North Dakota has many iconic dishes. The first that probably come to mind are all Russian-German or Scandinavian recipes passed down through generations from the original immigrants who came to settle in this state. Others might be some classic home-cooked meals everyone knows and loves. Whatever they may be, the following 10 North Dakota foods are must-haves when it comes to being a true and proper North Dakotan. If you haven’t eaten all of these yet, you’re truly missing out!

1. Hot Beef/Turkey Sandwich
flickr/jumbledpile
This is definitely one of the top favorite dishes of North Dakota. Finding someone who doesn't like this would be pretty hard. It's simple enough - hot beef or turkey on bread, cut in half, mashed potatoes in the middle, and a VERY generous amount of gravy over everything. Now that's good eats!
2. Kuchen
Germans from Russia Foodways and Traditions/Facebook
It comes in a hundred flavors and is perfect for a hundred occasions, most often just for comfort food. You can't go wrong with some kuchen, ever. I don't know a single person in North Dakota who would refuse some if offered.
3. Walleye
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Grilled on a bed of rice, breaded with a side of tartar, on a bun with lettuce...any way you make it, walleye is delicious. North Dakota has some of the best walleye fishing and as a result, it is definitely our favorite fish. Yum!
4. Special K Bars
Bethany Khan/Flickr
Also known simply as dessert bars or scotcharoos, these are a bake sale favorite and one of the top things to bring to any gathering. They never get old, even if you've been eating them your whole life. And they're addicting, too. Why have just one when you can have two or three? The whole pan can't hurt.
5. Knoephla
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
What's a list about iconic North Dakota foods without knoephla? This Russian-German dish is to die for! This creamy, rich soup will have your mouth watering the second you smell it cooking.

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6. Krumkake
Jonathunder/Wikimedia
Not quite a waffle, not quite an ice cream cone, but all kinds of tasty. If you haven't heard of these, you make them on a griddle similar to a waffle iron, only it has an eye-catching pattern and they are pressed out quite thin. Before they cool, they're rolled up around a wooden cone and then served as shown. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top (or go one sweet step forward and stuff it with whipped cream) and enjoy!
7. Fleischkuechle
Visit Grand Forks/Facebook
This concoction of deep-fried, meat-stuffed dough is pretty much as delicious as it looks and sounds, which is a lot. And as pictured, we highly recommend it dipped or drizzled in gravy. Either way, this definitely needs to be on your must-try list if you still haven't tried it.
8. Lefse
Lance Fisher/Wikimedia
As simple as it may look, lefse is one of the most scrumptious things you can ever have. Make it sweet with some butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or use it the same way you would as a tortilla by wrapping up meat and toppings in it. Traditionally, you'd wrap lutefisk in it. I can't say I'd recommend that personally, but I know there are some of you out there who like lutefisk. Either way, lefse is still amazing!
9. Cactus Bread
Pizza Ranch/Yelp
As someone who moved to North Dakota and wasn't born here, this was one of those things that made me seriously feel like I had been missing out on before living in a state with Pizza Ranch. That chain is the most popular pizza chain in North Dakota, but mostly nonexistent outside of the midwest, and as far as I experienced, no one else made a dessert pizza anywhere near the same league as this one. A pizza with a combination of toppings that is a match made in heaven when atop pizza dough: cinnamon streusel and icing. What's not to love?
10. Kase Knephla
Déadra Moore/Facebook
Kase Knephla, more commonly known as cheese buttons, are a delicious food of dough stuffed with a tasty mixture primarily consisting of cottage cheese. They're totally tasty and a little bit addicting. You can never have just one!

We’ll give an honorary shoutout to lutefisk here since it is definitely a well-known food associated with North Dakota as often as it is to actual Scandinavia. But a lot of people would agree that it isn’t on their “must-have” list.

Alright, North Dakotans, what other things should be on the state’s official menu? Let us know in the comments below.

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Jennifer Young | June 17, 2022

What are three of the most popular foods in North Dakota?

When it comes to food, North Dakota doesn't disappoint! With that being said, North Dakota serves up some pretty popular dishes. Listed below are three popular foods in North Dakota that you'll want to give a try.

1. Fleischkuechle

Fleischkuechle is a Russian-German, meat-filled pastry. It's often referred to as a meat pie. These are available at many restaurants throughout the state of North Dakota and have been enjoyed for generations.

2. Hot Beef Sandwich

After one bite, it's not surprising this sandwich is one of North Dakota's most popular foods. This dish includes a beef-filled sandwich that's been cut and served with a scoop of mashed potatoes in the middle. Everything is then smothered in hot brown gravy. If you're not a fan of beef, no worries! You can substitute the beef with turkey.

3. Hotdish

Hotdish, also known as a casserole, is considered the dish of the Midwest. This type of meal is perfect for any special occasion or a meal served at home. It's often filled with anything from meats to veggies.

What's a food that North Dakota is well known for?

Nothing beats the delicious taste of North Dakota cuisine! If you've ever asked yourself "What foods is North Dakota known for?," you're in luck because there are actually several. For example, one of these foods is walleye. Walleye is a popular fish in North Dakota, so it makes sense that this is one of the state's most well-known foods. Interestingly, Garrison, North Dakota is the walleye capital of the nation. Walleye is delicious when served grilled or fried. It's even more delicious when served on a bed of rice or with a side of fresh veggies.

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