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Every State’s Most Controversial Food — Ranked by Chaos Factor
Do you have a tough stomach? Are you a picky eater? Well, either way, there are probably things you love that people can't stand and vice versa.
The same idea works for states. Quite a few popular state dishes are either hated or loved by locals. Typically, there is no in between. Can you think of a dish from your state that's a perfect example?
If not, it's okay. We've done the work for you. Our team at 24/7 Tempo scoured the internet, reviewing local opinions on forums to see what dishes in each state are 'controversial' or 'strange.' Remember, these are opinions of internet users, not absolute truths. Food is subjective. Click through the slideshow to find out each state's most 'controversial' dish.
Alabama
Alabamians might fight over this sauce. Some people swear by it, while others have no idea what it is. Have you heard of Alabama white sauce? It's a BBQ sauce typically made of vinegar, sugar, mayo, and spices. Every person makes it differently, though.
Alaska
Alaska has some bizarre, but good foods. One that makes a lot of lists is akutaq, which is either loved or hated. Akutaq is a native Alaskan dessert made from berries, whipped fat, and seal oil.
Arizona
What screams Arizona more than Sonoran dogs? It's a common dish in Arizona, although not everyone loves it. Basically, Sonoran dogs are bacon-wrapped hot dogs in a bolillo-style bun loaded with toppings. Like the name suggests, it's also popular in the Mexican state of Sonora.
Arkansas
Chocolate and biscuits sound fantastic, but chocolate gravy? That's not for everyone, which might be why it's considered a 'controversial' food in Arkansas. Chocolate gravy and biscuits are a dish served in the Ozark and Appalachian Mountain regions. Don't let the name scare you. Although it's a gravy because it's a thick liquid, it doesn't use meat or fat other than butter.
California
For some reason, avocados are now associated with California. Maybe it's the rise in popularity of avocado toast, but what about avocado ice cream? This controversial dish gets a lot of side eyes, but is a favorite for some. Would you try it?
Colorado
Rocky Mountain oysters are not what you think they are. This is another dish where you can't let the name fool you, as there are no real oysters, just bull testicles. It's an acquired taste that not every Coloradan can get behind.
Connecticut
Born in Connecticut, steamed cheeseburgers are also not for everyone. Instead of grilling, baking, or frying patties, steamed cheeseburgers are cooked by steam.
Delaware
Have you heard of scrapple? Well, it makes the list as Delaware's most controversial dish. The dish is a meat pudding that resembles meatloaf and has Dutch influences. It's made with fried pork scraps and trimmings.
Florida
Fried alligator tail is delicious, but not everyone thinks so. Many Floridians won't even try it once, while others swear that it tastes like chicken with a slightly different texture. What do you think?
Georgia
Sweet and salty is such a great mixture. In the southern United States, especially Georgia, peanuts with Coca-Cola are a common snack/drink. It's exactly what it sounds like: Coca-Cola with peanuts inside. This strange dish dates back to the 1920s, when workers needed a free hand but wanted both a drink and a snack. It's also enjoyed with a Dr. Pepper.
Hawaii
There aren't a lot of controversial dishes in Hawaii. Really, the only one is an international debate - Hawaiian pizza. Fun fact, Hawaiian pizza wasn't even created in Hawaii! It was first made in Canada by a Greek-born Canadian.
Idaho
Would you mix potatoes with ice cream? Well, in Idaho, you can find ice cream potato, which is exactly what it sounds like - sorta. It actually doesn't include a potato but a potato-shaped school of vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa or cinnamon. While this made it on many internet lists for its strangeness, many people do like it!
Illinois
Gravy bread doesn't sound too bad, but quite a few people hate it. This Chicago-inspired dish refers to an Italian loaf soaked/dipped in a beef gravy.
Indiana
Would you eat cow brain? What if it were fried and made into a sandwich? This controversial Indiana dish doesn't have many fans. It's a hard dish to find outside of the Ohio Valley.
Iowa
Although not as popular as it used to be, sour cream raisin pie is an Iowa staple, according to some online locals. Others can't stand the taste and swear it's not a true dessert. Oh well - it's perfect for raisin lovers.
Kansas
Cinnamon rolls and chili aren't a pairing limited to Kansas. It's really a Midwest snack, and you don't mix them. Instead, you first eat the chili and then the cinnamon rolls. Or if you want, dessert first and savory next.
Kentucky
While rolled oysters are served around Kentucky, they are really a Louisville thing. The dish is made up of raw oysters dipped in a cornmeal and spice mixture and deep-fried.
Louisiana
What's more Louisiana or Cajun than boudin? Probably chicken feet in gumbo, although it's likely the two are tired. Boudin is a sausage made with pork and Cajun seasonings and influences.
Maine
Did you expect to see a plant as a strange and controversial dish? Those from Maine and Canada likely know about fiddleheads. These are the furled fronds from a fledgling fern and can be eaten chilled in a salad or steamed as a side dish.
Maryland
Food in Maryland is so good that it's hard to find a 'strange' or 'controversial' dish. Still, a few people online point to the Smith Island Cake, which is a thinly layered yellow cake with chocolate frosting. How can anyone not like this dessert?
Massachusetts
This New England drink isn't limited to Massachusetts, but it's a favorite for quite a few. Would you try Moxie with a splash of milk?
