Popular delicacies to try in Florida
For most tourists, the mention of Florida evokes images of sunny skies, white sand beaches, and bustling cities. However, the Sunshine State has something else to offer to visitors and residents alike. Florida’s gastronomy consists of an exciting mix of Caribbean and Latin American influences, which bring an abundance of fish, seafood, and tropical fruits to the table. Florida’s cuisine is also marked by the bold flavors of Creole and Cajun dishes. The state’s restaurants offer visitors the best of fusion cuisine, so if you are planning a trip to the area soon, you may want to check out the most popular delicacies to try while in Florida.
Conch fritters
The Keys are the best area to sample this flavorful seafood dish, which is surprisingly light despite being deep fried. Fritters are covered in a crunchy and spicy batter, which contrasts with the exquisitely tender conch meat. They are served with a variety of dipping sauces made with red or chipotle peppers, lime juice, and mayonnaise.
Avocado and grapefruit salad
Florida’s trademark salad is not just for health-conscious foodies. This sumptuous starter relies on two main ingredients, whose flavors are intensified by a mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice vinaigrette. You may also find that some eateries add shrimp or cashews to this dish.
Cuban chicken
This wonderful main course is marinated in sour orange juice and fresh garden herbs, before being slow cooked, to ensure that the flavors saturate the meat. As with other Cuban recipes, the secret is in the sauce, and Cuban chicken is served with a rich sauce made with citrus fruits, bay leaves, caramelised onion, and plenty of garlic.
Floribbean BBQ
If you travel to central Florida, you will come across a delicious regional variation of the traditional southern barbecue. Floribbean barbecues bring together Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern influences, which results in complex and incredibly rich medleys of herbs, spices, and tropical fruits like mango or guava.
Key Lime Pie
End any meal on a perfectly sweet note with Florida’s number one dessert. Key lime pie is a tangy and refreshing dessert, and the ideal way of helping you cope with Florida’s hot weather, while indulging your taste buds. You may come across several variations of this dish, as some local recipes call for whipped cream instead of meringue, and others replace the baked filling with a lighter chilled filling.
This is just an introduction to the superb range of dishes that await you during a holiday in Florida. If you just can’t wait to sample these dishes, book your Florida flights today, and get ready to sample the best of the state’s outstanding cuisine.