21 Must-Try Foods That Made Indiana Famous

Discover 21 iconic Indiana foods, from tenderloin sandwiches to sugar cream pie. Explore the rich flavors that make Indiana’s cuisine truly unique.

Jun 19, 2025

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Indiana may be known for its rolling farmland and small-town charm, but it also has a rich and flavorful food culture that many people overlook. From classic comfort dishes to unique local favorites, Indiana offers a wide range of foods that reflect its heritage and traditions. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, discovering the most famous foods from Indiana will give you a new appreciation for the state's culinary identity. In this article, you'll find 21 iconic dishes that truly represent the taste of Indiana

1. Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie, also known as Hoosier Pie, is a creamy, custard-like dessert made from milk or cream, sugar, cornstarch or flour, and spices like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This pie was first baked by Quaker, Shaker, and Amish settlers in eastern Indiana around 1816, often as a “desperation pie” using pantry ingredients. In 1962, Wick’s Pies in Winchester patented their version. Today, they produce more than 10,000 pies daily, helping maintain its status as Indiana’s beloved traditional treat.

2. Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is Indiana’s unofficial state sandwich. Created around 1907 at Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington by German-American Nick Freinstein, it’s based on Wiener schnitzel. A pork loin is pounded thin, dipped in egg and milk, coated with crumbs or crushed crackers, then deep-fried and served on a bun, so large it often hangs off the edges. It’s the top comfort food for Hoosiers, served at diners, drive‑ins, and fairs statewide and honored along Indiana’s “Tenderloin Trail”.

3. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail

The Shrimp Cocktail at St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis is famous across Indiana. It’s made with large, chilled shrimp served with a bold cocktail sauce that includes a strong dose of fresh horseradish. This appetizer is known for its sharp heat and has become a signature dish since the restaurant opened in 1902. Locals and visitors alike enjoy it as a spicy, refreshing start to a classic Midwestern steakhouse meal.

4. Breaded Pork Tenderloin

Breaded Pork Tenderloin

This dish features a pork loin cutlet that’s flattened, breaded with flour or crushed crackers, and deep-fried. It’s served either on its own or with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans. Though similar to the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, it’s often eaten without the bun. Popular across Indiana, especially in small-town diners, this crispy and juicy dish is a staple of Hoosier comfort food, often seasoned lightly to let the pork flavor shine.

5. Fried Catfish

Fried Catfish

Fried Catfish is popular in southern Indiana, influenced by Southern U.S. cooking traditions. Local catfish are coated in seasoned cornmeal and deep-fried until golden and crisp. The dish is often served with hush puppies, fries, or coleslaw. It’s a favorite at summer fish fries, county fairs, and family gatherings. Freshwater catfish is common in Indiana’s rivers, making this a local and sustainable food choice. The taste is mild, and the crunchy crust adds satisfying texture.

6. Hoosier Chili

Hoosier Chili

Hoosier Chili is a comforting and slightly milder version of traditional chili. It’s often made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, beans, and basic spices. A unique twist in Indiana is serving it over spaghetti or elbow macaroni, similar to “chili mac.” This dish is common at community dinners and church potlucks. It’s especially popular in colder months and is easy to prepare in large batches. Toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or oyster crackers are also commonly added.

7. Persimmon Pudding

Persimmon Pudding

Persimmon Pudding is a warm, dense dessert made from ripe, wild persimmons, flour, sugar, eggs, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a texture similar to gingerbread or sticky toffee pudding. The dish is especially popular in Mitchell, Indiana, which hosts an annual Persimmon Festival. It’s usually baked and served with whipped cream or ice cream. Persimmons grow naturally in Indiana, making this a very local and seasonal specialty, particularly enjoyed in fall.

8. Chicken And Waffles

Chicken And Waffles

Chicken and Waffles is a popular sweet and savory dish in Indiana. It includes crispy fried chicken, usually seasoned and deep-fried, served on top of a warm, fluffy waffle. It’s typically topped with butter and syrup. Some versions add hot sauce or gravy for extra flavor. While the dish has Southern roots, Indiana diners and brunch spots have made it their own. It’s a favorite comfort food enjoyed at any time of day, especially at weekend breakfasts and brunches.

9. Southern Indiana BBQ Pork

Southern Indiana BBQ Pork

Southern Indiana is known for its tender and flavorful barbecue pork. The pork is usually slow-cooked or smoked for several hours, then pulled or chopped. It’s served with a tangy vinegar - or tomato-based sauce, depending on local tradition. This dish is a highlight at family cookouts, festivals, and barbecue joints throughout the region. Served with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, it reflects the influence of Southern barbecue while staying true to Indiana’s local ingredients and preparation style.

10. Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak, also called chicken-fried steak, is a breaded and deep-fried beef cutlet. The meat is usually tenderized before coating and frying. It’s served hot and covered in creamy white gravy or brown beef gravy, with mashed potatoes and vegetables on the side. This dish is a common item on diner and home-style restaurant menus across Indiana. Its crispy crust and rich gravy make it a popular choice for people looking for a filling and flavorful meal.

11. Dutch Baby

Dutch Baby

A Dutch Baby is a puffed oven-baked pancake that originated from German-American cooking traditions. It’s made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar, baked in a skillet until golden and puffy. Once cooked, it’s usually topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, syrup, or lemon juice. Indiana’s strong German heritage, especially in Amish and Mennonite communities, helped popularize this dish. It’s often served for breakfast or brunch and is enjoyed for its light, airy texture.

12. Corn On The Cob

Corn On The Cob

Corn on the Cob is a classic Indiana summer food, thanks to the state’s strong corn farming tradition. It’s usually boiled or grilled, then served hot with butter and a sprinkle of salt. Found at county fairs, family picnics, and barbecues, sweet corn is enjoyed as a fresh and simple side dish when it’s in season from July through September.

13. Popcorn

Popcorn

Indiana is one of the top popcorn-producing states in the U.S. Thanks to its rich farmland, the state grows high-quality popcorn that’s used in homes and theaters across the country. Popular types include classic buttered popcorn, kettle corn, and caramel corn. It’s a favorite snack at festivals, sports games, and movie nights. Companies like Weaver Popcorn and Pop Weaver are based in Indiana, making popcorn an important part of the state’s food identity and economy.

14. Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin

Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin

This variation of the classic pork tenderloin features a seasoned, breaded pork cutlet that is deep-fried and served either on its own or in a sandwich. Known for being much larger than the bun, it’s a signature dish in Indiana diners. The breading is often made from crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, giving it a crunchy exterior. While similar to the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, this version is often simpler, with fewer toppings, to highlight the crispy pork flavor.

15. Beef Manhattan

Beef Manhattan

Beef Manhattan is a classic Indiana comfort food. It features sliced roast beef placed on thick white bread, covered with mashed potatoes, and smothered in brown beef gravy. Served open-faced, it’s filling and hearty, perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish is especially popular in small-town diners across the state. It originated in the Midwest, despite its name, and became a favorite for its simple ingredients and rich flavor. It’s often served with green beans or corn as a side.

16. Reuben Sandwich

Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben Sandwich is a deli-style favorite commonly served in Indiana restaurants. It’s made with sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is toasted until crispy on the outside and melted inside. While its origins are debated, it’s a popular menu item in Hoosier delis and diners. The combination of salty meat, tangy kraut, and creamy dressing gives it a bold and satisfying flavor.

17. Griddle Burgers

Griddle Burgers are thin beef patties cooked on a hot flat-top griddle until the edges turn crispy. This cooking method gives the burgers a rich, seared flavor. They’re often served on soft buns with simple toppings like pickles, onions, ketchup, or mustard. These burgers are a nostalgic favorite in Indiana, found at old-fashioned diners and roadside drive-ins. Their simplicity and crispy texture make them a go-to meal for locals who enjoy classic American flavors.

18. Pork and Beans

Pork and Beans

Pork and Beans is a traditional side dish in Indiana, served at cookouts, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s made by slow-cooking white or navy beans with pork (often bacon or ham), onions, and brown sugar or molasses. The result is a sweet and savory dish with a rich, smoky flavor. Many families in Indiana prepare it as a homemade recipe passed down for generations, making it both a comfort food and a cultural staple.

19. Triple XXX Root Beer

Triple XXX Root Beer

Triple XXX Root Beer has been served in West Lafayette, Indiana, since 1929. It was originally part of a national chain that started in 1895. The Indiana location is the last remaining Triple XXX root beer stand and is also the state’s oldest drive-in restaurant. The root beer is made with real cane sugar and served fresh on tap. Featured on TV shows like Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, it’s a well-loved part of Indiana’s food and drink history.

20. Apple Butter

Apple Butter

Apple Butter is a thick, spiced fruit spread made by cooking apples slowly with cinnamon, cloves, and sugar until smooth and dark brown. Though it’s called “butter,” it contains no dairy. It’s often spread on toast, biscuits, or pancakes. Popular in Amish and rural Indiana communities, Apple Butter is especially common in fall when apples are harvested. Many Indiana farmers’ markets and festivals sell homemade apple butter in jars as a seasonal treat.

21. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and Gravy is a hearty Indiana breakfast dish. It features soft, fluffy biscuits covered with thick sausage gravy made from ground pork, flour, milk, and black pepper. The dish has Southern roots but is widely loved across Indiana, especially in small-town cafes and home kitchens. It’s warm, filling, and flavorful, often served as a weekend breakfast or part of a country-style brunch. Some versions add eggs or hash browns on the side for a complete meal.

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