10 Michigan Cities And Their Signature Foods You Must Try

If you live in Michigan or are just visiting for the first time, there are so many signature food items across the state that you must try.

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From the Lower Peninsula to the U.P. These are some of the most iconic Michigan foods you must try.

10 Michigan Cities And Their Signature Food You Must Try

1) Detroit - Coney Dog

Nothing beats a coney dog and a Vernors with a side of chili cheese fries.

The east side of the state is known for them but you can find a good coney in most parts of Michigan.

2) Grand Rapids - Wet Burrito

A wet burrito is smothered in red chili sauce and topped with melted cheese. The Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids is known for its famous wet burritos.

3) Hamtramck - Paczi

Don't call it a Jelly Donut, It's a Paczi! The pastry is a traditional Polish treat, which has become popular in Michigan. It is a deep-fried dough pastry that is shaped into a flattened ball and filled with fruit or cream filling. The pastry is then topped with a light dusting of sugar. The traditional fruit filling is prune, but others include apricot, lemon, blueberry, raspberry, and custard.

Paczki Day is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, and is a once-a-year event in Polish-American culture that has become an American tradition.

4) Mackinac Island - Fudge

While I'm not a huge fan of Fudge there is no dining it's an iconic part of Mackinac Island.

There are several shops on the island that make and sell fudge, including Ryba's Mackinac Island Fudge Shop, Original Murdick's Fudge, Joann's Fudge, and The Mackinac Fudge Shop. The fudge is typically made with real cream, butter, and natural ingredients, and comes in a variety of flavors.

5) Northern Michigan / U.P. - Whitefish Dip

Whitefish dip is made with smoked whitefish, cream cheese, and various seasonings. It is often served as a dip with crackers or bread. I had it for the first time several years ago and I can't get enough of it.

6) Saginaw - Steak Sandwich

Saginaw is known for its steak sandwich because of Tony's Original Restaurant, which has been a Saginaw area staple for 70 years.

7) Traverse City - Cherries

I'm not a huge fan of cherries unless they're in a pie. That being said, Traverse City is known for its cherry industry, with most of Michigan's cherry production taking place there. Every year tons of people head to Traverse City to enjoy the National Cherry Festival.

8) The U.P. - Pasties

Growing up I never had one of Michigan's most hearty meals. That is probably because it's more common in northern Michigan and the U.P.

A  Pastie is a meat pie typically filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga, and sometimes also includes carrots and other vegetables. The filling is wrapped in a pastry crust and baked until tender and golden brown.

9) Grand Haven - Pronto Pup

Don't you dare call it a Corn Dog! A Pronto Pup is one of my favorite things I've ever had. Located in Grand Haven inside of a little shack is where you will find one the tastiest snacks on a stick. You can get it plain but I recommend getting it with both ketchup and mustard. Plain ahead as they're CASH ONLY.

10) Sparta - Apples

Sparta is known for its apple orchards including Schwallier's Country Basket and Ed Dunneback And Girls Farm Market. There is an annual Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta that celebrates the harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the area.