7 Local Dishes to Try in Florida
From Mickey Mouse to white sandy beaches and vibrant seaside towns, Florida has developed quite a reputation as a top getaway destination. But which local Florida dishes and treats should you sample while you’re there? From creamy Key lime pie to fried alligator bites, check out a few of the Sunshine State’s most iconic and delicious specialties:
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a staple among Floridians, which might be why it became the official state pie when it was first introduced in Key West in the 1860s. The well-known tang of this particular pie comes from local Key limes. Rumor has it that a cook known as Aunt Sally created the Key lime pie for her boss, who was the state’s first self-made millionaire. You can find this delicious dessert all over the state in various forms, including an ice cream version dipped in chocolate, frozen, and served on a stick. What’s not to love about that?
Recipes: No Bake Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Greek Yogurt Pie, Key Lime Cake
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Alligator Bites
Did you know there are approximately 1.25 million alligators living in Florida? That’s a lot of reptiles. And while they are one of the wildest attractions in the Sunshine State, they also make a tasty appetizer at many Florida restaurants. This local specialty can often be found in deep-fried, bite-sized pieces (similar to chicken nuggets). While some are served plain as an appetizer on their own, you can also enjoy them as dressed-up pub fare in sliders with barbecue sauce. Just don’t go home without trying this outside-the-box treat.
Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but we would be remiss to skip over this beloved beverage – especially considering Florida is home to 569,000 acres of citrus groves and more than 74 million citrus trees. There’s nothing quite as delicious as a homegrown Florida orange with all those rich, tangy flavors. You would be crazy to skip out on a tall glass of freshly squeezed Florida orange juice while you’re on vacation in this tropical paradise.
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Dole Whip
Dole Whip has become a bit of a cult classic among Disney World fans, and for good reason. If you aren’t familiar with this well-loved treat, it’s a frozen pineapple refreshment that can be ordered in a cup or as a float. Pineapples and the Sunshine State are already a match made in heaven, but these are particularly appealing when you’re strolling through a Disney park in the summer heat.
See more: How Walt Disney World’s Farm Grows the Most Magical Produce on Earth
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Cuban Sandwich
One of the most famous sandwiches in Florida is easily the Cuban. It makes sense, too, seeing as how Cuba is just over 100 miles off the coast. Cuban immigrants brought this delightful meal over from their home country in the early 1900s, and it has grown in popularity ever since. Made with roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles, it’s an easy sandwich to love. Several local eateries take it up a notch with thick Cuban bread, too, which makes it even more delicious.
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Stone Crabs
Fun fact: you can only consume the claws of stone crabs, which makes this local Florida dish a bit of a delicacy. There are a lot of strict regulations in place when it comes to harvesting these animals. But even if you can only enjoy the claws, seafood lovers should still make a point to order these while they’re in the Sunshine State. Described as a sweet meat, they are often served with mustard dipping sauce, which is notoriously satisfying on a scorching summer day.
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Ceviche
Ceviche goes by many names, but it originated in Peru and is made with raw fish cured in citrus juice and spiced with ingredients like chili peppers, onions, salt and cilantro. It also happens to be one of those dishes that Floridians do best. You can easily find it all over the state, especially if you happen to be staying near the coast.