These 10 Sandwiches Make States Proud
Some sandwiches capture the pride of entire states. They aren’t just meals, they’re symbols of tradition, history, and identity. Here are ten that continue to represent their home states with every bite.
Runza
Nebraska claims the Runza, a bread pocket filled with beef and cabbage. It’s unique to the state, making it a source of local pride and comfort.
Chicago Dog
Chicago’s hot dog is loaded with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, sport peppers, pickle, and celery salt. It’s an unmistakable icon that proudly represents Illinois.
Detroit Coney Dog
Michigan has the Coney Dog, a chili-smothered frank with mustard and onions. It’s tied so closely to Detroit that locals treat it as more than food—it’s heritage.
Loose Meat Sandwich
Iowa holds onto the loose meat sandwich as part of its food identity. The simple ground beef mixture is still beloved in diners and small-town kitchens.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Spicy, crispy, and served on bread with pickles, this sandwich is Tennessee’s claim to fame. Nashville made it a phenomenon, but it still feels local at heart.
Kalua Pork Sandwich
Hawaii’s Kalua pork, cooked in an underground oven, represents local tradition. On bread, it turns into a sandwich that honors the state’s culture and flavors.
Beef on Weck
Buffalo, New York, has the beef on weck, roast beef on kummelweck rolls. The bread’s salt and caraway make it unique, tying it forever to the region.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s breaded pork tenderloin stretches far past its bun. The oversized cutlet is a local badge of honor that Hoosiers proudly claim.
Pueblo Slopper
Colorado’s Pueblo Slopper is a burger smothered in green chile sauce. It’s a messy symbol of state pride that belongs to its hometown and nowhere else.
Hot Brown
Kentucky’s Hot Brown mixes turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce on toast. Created in Louisville, it’s a sandwich tied to state tradition and Southern hospitality.