What’s your favorite food? Now, does that favorite food align with the signature food of the state you’re from? Ah, yes — the controversy and barrage of reflexive rebuttal is already tangible, which is exactly what occurred when the Cooking Channel asked viewers to vote on each state’s favorite/signature food.

There’s nothing like feasting your eyes (pun intended) on a quality comprehensive map. And this bad boy, paired with the Cooking Channel’s original list — which includes recipes for each iconic dish — is nothing short of mouth watering.

Though I take slight offense to New York’s majority vote of wings with blue cheese, I will build a bridge and get over it. I can’t speak for everyone, though, and am certain that if this map were whipped out at a family party or college reunion, things would get heated real fast.

The culinary states of America

If you’re squinting to see which food correlates with what state, don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered with the handy table above. So let’s dig in, shall we?

Some pairings like Mississippi mud pie, Texas’ notorious brisket, and Philly’s legendary cheesesteak make total sense. You glance at them, nod knowingly, perhaps bookmark the recipe, and move on.

But then you stumble upon a match like the Kentucky “signature” open faced turkey sandwich and you wonder, bewilderedly, what in the world happened to fried chicken? Is KFC simply an overhyped stereotype? I need answers.

Then there are pairings that will just make you chuckle: especially in the case of the Cooking Network providing an actual link to an all-you-can-eat buffet recipe for Las Vegas. I know what I’m making for dinner tonight. Bon Appétit, map lovers.

See Also: The food each state hates the most

•March 13, 2023