These 5 States Have the Best Food in the U.S.

Can you guess which five states have the best food?

One of the best things about the United States is its unique blend of global cultures, and what’s more cultural than food?

Whether we’re talking about Italians who reinvented pizza here or Koreans who introduced us to kimchi and beef bulgogi, the U.S. is chockful of culinary exploration, with chefs creating new food fusions as we speak.

Of course, some states have more diversity than others when it comes to cuisine, and that’s typically what makes them stand out among the 50 — but not always. Can you guess which five states have the best food?

5. Illinois

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Population: 12.6 million

Biggest city: Chicago

We could honestly start and stop with deep-dish pizza because that alone would land Illinois in our Top 5 list, but we also need to give Chicagoans credit for their hot dogs, which locals take more seriously than perhaps anyone else on the planet.

Like other states on this list, Illinois (and more specifically, Chicago) is home to a diverse population that brings a rich blend of cuisines, including everything from Serbian/Croatian to Polish and even Pakistani and Puerto Rican. We also have to mention that the world’s largest maker of gyros is headquartered here.

4. Texas

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Population: 30 million

Biggest city: Houston

Yes, barbecue reigns supreme in Texas, and you can’t visit the state without trying it. But we also have so many other cuisines to thank Texas for.

For instance, did you know that the hamburger was invented here? Same for the frozen margarita! And let’s not forget Tex-Mex, an Americanized version of Mexican food that’s tough to beat.

3. Louisiana

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Population: 4.6 million

Biggest city: New Orleans

It’s cool to see a state with a population of fewer than 5 million competing with the likes of Texas and Illinois, but few states have as serious of food traditions as Louisiana. Expect to try a wide variety of Creole and Cajun cuisines, with gumbo, po’ boys, jambalaya, crawfish and fried chicken all on the menu.

And let’s not forget beignets. Nothing says New Orleans like this donut pastry that’s made Cafe du Monde a world-renowned cafe.

2. New York

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Population: 19.7 million

Biggest city: New York

You can’t deny that the Empire State has some of the best bagels and pizza in the country, but it’s so much more than its signature offerings.

Thanks to its diverse population, the Big Apple’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world, and it’s also known for setting food trends on the global stage. Where else on Earth would you find Serbian and Danish cuisines competing alongside one another?

1. California

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Population: 39 million

Biggest city: Los Angeles

It’s no surprise that the country’s most populous state also has the best food. That’s because it’s truly a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Your tastebuds will never be bored in California, where you can choose from Mexican, Korean, Indian and everything in between.

With more than 450 crops, the Golden State is also known for its agriculture, supplying most of the country with its produce. You’ll have a difficult time finding four-season farmers markets that offer five varieties of oranges anywhere else.

While San Francisco and Los Angeles are known for their portfolios of Michelin-starred restaurants, California is also known for its cheap, delicious eats. Think burgers at In-N-Out or fish tacos from a food truck. The state truly has it all when it comes to food for all tastes and budgets.

For more state food rankings, check out “Which State Has the Absolute Best Food?”