Did you know that some Iowa foods are the tastiest and most unique in the county? In addition to knowing how to grow a lot of our popular foods, we know how to cook them as well. From our famous Iowa pork to our home-cooked pies, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy the following 11 foods that Iowa is known for.

1. Pork tenderloins
Townhouse/Facebook
Pork tenderloin is perhaps the most famous Iowa food. There is nothing quite like an Iowa pork tenderloin, crispy and breaded to perfection. You can't find them like this anywhere else but Iowa!
2. Maid Rites
rayb777/Flickr
Another tried-and-true Iowa classic is the Maid Rite, a loose meat sandwich that was first created in Iowa. Maid Rites are one of the most common Iowa foods in a local's diet.
3. Steak de Burgo
Alan Light/Flickr
Steak de Burgo is a Midwest specialty, specific to the Des Moines area. You won't see too much of this dish outside of the state - but it remains a famous Iowa food.
4. Sweet corn
Overduebook/Flickr
If you ask a local what food Iowa is known for, chances are sweet corn will be one of the first things they mention. If you've ever had Iowa sweet corn, any other sweet corn you eat from then on tastes like plastic in comparison. After all, this famous Iowa food is delicious and buttery; like heaven on a cob.
5. Iowa Chops
Patrick Kuhl/Flickr
These delicious hunks of Iowa pork are the very epitome of our state. You can't beat this Iowa food for texture and flavor.

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6. Taco pizza
Mookieluv/FLickr
Taco pizza is another famous Iowa food. The first taco pizza was served by Happy Joe's, and since then, it's become a classic which has been re-created by countless pizza makers.
7. Breakfast pizza
Flickr/Mike
Another food invention born in Iowa is the breakfast pizza. Once you've had it, you'll keep coming back for more of this tasty Iowa food.
8. Rhubarb pie
Purple Slog/Flickr
Probably the most Iowan pie out there, rhubarb could pretty much be the official pie of Iowa. The best ones are made with rhubarb fresh out of the garden!
9. Puppy chow
Kelly Garbato/Flickr
Mention making a batch of puppy chow to someone from out of state and you'll get a weird, semi-disgusted look. Mention it to an Iowan and they will instantly ask you to share this famous Iowa food.
10. Scotcharoos
Matt/Flickr
Scotcheroos are another favorite Iowa food. You can find these at any sort of event - from a school bake sale to a family reunion.
11. Morel mushrooms
Dana McMahan/Flickr
A delicacy in Iowa, morel mushrooms are hunted - and anyone lucky enough to find a good batch will take them home and fry them up for a delicious Iowa-style treat.

What are some of your favorite Iowa foods? Share them with us in the comments section below! And, if you’d like to try some of these Iowa foods, take a look at these famous Iowa restaurants.

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Iowa Foods

Marla S | September 27, 2022

What is the most popular restaurant in Iowa?

Now that you know what food Iowa is known for, how about heading to a restaurant where you can try some of the well-known dishes in the state? One of the most popular restaurants to sink your teeth into some delicious Iowa food is L.May Eatery. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, this unique restaurant has a little bit of everything; including twists on some favorite Iowa foods like specialty pizzas and pork-themed dishes.

What are the local favorite restaurants in Iowa?

You'll find some of the most authentic Iowa food at local gems scattered throughout the state. While some of these Iowa restaurants have some of the best burgers around, others feature catfish, pizza, pork dishes, steaks, and desserts. Although the local favorite restaurants have different menus, they're all set in unique settings that'll add to your dining experience.

What is the most out-of-the-way restaurant in Iowa?

Some of the best restaurants in Iowa require a drive. Therefore, plan on making your stop for a meal part of a bigger outing when you visit these roadside restaurants in Iowa. Regardless of which one you choose to go to, you'll be fuelled up to enjoy the rest of the day exploring Iowa

In addition to these out-of-the-way restaurants, there are also plenty of small towns throughout the state where you can find what food Iowa is known for. This includes a BBQ joint with mouth-watering ribs, a pub with hearty sandwiches, a steakhouse in an unassuming location, and much more!

 

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