Ohio’s food culture is a delicious mix of flavors, drawing inspiration from its rich immigrant history and local ingredients.
The state offers a variety of unique dishes, from Cincinnati’s famous chili to Cleveland’s hearty Polish Boy sandwiches.
Did you know that Ohio is the birthplace of the famous Buckeye candy, which is made to look like the nut from the Buckeye tree, the state symbol?
Or that Barberton, Ohio, is famous for its fried chicken, prepared the same way for over 80 years? Ohio is also home to some of the best apples and ice creams in the country.
Whether you’re a sweet treats or savory classics fan, Ohio’s food scene is full of interesting and flavorful surprises!
List of Iconic Dishes Found in Ohio
1. Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is a unique dish that differentiates itself from traditional chili with its Mediterranean-inspired spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
It’s typically served over spaghetti, known as “two-way,” and can be topped with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans for a “five-way.”
Originating in the 1920s by Greek immigrants, Cincinnati chili has become a regional staple, often enjoyed at restaurants like Skyline and Gold Star.
This dish is known for its thinner consistency and is a go-to comfort food for Ohioans, enjoyed year-round in various preparations.
2. Buckeyes
Buckeyes are a popular Ohio treat made from peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, rolled into balls, and partially dipped in melted chocolate.
They are designed to resemble the nut of the buckeye tree, Ohio’s state tree. Buckeyes are a beloved dessert, especially during the holidays or football season. They are easy to make and widely enjoyed.
Their sweet, rich flavor makes them a favorite at potlucks, parties, and tailgates. Similar to peanut butter cups, Buckeyes’ distinctive presentation uniquely ties them to Ohio pride.
3. Goetta
Goetta (pronounced “get-uh”) is a German-American breakfast staple in Cincinnati.
Goetta is a sausage made with pork, beef, steel-cut oats, and spices, giving it a hearty texture. German immigrants developed it to stretch their meat supply.
Traditionally, it’s sliced and pan-fried to create a crispy exterior and soft interior, served alongside eggs or in sandwiches.
Goetta is particularly popular in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky, with an annual Goettafest celebrating the dish. It’s a beloved comfort food that blends German heritage with local flavors.
4. Pierogies
Pierogies are dumplings of Eastern European origin, particularly Polish, and are a popular food in Ohio’s northeastern regions, especially Cleveland.
These half-moon-shaped dumplings are filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, or meat and are often boiled or fried.
Pierogies are typically served with sautéed onions and sour cream, making them a delicious and filling meal or side dish.
Ohio’s large Polish-American population has kept this traditional dish alive through family recipes and local festivals.
Pierogies are commonly found at local diners, food trucks, and even gourmet restaurants throughout the state.
5. Tony Packo’s Hot Dogs
Tony Packo’s is an iconic Ohio restaurant in Toledo, famous for its Hungarian-style hot dogs. These hot dogs are unique because they are topped with a special chili sauce, onions, and shredded cheese.
Founded by Tony Packo, a Hungarian-American, in the 1930s, the restaurant gained national attention when mentioned on the TV show MASH*. Packo’s hot dogs have since become a Toledo specialty.
The restaurant serves not only its famous dogs but also Hungarian-inspired dishes like stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikash. Their hot dogs are a beloved part of Ohio’s food culture.
6. Ohio Apples
Ohio is known for producing a variety of apples, especially during the fall season.
The state’s fertile soil and temperate climate make it an ideal place for apple orchards, which grow popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonagold.
Apple picking is a favorite fall activity for Ohio families, and the apples are used in many local dishes, such as apple pies, applesauce, and cider.
Ohio’s apples are enjoyed fresh and play a key role in the state’s autumn festivals. Apple-centric events celebrate the harvest season across the state.
7. Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded chicken sandwiches are a comfort food classic in Ohio, often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and church events.
The dish consists of shredded chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, typically made from cream of chicken soup, and served on a bun.
It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s easy to make in large quantities. Ohioans have enjoyed this sandwich for decades, and its popularity remains strong, especially in rural areas.
It’s typically served with potato chips or coleslaw, making it a go-to meal for casual events or quick family dinners.
8. Barberton Chicken
Barberton chicken is a special fried chicken originating in Barberton, Ohio. Known for spicy breading and juicy meat, this fried chicken is traditionally served with hot rice, coleslaw, and fries.
