
BBQ: Tri – tip is the most famous California BBQ, particularly along the central coast of California. My favorite around LA is Lucille’s BBQ.
My favorite Dim Sum is in San Francisco — called Koi Palace.
And if you’re in SF — you should probably eat some sour dough bread and clam chowder.
If you’re in LA you should totally visit Eataly at Westfield Century City
3 – Nevada
In Las Vegas:
Buffets! Duh! Bellagio is still a classic, and I still enjoy the Rio.
And my favorite Sandwich, Earl of Sandwich at Planet Hollywood hotel
4 – Colorado:
The home of Chipotle! Visit the original location in Denver.
5 – Texas:
– BBQ! Duh! In Texas it’s all about the breakfast. Ask for your Brisket “moist” for the fatty part! My favorite chain BBQ is Rudy’s Country Store.
6 – Kansas City: (Kansas and Missouri)
– BBQ! Oklahoma Joes — now called Kansas City Joes. The finest BBQ in a gas station!
7 – St. Louis MO:
– BBQ! St. Louis Style Ribs from Pappys — get there by 10am or wait forever!
8 – Louisiana:
Cajun and Creole
Gumbo, Jambalaya, Ettoufee, Pan Roast, and Beignets
I’m not really a “Po Boy” fan
9 – “The South”:
Fried Chicken
Shrimp and Grits
Biscuits and Gravy (for breakfast!)
Red Velvet Cake
10 – Washington DC Area:
– Peking Gourmet Inn — George Bush’s favorite Peking Duck!
11 – Pennsylvania Philadelphia:
– Philly Cheesesteak
12 – New York NYC:
Pizza! By the Slice: Joe’s pizza — Whole Pie: Lombardis
Pastrami: Katz’ Deli
Halal Guys cart – gyros and chicken platter
The original Shake Shack!
New York City Cheesecake from Juniors
13 – Massachusetts Boston: Clam Chowder
14 – Maine: Lobster Rolls
