Like any region, there are certain dishes in the food of North Dakota which have become regional staples. These special staples have become the most popular, well-loved foods in the entire state. A lot of it has to do with where the residents of North Dakota’s ancestors came from. Scandinavians and Germans from Russia, for example, have the biggest influence on the state’s favorite recipes for North Dakota food that have been passed down for generations.

Regardless of where these came from, people from the Peace Garden State know how delicious these foods are, and if you haven’t had them yet you should try them ASAP. What food is North Dakora known for? Let’s take a look!

1. Lefse
Vrangtante Brun/Flickr
Lefse is a Norwegian flatbread made primarily with potatoes. It is usually eaten with a bit of butter spread on or even with sugar, cinnamon, or peanut butter as various other toppings. Regardless of what you put on it, it is delicious and a North Dakota favorite.
2. Knoephla
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
This mouthwatering soup is by far one of the most popular food staples in ND. It has a creamy texture, chunks of potato, and yummy dumplings along with veggies such as celery. This is the best kind of homemade food that will bring you right back to grandma's kitchen.
3. Caramel rolls
Darcy's Cafe/Facebook
There's nothing like a warm, fresh caramel roll from North Dakota! These are the better version of a cinnamon roll, topped with gooey, tasty caramel that will make you drool as soon as you see them. This state makes them the biggest and the best, and we love it!
4. Cheese buttons
Déadra Moore/Facebook
Cheese buttons, or kase knoephla, are one of those things where you can never have just one. They are the ultimate comfort food and they consist of (you guessed it) cheese wrapped in a dough and boiled or fried. They're addictive!

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5. Tater tot hot dish
moleofproduction/Flickr
If there is one dish you can always be sure shows up at a potluck in North Dakota, it's this. Tatortots, ground beef, a cream-of-something soup, and a mixture of veggies create this perfect combination that's perfect for any meal.
6. Kuchen
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Kuchen (which is the word for cake in German) is an absolutely yummy dessert and comfort food in North Dakota that people can't get enough of. It comes in an endless list of flavors - usually including some kind of berry or fruit - and every North Dakotan has their favorite one.
7. Hot beef (or turkey) sandwich
TraXside Cafe - Cre8tive TZ/Facebook
There's nothing like satisfying a hungry stomach with a sandwich full of hot beef or turkey, split with a scoop of mashed potatoes in the middle, and absolutely smothered in gravy. This meal always hits the spot!
8. Fleischkuekle
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
This one is a bit hard to spell and pronounce, but it's also one of the state's favorite foods - and for good reason. It is a dough stuffed with meat, like a meat pie except folded over, and came about from Germans-from-Russian immigrants that came to North Dakota.

Here’s an overview of the food of North Dakota:

How many of these have you tried already? We’ll give an honorable mention to lutefisk, the North Dakota food staple you’ve probably heard of but likely don’t want to try. It’s certainly an acquired taste, but still an important dish of the state! If you want to try out some great North Dakota food, check out these bucket list restaurants.

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The Best Shops and Markets in North Dakota

William Suphan | April 25, 2023

What are the best farmers markets in North Dakota?

The best farmers markets in North Dakota include:

  • Williston Downtown Farmers Market in Williston. Fresh locally-grown chilis, leeks, radishes, tomatoes, squash, and much more can be found here.
  • Roughrider Home Growers Association in Dickinson. You can be sure that all the fine produce here is locally grown by small farmers.
  • Valley City Farmers Markets in Valley City. You’ll find multicolored corn cobs, local gourds, and a lot more seasonal produce here.
  • Mandan Farmers Market in Mandan. You’ll find this fabulous market at Heritage Park from July to October every year.

Learn more about the best farmers markets in North Dakota. 

What are the best thrift stores in North Dakota?

The best thrift stores in North Dakota include:

  • Spend Thrift in Hazen. This fun and eclectic thrift store has a ton of clothes, books, and knick-knacks for your home.
  • Nita’s Attic in Jamestown. This consignment store has a ton of great-looking clothes and fantastic deals so you can find bargain fashions.
  • A Cause For Claws Thrift Store in Bismarck. There’s a lot to browse here and proceeds benefit animals in need.
  • Seeds of Hope Thrift Store in Bismarck. This wonderful shop not only has great deals but benefits the Abused Adult Resource Center.

Find out more about the best thrift stores in North Dakota. 

What are the best general stores in North Dakota?

The best general stores in North Dakota include:

  • General Store in Jamestown. This is the general store for Frontier Village in the historic town of Jamestown where you’ll find all sorts of old-fashioned items.
  • St. Michael Store & Post Office. This place has been around for a very long time and still remains both a store and a post office.
  • Dagen’s Grocery in Jud. This quaint general store has been serving the community of Jud since it opened in 1905.
  • T J Walker General Store in Fort Ranson. This store has been around for over 100 years and is a preserved historical place.

Discover more about the best general stores in North Dakota. 

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