The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Californian Foods. If you manage to be in an Californian restaurant or you are visiting California in The United States, I recommend the following:
1. Burrito
You can’t think of California cuisine without thinking of Mexican food. There are lots of little family-run places and food trucks selling burritos that are bigger than your arm and very reasonably priced. One bite and you’ll understand the meaning of life and wonder when you’ll be hungry enough to eat the next tortilla-wrapped slice of heaven.
2. California Cake
If you like strawberries, you might like to travel to California, because it is a state with a great yield in the production of this fruit. It is usually used to prepare the delicious California tart. As for the ingredients, in addition to the fruit, you need whipping cream, sugar, gelatine and sponge cake. First prepare the gelatine and add some chopped strawberries before storing it in the refrigerator. While it is cooling, add the cream with the sugar and when the jelly is ready, put the cream on top and then the sponge cake, and this delicious dessert is born.
3. Fish Tacos
These tacos are usually prepared with a fish called “angelito”, which is breaded, temperate and fried in lard. And if you’re worried about bones, this one is boneless. To prepare the capeado mixture you need eggs, oil and pepper. Salt, beer and flour are also needed. Beat everything together and refrigerate for half an hour. The fish is chopped into thick strips, seasoned with pepper and salt, and also refrigerated. To prepare the pico de gallo sauce, onion, tomato, chillies and coriander are used. Then, egg whites are added to the capeado mixture, each strip of fish is dipped in it and fried in enough oil.
4. In-N-Out Burger
California gave us McDonald’s, so it’s logical to consider this state the home of the burger. However, the In-N-Out Burger chain puts all other establishments to shame: it’s fast food, but the fries are cut and fried right there, while the employees wear costumes straight out of a 1950s movie. Plus, there’s a secret menu that has even more amazing options, and when it comes to burgers and fries, it never hurts to have more choices.
5. Lobster
The most prominent Baja dish you’ll find is lobster. This delicacy has been prepared since the 1950s, and according to locals, back then fishermen prepared it for tourists. It is accompanied with delicious tortillas, grains, beans and the one that makes the difference: the molcajeteada sauce, made with chilli, tomato and coriander. As a recommendation when eating, grab the crustacean by the horn, hold it vertically with one hand, while with the other you remove the meat with the help of a piece of cutlery.
6. Lobster Tacos
Apparently these crustaceans decided to migrate to this region, as the fishermen return every day loaded with them to take them to the tables of the diners. A curious fact is that there are different ways of preparing them, all depending on the taste of the person cooking them, which offers a wide variety of options to choose from. They can be found in street stalls and restaurants of different styles.
7. Margaritas
When it comes to California drinks, the margarita has an important place in the summer catalogue. You can drink it on the rocks, mixed with or without ice. Even the most inexperienced liquor connoisseur will have heard its name somewhere, be it in movies, songs or TV shows. This spectacular cocktail was born in Baja California. It is a drink that has variations regarding the juice with which it is accompanied, but in its classic version it includes tequila, triple dry liqueur and lime juice. It is served in an inverted sombrero-shaped glass with the rim dipped in salt, so that you swirl the glass with each sip.
8. Mac and Cheese Pizza
This is exactly what it sounds like: a magical carbohydrate overload. Carbs on carbs aren’t bad at all, especially when they involve two meals that are great on their own. No words can do the Mac and Cheese pizza justice, so make your taste buds take the trip of a lifetime.
9. Sushirrito
If you’re already well acquainted with the wonderfully eclectic and quirky culture in San Francisco, then you won’t be surprised to learn that this is the birthplace of the Sushirrito, otherwise known as the ultimate sushi-burrito combo. After all, Californians love Mexican and Asian cuisines, so you can imagine the parade that ensued when this giant sushi roll was created as a way to avoid expensive sit-down sushi restaurants.
10. Tamales de Güemes
Prepared with pork, chicken, olives and sultanas. Güeme tamales are the main choice when it comes to regional food. Güeme tamales are the main choice when it comes to regional food in Baja California. You can find them in Tijuana, on Revolucion Avenue by the truck station. There you can find the most popular tamale places in the city, such as “Tacos El Franc”, “Taconazo” and “Las Ahumaderas”.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional North American Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.