Serbian immigrants in the 1930s introduced it, and it has become a local favorite. Unlike other fried chicken recipes, Barberton chicken is fried in lard, giving it a distinct flavor and crispy texture.
It’s often referred to as “Serbian fried chicken” and remains a must-try dish for visitors and locals alike, with several Barberton-area restaurants specializing in it.
9. Frog Legs
Frog legs are a local delicacy in Barberton, Ohio, often served alongside Barberton chicken.
These crispy, fried frog legs are popular in the region and are prepared in a similar style to fried chicken, with lightly seasoned breading and deep-fried until golden.
While not as common in the rest of Ohio, frog legs have a strong following in Barberton and are often offered at family-owned restaurants.
Their taste is often compared to a cross between chicken and fish, with a delicate flavor and tender texture, making them an interesting addition to the local food scene.
10. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is an artisanal ice cream brand that started in Columbus, Ohio, and has since gained nationwide recognition.
Known for its unique, creative flavors and high-quality ingredients, Jeni’s has redefined what ice cream can be. Popular flavors include Brambleberry Crisp, Salty Caramel, and Brown Butter Almond Brittle.
Jeni’s focuses on using whole, local ingredients, and its ice creams are made without synthetic flavors or stabilizers.
The brand has become synonymous with gourmet ice cream, offering various flavors that appeal to adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.
11. Sauerkraut Balls
Sauerkraut balls are a deep-fried appetizer originating from the Akron, Ohio, area.
These bite-sized balls are made with sauerkraut, ground meat (usually pork or sausage), breadcrumbs, and cream cheese, then breaded and fried until crispy.
They are a popular snack at parties, festivals, and local bars. They offer a tangy, savory flavor with a crunchy exterior.
Sauerkraut balls reflect the German heritage of many Ohioans and are often served with mustard or other dipping sauces. They have become a regional favorite and a must-try for visitors to Ohio.
12. Skyline Chili
Skyline Chili is another Cincinnati institution similar to its rival, Gold Star Chili. Skyline’s chili is known for its distinctive flavor, which is due to its unique blend of spices, including cinnamon and cocoa powder.
It’s served over spaghetti or hot dogs with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans. Skyline Chili was founded in 1949 by a Greek immigrant and has since expanded into a regional chain.
For many Ohioans, a trip to Skyline is a tradition, and their chili, with its distinct taste, remains a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
13. Pawpaw
Pawpaw is a native fruit of Ohio. In terms of flavor, it is often described as a mix between a banana and a mango.
It’s the largest edible fruit native to North America and grows in the wild throughout the state.
Pawpaws have a creamy texture and sweet, tropical flavor, making them perfect for desserts like pies, ice creams, and jams.
While the fruit isn’t commonly found in grocery stores, it’s celebrated yearly at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival. Ohioans embrace the pawpaw to symbolize their state’s unique natural heritage.
14. Cleveland Polish Boy
The Cleveland Polish Boy is a sandwich that reflects the city’s Eastern European roots. It’s made with kielbasa sausage placed in a bun and topped with coleslaw, French fries, and barbecue or hot sauce.
This filling sandwich is a favorite at local diners and food trucks throughout Cleveland. Its combination of savory sausage, crunchy slaw, and crispy fries creates a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
The Polish Boy is a must-try for anyone visiting Cleveland. It offers a taste of the city’s culinary history and vibrant food scene.
15. Mansfield Bratwurst
Mansfield, Ohio, is known for its bratwurst, a German sausage made from pork and seasoned with a blend of spices.
Mansfield’s bratwurst is a local favorite, served at festivals, fairs, and backyard barbecues. It’s typically grilled and served on a bun with mustard, onions, and sauerkraut.
Bratwurst reflects the region’s strong German heritage and remains a staple of central Ohio’s culinary scene.
With its savory, juicy flavor, Mansfield bratwurst is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Ohio comfort food.
Conclusion
Ohio’s diverse food scene reflects its rich cultural history and love for comfort food.
From the spicy kick of Cincinnati chili to the sweet indulgence of buckeyes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re tasting traditional dishes like pierogies or unique creations like the Polish Boy, Ohio offers a mix of familiar and distinctive flavors.
The state’s local ingredients, like apples and pawpaws, add fresh, regional flair to its cuisine.
Whether you’re exploring the flavors of its cities or enjoying a backyard barbecue with bratwurst, Ohio’s food culture is sure to leave a lasting impression.
With so many delicious options, there’s always something new to try and enjoy in Ohio!