Michigan
You have to really like olives to enjoy this burger. Apparently, Michiganders like their olives. Olive burgers are made with a mayonnaise and cheese olive spread.
Minnesota
One of the most Midwestern dishes, especially popular in Minnesota, is Jello salads. Every salad is different, and each family has their own recipe. Typically, it's made with flavored gelatin, fruit, candies, and nuts.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, you can find something called Koolickles, which are Kool-Aid pickles. They are vibrant in color and taste, although they are an acquired taste for some.
Missouri
Would you ever mix peanut butter and burgers together? Well, it's a dish served in Missouri called the Goober Burger, and it's controversial for sure. Not all Missourians love this dish, while others swear by it.
Montana
Montana isn't home to a lot of 'weird' dishes for them to be controversial. While searching, we only found one dish that people argue over, and even then, it's lightly. Pasties are pretty popular in Montana. They are savory meat pies initially made for miners as an easy lunch.
Nebraska
Grilled cheese sandwiches are already delicious on their own. Now, add mayonnaise and deep fry it, and you have Nebraska's controversial dish, the cheese Frenchee.
Nevada
Nevada is another state without a lot of controversial dishes. Really, searching was a hassle. A few articles did point to the strange, sugary dessert, the cotton candy burrito. But how often are people eating that?
New Hampshire
Needhams aren't strictly associated with Maine. Quite a few internet users say it's a common dessert/sweet treat in New Hampshire. This potato sweet isn't loved by all though for it's sweetness.
New Jersey
Not all New Jersians can stand eating pork rolls, and yet they are super common in the state. It's served in diners on sandwiches and in bulk at grocery stores.
New Mexico
New Mexicans love mixing flavors and ingredients. They love it so much that they've invented things like the controversial green chile apple pie. Although not super popular, it's mentioned enough on Reddit to throw in here.
New York
You have to really enjoy roast beef to like this meal. Beef on Weck is a dish from Buffalo, New York. It's a sandwich stuffed with horseradish and roast beef in a soft Weck roll.
North Carolina
You're going to need a strong stomach to eat livermush. This North Carolina dish is super controversial and not for picky eaters. It's a pork product (typically a patty) made with pork liver and cornmeal.
North Dakota
North Dakota has a lot of Scandinavian roots, which might be why lutefisk is served in the state. Lutefisk is a dried cod cured in lye. It's known for its very intense scent.
Ohio
Has anyone recommended you Cincinnati chili? It's an Ohio-style chili with Mediterranean spices and influences poured over a bed of spaghetti. For some, it's the best meal ever, while others would prefer never to see it again. Honestly, it's tame for a 'controversial' dish.
Oklahoma
Oklahomans love their onions and burgers, especially if they are mixed together. Well, some of them do. Fried onion burgers are common across the state. They are made by frying and cooking the onions in the burger patty.
Oregon
Candied salmon is an acquired taste for sure. It's somehow both sweet and salty. This treat is found throughout Oregon, although not everyone is running to grab it.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is filled with a lot of controversial dishes because of its Amish Dutch influences. One of these is hog maw, the stomach of a pig. It contains no fat when cleaned properly and is usually made into a soup/stew.
Rhode Island
Pizza strips aren't pizza. Not exactly, anyway. Instead, it's a piece of bread or a simple crust with a layer of tomato sauce and seasoning. Definitely not appetizing for everyone.
South Carolina
Cooter soup is one of the more controversial dishes in South Carolina. Not everyone is comfortable eating turtles. Some recipes specifically recommend female yellow belly turtles.
South Dakota
It's strange to think that rhubarb is a common ingredient in some desserts. A popular dessert in South Dakota that uses this edible stalk is rhubarb pie, which is often debated as being 'good' or not.
Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a few different controversial meals, including the fat Elvis sandwich. This sandwich combines peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. Is a yes for you?
Texas
Are you brave enough to try rattlesnake? What if it's deep-fried? Well, this Texas dish is common in state fairs, but it's not for everyone. Not everyone is ready to face their snake fears.
Utah
Cold pasta dishes are a staple in Utah. They seem to be everywhere, including frogeye salad. Don't worry, though, there aren't real frog eyes in it. Instead, it's made with egg yolks, round acini di pepe pasta, and fruits.
Vermont
Do you trust the snow that falls during winter? Well, some people do. In Vermont, it's not uncommon for people to scoop up freshly fallen snow and add maple syrup or sugar to create taffy candy.
Virginia
Virginia was a tough one to search as the state isn't known for having super bizarre food. Still, on a few lists and Reddit forums, people have stated ham biscuits are controversial.
Washington
Any clam lovers? Well, in Washington State, one of the stranger dishes is the geoduck clam. Its shell alone is 6 to 8 inches long! Clams, though, aren't for everyone, making this dish controversial.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, slaw dogs are everywhere, and yet they are considered 'strange' by some. It's a hot dog served with cole slaw on top.
Wisconsin
Everyone's favorite cheese state is also home to a 'controversial' dish, deep-fried crickets. Can you tell why it's so controversial? While you won't find this dish in stores, it is available at state and county fairs.
Wyoming
While we tried our best not to repeat dishes, Wyoming doesn't have a lot of 'odd' food, other than Rocky Mountain oysters.