The Most Popular Food in Kansas, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:37
In the heart of America, Kansas offers a unique culinary scene that reflects its rich agricultural heritage and diverse cultural influences. Ranking the most cherished dishes provides a clear picture of local tastes and preferences, aiding visitors and residents alike in discovering what might tantalize their palates.
This dynamic list not only spotlights the top picks from various corners of the state but also invites everyone to have their say. By voting for your top food choices, you contribute to a continuously updated snapshot of Kansas's culinary favorites, making each selection a reflection of collective endorsement and regional pride.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Kansas?
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143votesKansas City-style barbecue is famous worldwide, and it is the most popular food in Kansas. It is known for its slow-smoked meats, such as ribs, brisket, and burnt ends, and its distinct tomato-based sauce.Barbecue is a savory chip flavor that is very popular in Australia. It has a rich and smoky taste with a hint of sweetness. The flavor profile is reminiscent of a barbecued meat or grilled vegetables. The chips have a satisfying crunch and are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, including paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and tomato powder. It is a versatile flavor that appeals to both meat lovers and vegetarians. The barbecue chips are enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with dips and sauces.
- Flavor profile: Rich, smoky, and slightly sweet
- Seasoning ingredients: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, tomato powder, and spices
- Texture: Crunchy
- Versatility: Suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians
- Pairings: Dips and sauces
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212votes
Evan-Amos · CC0Fried Chicken
African American slavesKansas is home to several fried chicken restaurants, such as Stroud's and Chicken Annie's, that serve crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken.Fried chicken is a popular dish in America consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned batter or breading and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The chicken is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which create a flavorful and savory taste. It is a comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.- Crispiness: The fried chicken should have a crispy and golden brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
- Flavorful seasoning: The chicken should be seasoned with a combination of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cooking method: The chicken is deep-fried in oil at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture.
- Variations: Fried chicken can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or breasts. It can also be seasoned differently based on regional preferences.
- Accompaniments: Fried chicken is often served with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.
Fried Chicken in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular chicken dish
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular food in Indiana
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular meal at Popeyes
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Brooklyn
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325votesBierocks are a type of stuffed pastry that originated in Eastern Europe and are popular in Kansas. They are made with bread dough and filled with ground beef, onions, and cabbage.Bierocks are a traditional food item in Kansas. They can be described as baked rolls filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, onions, and cabbage. The dough is soft and pillowy, and the filling is savory and flavorful. Bierocks are often enjoyed as a handheld snack or as a meal on its own.
- Origin: Bierocks originated in Eastern Europe
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, cabbage, dough
- Preparation: The filling is cooked and seasoned, then wrapped in the dough and baked until golden brown
- Shape: Bierocks are typically shaped like a pocket or a small loaf
- Size: The size of a bierock can vary, but they are usually around 4 to 6 inches in length
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421votesKansas-style chili is a hearty, meaty stew made with ground beef, beans, and spices. It is often served with cheese, onions, and crackers.Chili is a well-known and beloved camping food that originated in the United States. It is a hearty and flavorful stew made primarily with chili peppers, meat (typically beef), and a variety of beans and spices. The exact ingredients used can vary depending on personal preferences and regional variations, but the dish is generally considered to be spicy and packed with bold flavors. It can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions. Chili is often cooked in a large pot over a campfire or on a camping stove, making it a convenient and satisfying meal option for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Heat Level: Chili can range from mild to extremely spicy, depending on the type and quantity of chili peppers used.
- Meat: Beef is the most traditional meat used in chili, but other options like chicken, turkey, pork, or even vegetarian alternatives can be used.
- Beans: Common choices for beans include kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of different types.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper are commonly used to season chili.
- Liquid: Water, broth, or canned tomatoes are typically used to create the base and ensure the chili has the desired consistency.
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513votes
SimpleFoodie · Public domainKansas is known for its sweet, juicy corn. It is often boiled or grilled and served with butter and salt.Corn on the Cob is a classic American dish made from corn ears that are boiled or grilled and then served with various toppings. It is a popular food choice during Fourth of July celebrations, as it is simple to prepare and enjoyed by people of all ages.- Preparation method: Boiled or grilled
- Serving style: On the cob
- Toppings: Butter, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, cheese, herbs, lime, chili powder, etc.
