Montana has several incredible local dishes to choose from, but this isnt one that we would have even considered.
When people think of Montana, their minds go toward scenery, cowboys, or wildlife. That makes sense because thats what Montanas reputation is to most visitors, thanks to television and books. Tourists probably think Montanas cuisine is American fare and nothing too exciting.
You might be surprised to learn that Montana has several unique foods created here or certain foods that can only grow here.
When I saw a list of Every States Most Famous Local Dish, I had an idea of what could make the list. Then I saw Montanas pick and was dead wrong.
Before we show you Montanas Most Famous Local Dish, here are Five Unique Foods That Montana is Known For.
Montana is known for its open expanses and beautiful wilderness. That natural bounty yields exceptional food, including bison, huckleberries, chokecherries, morels and some of the best beef in the country, along with local favorites worth a detour.
One of my favorites came from a Twitter user on the other side of the mountains who said that everyone’s suggestions were too Western Montana centric and voted for cinnamon rolls and chili. I initially thought I was being trolled, but after some research I learned that it is indeed something people eat and, honestly, I want to try it.
Within minutes of proposing this question, my Twitter feed became an elaborate menu of Montana’s finest food offerings. Among the most popular suggestions were the previously mentioned pork and huckleberry glaze and, of course, huckleberry pie. Other people voted for beer (while filling, I don’t know if we can call that a dish), chicken fried steak (getting warmer) and Taco Treat combination No. 1 consisting of a corn taco, cheese fries and a drink (that person was from Great Falls, home to not one or two but three Taco Treats, if you count the Amigo Lounge, and trust me, I do).
That said, most Mainers would still say that the lobster roll is their state’s official dish: the one food item that is forever tied to our home state in the mind of natives and visitors alike. I would argue that most states have those dishes, a meal that is linked to a specific place.
It turns out, figuring out Montana’s dish is harder than you’d expect, and while there are worthy candidates (particularly the pasty and the pork chop sandwich), there isn’t one dish that immediately dominates the conversation, not like Maine’s lobster roll at least.
Tim Good, the head chef at Last Chair Kitchen & Bar, said huckleberry pie was the most logical answer, especially in the Flathead Valley.
Love Ice Cream? These Are Montana’s Best Ice Cream ShopsCraving a sweet frozen treat to cool off this summer? Here are a few of Montana’s best ice cream shops.
Gallery Credit: Jesse James
Traditional Montana Food – What to Eat in Montana
FAQ
What is Montana’s dish?
What is Montana’s state food or drink?
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State
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Food type
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Food name
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Montana
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State fruit
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Huckleberry
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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New Hampshire
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State fruit
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Pumpkin
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Is Montana a good state to live in?