There’s no denying that South Dakotans sure love to eat, and we have many dishes that we keep coming back to. Although some of these foods are also loved in other states, we feel that the following selections still scream “South Dakota.” Here are 10 iconic South Dakota food “must-haves” that will have your mouth watering!

1. Bierocks

Dennis Amith / Flickr
A bierock (or runza) is a yeast dough bread pocket filled with hamburger, beef, or pork, cabbage, and seasonings. You'll usually only find bierocks in a few states, including South Dakota.

Are you ready to make an iconic South Dakota state food? Learn how to make your own Bierocks in this video from Allrecipes:

2. Pheasant and Walleye

Lucas Richarz / Flickr
Our official state bird and fish are truly the perfect combination. Pheasant is typically prepared with herbs and vegetables, while walleye can be grilled, fried, broiled, or baked.

3. Chislic

Meridian Corner, 43915 US-18, Freeman, SD 57029, USA
Meridian Corner / Facebook
You can’t visit South Dakota without trying chislic. Made from lamb or beef, these half-inch meat cubes are grilled or deep-fried to perfection. South Dakotans will, however, argue over the proper way to eat this dish. A great place to find chislic is at Meridan Corner, a family establishment located at 43915 US Hwy 18, Freeman, South Dakota 57029.

4. Kuchen

Hans / Pixabay
Designated as the state dessert, kuchen is another South Dakota favorite. This pie-like pastry features rich custard poured over your choice of fruit.

5. Dimock Dairy Cheese

Dimock Dairy Products, 400 S Main St, Dimock, SD 57331, USA
Dimock Dairy / Facebook
As the oldest cheese factory in the state, Dimock Dairy is the best place to buy cheese in South Dakota. They offer a huge variety of flavors including Bacon & Onion, Salsa, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and so much more. They are located at 400 S Main St, Dimock, SD 57331. Their cheese can also be found at various stores throughout the state.

Take a tour of the historic Dimock Dairy in this video from SDPB:

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6. Rocky Mountain Oysters

Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Rocky Mountain Oysters, which we all know aren’t oysters at all, are delicious served with dipping sauce or gravy and a South Dakota favorite.

7. Kolache

Michele / Flickr
This delicious pastry topped off with candied fruit or cream cheese originates from Central Europe. Similar to a tiny pie, kolaches are beloved by many South Dakotans and can be found in bakeries all over the state.

8. Homemade fudge from Turtle Town

TurtleTown, 205 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
TurtleTown / Facebook
Turtle Town, an epic chocolate store in Keystone, has been serving the finest homemade fudge and hand-made chocolates for over 30 years. Once you’ve tried their chocolate, you’ll keep coming back for more! You can find this South Dakota fudge at 205 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745.

9. Indian Tacos

CreeHawk / Flickr
Forget the traditional shell and give this South Dakota staple dish a try instead. Served on fry bread and usually prepared with bison meat or ground beef, the Indian Taco is downright delicious.

10. Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Emily Carlin / Flickr
This unlikely combination is a South Dakota favorite. You can’t go wrong with a delicious warm cinnamon roll dipped in a bowl of chili.

Are you brave enough to try chili and cinnamon rolls? Learn how to make this interesting combo in this video from emmymade:

Since this is just the opinion of one South Dakotan, there are still plenty of delicious foods that weren’t mentioned. What is the most iconic South Dakota food in your opinion? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments! Then, check out some of the best places to eat in South Dakota. Or, go on the ultimate BBQ road trip in South Dakota. Need a super fun way to travel? Rent an RV from RVShare and hit the open road.

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More to Explore

What Food Is South Dakota Known For?

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 04, 2022

What is a good restaurant that serves Walleye in South Dakota?

Both locals and tourists love the walleye sandwich at Drifters Bar & Grille in Fort Pierre. You can also get it as a main entrée, as a fish taco, and occasionally as something they call a “walleye cake sandwich.” The restaurant has earned national acclaim as well, as it has been featured on USA Today's 10 Best, the Food Network, and Sandwich America. 

Are there any South Dakota food festivals?

A few South Dakota food festivals include:

Quite a few, actually, during the warmer months of the year. One annual favorite and the biggest, and many say best in the state, is Ribfest. Held in Sioux Falls, it takes place over three days and draws thousands of rib lovers from all over the state. And you’ll get to sample some of the best sauces, rubs, side dishes, and more than you could possibly imagine. Part of the festival fun that draws the crowds as well as the outstanding musical acts.

Can you name a kid-friendly restaurant in Sioux Falls?

Marlin's Family Restaurant is a fun kid-friendly restaurant in Sioux Falls. It has been a South Dakota favorite since the 1970s. Over the years it grew from a single mom ‘n pop shop to an enterprise now encompassing five locations (two in Sioux Falls, and one each in Mitchell, Aberdeen, and Bismark. The menu is, in a word, huge. Choose from delicious omelets, hearty steak ‘n egg dishes, hoagies, and sandwich combos, finger-licking smoked ribs, fresh seafood, fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy....you name it, and it's on the menu here! If you’re looking for the best South Dakota food at one of the most iconic home-cooked restaurants, Marlin’s is the one.

What is the best steak restaurant in South Dakota?

It depends on who you ask! Some of the best steak restaurants in South Dakota include:

There are many steak restaurants dotted all over South Dakota that the locals swear are the best. One of them is Jack’s Steakhouse & Seafood. Located in Bismark, it is a meat lover's heaven.

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