Don’t you hate it when folks from out of state question our culinary traditions? They’ll ask questions like, “what is Michigan even known for? You don’t have an official cuisine, do you?” Or, oh, “it’s just the Midwest and nothing really interesting comes out of the Midwest, does it?”

Well, you can put those doubts to rest by showing them just what kind of dishes are on just about every Michiganders’ foodie list from the time they are born. And then challenge any scoffers to dig in. Here are the absolute epic dishes that everyone in Michigan needs to have had before they die.

1. A Coney from American Coney Island
Eugene Kim/Flickr
A true Detroit original.
2. Any from Al Ameer Restaurant in Dearborn
Edsel Little/Flickr
A fixture in Middle Eastern cuisine, Al Ameer has even garnered national recognition recently when it won the coveted James Beard America's Classic award.
3. Burgers from Big Boy
Keith Ewing/Flickr
OK, so Big Boy was originally founded in Glendale, California, but the thing is, it's had a huge presence here for decades, especially since its headquarters are in Michigan. So have some Michigan pride and order a burger from there.
4. Fish from one of the Great Lakes.
Pockafwye/Flickr
Walleye, perch, lake trout. Whatever it is, the fish is going to taste so much better when it's caught fresh from one of the Great Lakes. Pictured here, fried fish from Lake Superior.

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5. Pasties from the UP
DebMomOf3/Flickr
Because when you're in need of a filling, savory pick-me-up in pocket food form, this UP classic is the way to go.
6. Square pizza
Colin H./Yelp
New York has its NY thin slice, Chicago has its deep dish. Michigan is on the pizza map for its thick square pizza. Pictured here, a pizza pie from Louie's in Hazel Park.
7. Poutine
Lena S./Yelp
Hey, we are right across the border from Canada. And the French Canadians have come up with a sinfully delicious snack that we Michiganders have come to love. Fries, smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. Oh my!
8. Sliders from Telway Hamburger System in Detroit
Justin A./Yelp
When you're starving, but you don't have a lot of cash, come here. You will find legendary sliders that you'll get to indulge in by the bagful for just a few bucks.
9. Polish stuffed cabbage
Polish Village Cafe/Facebook
Because Michigan was traditionally home to a huge Polish immigrant community, we've got access to some of the best Polish cuisine around.

OK, now we’re thoroughly hungry! Tell us though, what are some of the dishes that you know to be truly Michigan-centric?

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