- Variations: Grilled corn, Mexican street corn (elote)
- Texture: Tender and juicy kernels
Corn on the Cob in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular food in Indiana
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular side dish in America
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64votesKansas is a major producer of beef, and steak is a popular dish in the state. Kansas City strip and ribeye steaks are some of the most popular cuts.Steak is a mouthwatering dish made from a thick slice of high-quality beef, typically grilled or pan-seared. It is renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture, making it a favorite among meat lovers worldwide. The steak is often served with various accompaniments, such as vegetables, sauces, or potatoes.
- Cut of Meat: Steak can be made from different cuts of beef, including filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, and T-bone.
- Preparation: Steak is typically seasoned with salt and pepper and then cooked to the desired level of doneness. It can be grilled, pan-seared, broiled, or cooked sous vide.
- Doneness Levels: Steak can be cooked to various degrees of doneness, ranging from rare to well-done. Some common doneness levels include rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done.
- Grilling Time: The grilling time of a steak depends on its thickness and desired doneness. On average, a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium-rare takes about 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill.
- Serving Style: Steak can be served on its own as the main course or accompanied by side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
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713votesPizza is a favorite food in Kansas, and there are many pizza restaurants throughout the state. Kansas-style pizza is typically thin and crispy with a variety of toppings.Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
- Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
- Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
- Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
- Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
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83votesFried catfish is a popular dish in Kansas, especially in the southern part of the state. It is often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.Fried Catfish is a popular dish in Alabama that consists of catfish fillets coated in a cornmeal-based batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It is often served with tartar sauce and accompanied by sides such as coleslaw, hush puppies, and fries.
- Main Ingredient: Catfish fillets
- Coating: Cornmeal-based batter
- Cooking Method: Deep-fried
- Texture: Golden and crispy
- Serving Sauce: Tartar sauce
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92votesBBQ beans are a popular side dish in Kansas. They are made with baked beans, barbecue sauce, and sometimes meat.BBQ Beans is a classic dish that is loved by many in Kansas. It is a hearty and flavorful side dish commonly enjoyed with barbecue. The dish features a rich and tangy sauce that coats tender beans, resulting in a perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors.
- Main ingredients: Beans, typically pinto or navy beans
- Sauce: A blend of barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices
- Meat: Often prepared with bacon or sausage for added flavor and richness
- Cooking method: Slow-cooked in the oven or on the grill to allow flavors to meld together
- Texture: Tender beans with a thick and saucy consistency
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107votesApple pie is a classic dessert in Kansas, especially during the fall apple harvest. It is typically made with a flaky crust and filled with sweet, spiced apples.Apple pie is a classic dessert in America, loved for its warm and comforting flavors. It typically consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet and tart apple filling. The filling is made by combining sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes other spices or flavorings. The pie is typically baked until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. It is often served warm and can be enjoyed plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Crust: Flaky pie crust
- Filling: Sweet and tart apple filling
- Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, spices/flavorings
- Baking: Baked until golden brown crust and tender apples
- Serving: Often served warm
Apple Pie in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beloved dessert in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular pie at Marie Callender's
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Christmas pie
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular dessert in Iowa
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular pie in South Africa
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beloved Thanksgiving food
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Traditional and regional dishesIdentify food items that originated in Kansas or are strongly associated with the state's history and culture. These dishes would hold a significant place in the heart of the locals.
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Food festivals and eventsPopular food in Kansas may be represented at food festivals, cookouts, and other culinary events taking place within the state.
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Social media and online reviewsAnalyze trends and mentions of Kansas food on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, as well as on local food blogs. Also, consider ratings and reviews of local restaurants on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.
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Iconic restaurants and dishesSome popular dishes in Kansas may be associated with specific restaurants or food establishments. Assess the significance and popularity of these dishes with the help of local food connoisseurs and reviews.
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Diversity and inclusivityConsider the variety and diversity of Kansas cuisine and popular dishes within different ethnic and cultural communities.
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Seasonal and time-based factorsSome dishes in Kansas may be more popular during certain times of the year, such as holiday meals, summer barbecue items, or seasonal produce-based dishes.
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Historical contextResearch historical food trends in Kansas to understand how the popularity of certain dishes has evolved over time.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Kansas. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1204 views
- 142 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in kansas
Kansas is known for its vast prairies and agricultural heritage, which has led to a unique culinary culture in the state. The most popular food in Kansas is undoubtedly barbecue, particularly when it comes to meat. Kansas City-style barbecue, which is slow-smoked over hickory wood and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Other popular dishes in Kansas include fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and steak, all of which are made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Additionally, Kansas is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries producing unique and flavorful beers that pair perfectly with the state's hearty cuisine. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, Kansas has something to offer every food lover.
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