While most know Florida for its theme parks, the state also has beaches, bar coast, and an array of seafood ready to be enjoyed. The state boasts of new, tropical, and Caribbean-infused delicacies. Like me, many travelers are equally curious to know, “what food is Florida known for?” Worry not because we have the answer. It is nothing short of a splendid fusion of culture, freshness, history, and ingredients.
Cuisine Wonders of Florida
Single most state in the US that brings together so many cultures in one place, Florida tells best captures this melting pot below. No matter where in the state you travel, you won’t be in shortage of food. Mesmerizing Southern Comfort food will treat you in Northern Florida while Miami spices it up with Latin food. Caribbeans and Cubans will ensure you’re travelling to the Keys is deeply enjoyable with spicy island and Bahamian seafood.
Once again, fresh tropical goodies and seafood are available thanks to the state coastline and sub-tropical climate. As a result, the region also boasts of delicacies made with plantains, key limes, and lemongrass. You will surely enjoy your time in this lavish state which gives you freshly caught seafood served at mouthwatering prices.
Florida’s Iconic Foods
Key Lime Pie
Key West is well-known for its scenic views and key lime pie is renowned for its sweet and sour flavor mixture. Both locals and visitors will commonly tell you that Florida’s most popular dish is the Key Lime Pie. The dish is well known for its smooth filling made from zesty key lime juice, graham cracker crust, and a hint of key lime puree.
No one makes the key lime pie better than the locals that reside in the Miami area. There are a large number of restaurants in Miami that make the dish, with some claiming that they serve the best. Kermit’s Key West, located in the Key West area, serves it dipped in chocolate which takes it to a whole new level.
Cuban Sandwich
The Cuban Sandwich is yet another dish that mirrors the strong Hispanic influence on Florida. Biting into a Cuban Sandwich filled with ham, Swiss cheese, savory roast pork rubbed with flavorful spices, juicy pickles, and a spreading mustard all sandwiched between soft Cuban bread is an experience that’s both savory and wonderfully satisfying.
Some of the best places that serve the Cuban Sandwich include the Columbia Restaurant and Versailles in the heart of Miami. They have both claimed to be the birthplaces of the sandwich with the former boasting about their special addition of salami.
Stone Crab Claws
If you visit during the stone crab season which runs from October to May, you’re indeed lucky. Stone crab claws harvested humanely from the waters of Florida are known for being sweet and tender. They certainly are a delicacy, especially when cracked open, chilled, and served with a tangy mustard sauce on the side.
If you are eager to indulge, then head on over to Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach which is famous for serving stone crab claws. A dining experience over here does seem to be a rite of passage for seafood lovers who are looking to dine in South Florida.
Conch Fritters
When you arrive at the Florida Keys, make sure to never miss out on conch fritters, they are almost always present on the menu. Having drawing inspiration from Bahamian cuisine, these fried nuggets pack a punch with tender conch meat, herbs, and spices, so golden they could be the sun. On top of that, they are served with a zesty dipping sauce.
Right next to the ocean, on the key’s longitude are some bars and shrimp joints that serve the best conch fritters. There’s nothing better than enjoying them next to a cold drink and ocean breeze which is common in Key Largo and Islamorada.
Gator Tail
During my travels around the globe, I often ask people what food they know about Florida apart from seafood, and the most common answer is gator tail. Yes, gator tail is an actual dish that is served in Florida. It offers a very subtle and soft taste combined with texture that is between chicken and fish and has been described as mild. Gator tail is often available breaded and fried too.
Many restaurants in Central Florida offer unique local delicacies, particularly near the rivers and swamps. Black Hammock restaurant, for instance, boasts of providing a genuine Florida feel to its visitors.
Fried Grouper Sandwich
The grouper sandwich is an absolute gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The grouper fish has a very tender and flaky body with a slightly buttery taste. Then it is either fried or grilled and placed in a bun with lettuce, tartar sauce and tomatoes.
Fried grouper sandwiches can be consumed at Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The restaurants positioned on the waterfront offer these sandwiches for consumption and you are likely to see the boats that caught them parked nearby.
Fresh Citrus from Florida
Florida is famous for its citrus groves. The state is not limited to oranges; grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos are other available options. In addition, you’ll encounter markets and roadside stands that sell sweet and juicy fruits. The same fruits are used in some dishes like salad and fish, which turn them into mouth-watering masterpieces.
If you happen to frolic around the Central Florida region, make sure to grab some freshly squeezed orange juice or bags filled with sunlit orbs.
Food regions around Florida
Due to the vast land area, the state offers diverse cuisines to it visitors depending on which part of the state you are exploring.
Miami
Expect some mouth-watering Latin American dishes as Miami is famous for this. The city is saturated with high-end fusion restaurants alongside Peruvian, Haitian, and Cuban cuisine.
Tampa Bay
It is heavily influenced by Cuba, with its fresh Gulf seafood and craft beer.
Orlando
In addition to the theme parks. Visitors are surprised with Southern comfort restaurant chains and a burgeoning global cuisine food scene surprises them.
Florida Keys
The seafood-centric Keys are a direct amalgamation of island life. Cuisine such as conch, lobster, mahi-mahi, and even Key Lime Pie are staples.
The Panhandle
Floridians will be welcomed with Southern hospitality alongside fried green tomatoes, smoked mullet, oysters, and classic barbecue.
Food Festivals & Events Worth Visiting
Florida celebrates food in all its forms, causing most visitors to travel to the state. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando attracts guests with global cuisine every fall. The South Beach Wine & food Festival in Miami is famous all over the world, where chefs and other culinary experts gather in one place. For connoisseurs, the best place is Apalachicola’s Florida Seafood Festival. Key West also offers a sweet, citrusy treat during the Key Lime Festival that should not be overlooked.
Florida offers memorable and rich culinary experiences from one end to the other. The state is known for its diversity of food, whether you’re enjoying stone crab in Miami or having a grouper sandwich by the Gulf. For those traveling out of state, booking a private chef in Healdsburg can elevate your coastal dining experience.
