An American road trip is not complete without sampling the delicious food en route. The 50 states of the USA all contain their own culinary marvels, so motorists won’t find a shortage of delicious dishes.

The US is more than just burgers and fries, too. We’ve highlighted some of the food you have to try on an American road trip.

American Barbecue

The original American barbecue can be found across the country, but for the best barbecue going, Alabama is the place to visit. Barbecue, southern-style, usually refers to pork ribs, and contrasts with the beef barbecue of Texas. Drenched in delicious sauces, barbecue ribs are a must-eat delicacy when taking a road trip through America’s southern heartland. Missouri and Tennessee are also famous for their barbecue and smoky pork ribs.

Pizza

Next on the menu has to be pizza. Where can one find the best pizza in the US? No, it isn’t New York, although pizza in the Big Apple is still pretty darn good. Head just a little north, to the state of Connecticut, where the best thin-crust pizza is on show. Chicago is another popular pizza destination, but Connecticut certainly takes the cake (or pizza) in this culinary category.

Catfish, Oyster and Chicken Gumbo

Mississippi and Louisiana have strong Creole influences, so it is not surprising that these areas of the US boast the best Creole dishes outside of Central America. Chicken gumbo, oyster dishes and catfish are the mains ‘road-trippers’ you need to sample. Oysters usually come in their half-shell, or are grilled to perfection. Of course, New Orleans is the centre of the ‘muddy’ South’s delicacies, but most roadhouses throughout the states of Louisiana and Mississippi serve the above dishes.

Enchiladas and Tex-Mex

Mexican influences can be found throughout the southwestern states. New Mexico is America’s chili basket, so the cuisine here is generally spicy. Enchiladas, American-style, accompanied by margaritas, is the number one dish in this area. Just next door is Texas, with its chunky chili dishes, barbecued and smoked beef delicacies, and Tex-Mex specialities. Tex-Mex is famous for dishes like chili con carne, meat fajitas, chili con queso and chili nachos.

Philly Cheese Steak

Heading through Pennsylvania, tourists must stop and try a Philly cheese steak, which is commonly regarded as one of America’s best sandwiches. A Pennsylvania pretzel can be picked up from almost anywhere in the state and is another must-sample delicacy for tourists. These treats aren’t the healthiest dishes in America, but they are definitely tasty.

Buffalo Wings and Apple Pie

Buffalo wings are considered delicacies in America. The best are found around the city of Buffalo, in the state of New York. While in New York, stop and try the traditional apple pie, which seems to be a popular part of the local diet here. Apples are grown in abundance in New York, leading to the state boasting some of the best apple pies in America.

Kentucky’s Derby Bourbon

Desserts are also part and parcel of dining in America, and travellers seeing the country by road have plenty of dessert options to look for. Kentucky’s Derby bourbon pie is a chocolate dessert served with nuts and a sprinkling of the state’s main brew, bourbon. Georgia’s peach cobbler is also famous, not to mention Montana’s Huckleberry pancakes. Tourists passing through the beautiful state of Utah should tuck into the region’s deep-fried, honey-covered scones.

John wrote this guest post for Alamo who provide cheap car hire in the USA to get your American road trip off to a great start!