Iconic food to try in Ohio

Ohio isn’t dubbed the “Heart of It All” for nothing.  The nation’s seventh most populous state is filled with a good diversity of culinary tastes and traditions, and it’s almost criminal not to dig in and find what it’s all about.  Here are some of its iconic food offerings to try and indulge in.

Image source: FoodandWine.com     

Image source: News5Cleveland.com     

Buckeyes

Let’s kick off this mini-list with Ohio’s signature homemade candy, which consists of peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.  It resembles the nut of the buckeye tree, by the way, earning this very name.

Cleveland-style barbecue

Mabel’s BBQ isn’t one to be missed for its “characteristically Northeast Ohio flavor,” according to Food Network.  Michael Symon’s barbecue joint uses indigenous fruitwoods such as apple and cherry, and the main event finds a great ally in European-rooted sides such as broccoli salad and spaetzle and cabbage.

Chili dogs

Tony Packo’s along with other excellent chili dog joints offer an epic gastronomic moment with a wide range of options.  The hotdog joint also has a famous bun museum to visit.

Goetta

Find yourself anywhere near Cincinnati? Dine on goetta for breakfast and taste the difference with this German-inspired delicacy that’s made of steel-cut oats and ground pork.  Sliced thin and griddle-cooked, it’s crispy and represents all that’s good in the world.

Corned beef sandwich

If you’re from Ohio you’re likely to have a soft spot for corned beef sandwich, which is at its best at Slyman’s Restaurant.  This downtown Cleveland eatery is arguably the best one can locally find as far as corned beef is concerned. 

George Ammar sets out to try new restaurants in Ohio. Despite the many restaurants in the area, he still considers Fleming's Steakhouse as his favorite. Learn more on this page.