You know how to see the sights, but where do you go to find your favorite flavors? Take this quiz and follow your cravings to discover which of the best food cities in America is your dream foodie destination.
Book a trip to the bayou! You’re craving something soulful, and New Orleans is home to some of the most distinct regional cuisine in the country. The Big Easy is a crossroads where cultural influences both collide and complement each other—think gumbo (and then get yourself to Gumbo Shop). Take in the city and experience Creole mainstays like po’boys, beignets, jambalaya, muffuletta and oysters Rockefeller. The energy reflected in New Orleans food is fresh and bright, casting a spell that’ll leave you feeling satisfied with every dish. Visit the French Quarter for NOLA classics or West Bank—also known as the “Wank”—for amazing Vietnamese food. Afterward, go to Loretta’s Authentic Pralines for a sweet treat.
Learn more about visiting New Orleans
You’re off to the City of Angels—from taco joints like Guisados to juicy burgers and adventurous food trucks (see Jogasaki Sushi Burrito), you’re sure to find your next favorite meal. What’s even more special about Los Angeles is the access to Japanese culture and food—enter: ramen. This isn’t your dorm room’s 50-cent pack of noodles. Authentic ramen, like you’ll find at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, is a dish served in a distinct broth, often topped with sliced pork, fresh vegetables and a poached egg. Taste now, thank us later.
Learn more about visiting Los Angeles
Chicago is one of the best food cities in America—and as the meatpacking capital of the world, you’ll find some of the finest steaks and hot dogs you’ve ever tasted. Visit the hub of Chicago—the Loop—and dig into the eclectic food scene, which features a large number of high-quality eateries. Stop by the Revival Food Hall for all-local dining choices that will almost certainly satisfy any tastes. Also, during your Midwest stay, be sure to sample what’s arguably some of the best pizza in the nation, with several styles having originated right here in the Windy City. If you’d like a brew afterward, hop over to Franklin Tap for happy hour.
Learn more about visiting Chicago
Take a trip to The Big Apple—with more than eight million people, representing 100+ cultural backgrounds, you’re bound to find a meal your taste buds never imagined. Visit Miss Lily’s diner for Caribbean fare such as jerk corn and Guyanese vegetable lo-mein. Looking for carbs? Go to Becco for their signature Sinfonia di Pasta, an innovative all-you-can-eat pasta menu. If you want Asian fusion, make your way to BonChon and ask for the salmon avocado ball or their made-to-order Korean fried chicken. Wherever you go in New York, try something new—even if you can’t quite pronounce it.
Learn more about visiting New York