If You Grew Up In New Jersey, You Definitely Love These 10 Classic Dishes
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Kristen
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The Garden State is home to some truly great foods, both of our own creation and simply just done well. If you’re from New Jersey, there are quite a few dishes that you likely love and/or rave about. Today we feature a few favorites, Jersey classics that many of us have grown up with. Is your dream dish on the list? Do you want to eat it right now? I probably do…
New Jersey pizza is better than pizza anywhere else in the country...except New York. We're pretty even on the pizza front when compared to NYC, though many food critics have claimed that the best plain pie can be found on this side of the Hudson River.
A South Jersey staple, tomato pie is heavy on the sauce and light on the cheese. You can find the best at Papa's Tomato Pies in Robbinsville. Although, some would say the best tomato pie can be found at DeLorenzo's, also in Robbinsville...what do you think?
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Similar to a calzone, a panzarotti consists of delectable dough, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. However, a true panzarotti is crispy and fried to perfection (never baked). You can add in a variety of toppings but I prefer them plain! Find some of the best at Tarantini Panzarotti in Cherry Hill.
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Does it really matter what it's called? Can't we all just get along and agree that it's delicious? Generally eaten as part of a sandwich with egg and cheese on a hard roll, this may be New Jersey's most iconic food. Head to Slater's Deli in Leonardo (Middletown), Olde Towne Deli in Boonton, or Pat's Diner in Trenton for some of the state's best.
New Jersey does it better than Philly. Head to Donkey's Place in Camden or Donkey's Place Too in Medford and you'll see what I mean. The seasoning, caramelized onions, and poppy-seed kaiser roll make this sandwich perfection.
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This isn't the sloppy joe that most people know, and not all New Jerseyans are familiar. However, if you live near South Orange, this may just be a staple. Created back in 1934 at Town Hall Deli, this sandwich features three slices of specially baked Pullman rye bread stacked with layers of meat, cheese and coleslaw and topped with Russian dressing. Yum!
Hammonton, New Jersey is often referred to as the "Blueberry Capital of the World." Nearly eighty percent of the state's blueberries are produced in or near this charming town. But the blueberry isn't just grown here - the highbush blueberry was first cultivated in New Jersey!
The Garden State knows how to do corn right. We like ours slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt, preferably straight from a farm stand or market. Check out Alstede Farms in Chester, Abma's Farm Market and Greenhouses in Wyckoff, or Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford (where you can pick your own in the summer!).
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Some say they started at Tick Tock Diner in Clifton back in the 1970s. While that may or may not be true, we know one thing for certain...fries topped with mozzarella cheese and gravy are the perfect late night snack.
No state does hot dogs like New Jersey. We have some very original options! First, there's the Italian hot dog - served on pizza bread and topped with onions, bell peppers and crisp potatoes. Find them at Jimmy Buff's in West Orange or Kenilworth. We're also the home of the Ripper, a deep fried hot dog available at Rutt's Hut in Clifton.
What other foods are New Jersey favorites? Tomatoes, Bagels, Salt Water Taffy? Let us know what you think! If you’re looking for the perfect New Jersey foodie destination, head to the town of Hoboken – it has every type of cuisine imaginable. From giant pizza to the best bagels, click here to learn more.
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