If You’re From South Dakota, These 7 Classic Dishes Hit Home

Aside from being super friendly, educated, and flat-out legendary, South Dakotans are known for one thing in particular – our taste in unique foods! While the rest of the country noshes on pizza, cheesesteak, and hot dogs, you will find us enjoying these 7 South Dakota comfort foods:

1. Chislic: South Dakota’s Famous Cubed Meat Favorite

What better way to begin a list of the most iconic South Dakotan foods than with the one and only chislic? Comprised of cubed beef, chislic was brought to SoDak by German-Russian immigrants (particularly from the Dakotas), not strictly of German ancestry.

2. Kuchen: The Official State Dessert South Dakotans Crave

This custard-based cake, often topped with fruit, became South Dakota’s official state dessert in
2000. While it may be low on both frills and decor, kuchen is understatedly delicious and is best served – in my opinion – with both fruit and coffee. How do you enjoy your kuchen?

3. Indian Tacos: A Frybread Classic Loved Across South Dakota

Made with frybread instead of tortillas, this hearty dish is topped with seasoned beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and sauce. We will take our pillowy fried bread, topped with locally grown beef and other fresh toppings, ANY day!

4. Kolaches: Old-World Pastries with South Dakota Roots

After a mouthwatering dinner of chislic and Indian tacos, nothing compares to a sweet kolache! What is a kolache (says the obvious non-South Dakotan)? Why, it's a heavenly pastry filled with candied fruit or cream cheese, of course!

5. Bierocks: Hearty Meat-Filled Buns from Prairie Kitchens

If there is one dish in particular that reminds me of my grandma, it's bierocks; an authentically German dish that is comprised of homemade dough, fresh ground beef, and cabbage. (Don't tell my grandma, but her recipe tastes REALLY amazing dipped in not only mustard, but also nacho cheese.)

6. Chili and Cinnamon Rolls: South Dakota’s Sweet-Savory Duo

When the weather is chilly (which, let's face it, is wintertime), there is nothing quite as satisfying as dunking a sweet, homemade cinnamon roll into a bowl of hot, perfectly seasoned chili. This sweet-and-savory pairing is a longtime school lunch favorite across the Midwest.

7. Walleye: The Freshwater Fish South Dakotans Love Most

Last but certainly not least is walleye, which is not only the first thing we eat as babies, but is also the official state fish of South Dakota since 1982. This delicacy is commonly served grilled, fried, or
blackened and is a favorite among anglers across the state.

For even more iconic South Dakota, click on These 10 Attractions In South Dakota Show Our Unique Side. And we are always looking forward to hearing from you. Please let us know what you think of this South Dakotan cuisine.

Are you planning a South Dakota food road trip? I recommend using the Only In Your State itinerary planner to map outlocal diners, bakeries, and fish fries across the Mount Rushmore State. You can try out some of these foods from these 12 Bucket List Restaurants in South Dakota.