A Taste of Minnesota: From Walleye to Hotdish and Beyond

Minnesota’s food scene is a blend of Scandinavian heritage, Midwestern comfort, and creative local flavors, shaped by the state’s diverse communities and agricultural bounty. Known for its lakes and forests, Minnesota offers iconic dishes like fried walleye, wild rice, and the famous “hotdish.” From Minneapolis’ trendy food halls to small-town diners serving up classic Jucy Lucys, Minnesota’s culinary offerings reflect the heartiness of its people and the beauty of its landscapes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the must-try foods and local favorites that make Minnesota a unique culinary destination.

1. Walleye: Minnesota’s Signature Fish

Walleye is the state fish of Minnesota and a staple of lakeside dining, especially popular among fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers. This mild, flaky fish is typically served pan-fried, grilled, or in a sandwich. Many restaurants pride themselves on their walleye dishes, often pairing the fish with locally sourced sides like wild rice and fresh vegetables.

For a classic Minnesota walleye dish, try Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge in Minneapolis, known for its walleye sandwiches and riverside atmosphere.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge

Positive Things In Minnesota

Another great spot for walleye is The Dock Cafe in Stillwater, where you can enjoy it grilled with views of the scenic St. Croix River.
The Dock Cafe

2. Hotdish: A Hearty Casserole Tradition

Hotdish is Minnesota’s quintessential comfort food, a one-dish meal that often combines ground meat, vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and tater tots on top. This dish is a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and church suppers. Variations of hotdish are found throughout the state, and each family often has their own unique recipe.

To experience a traditional hotdish, visit The Modern Cafe in Minneapolis, which serves a popular version of this classic dish.
The Modern Cafe

For a twist on hotdish, check out Saint Dinette in St. Paul, where you’ll find a creative, elevated take on this Minnesota staple.
Saint Dinette

3. Jucy Lucy: The Iconic Stuffed Burger

The Jucy Lucy (or “Juicy Lucy”) is a Minneapolis creation that features a burger with cheese stuffed inside the patty, resulting in a molten center of melted cheese. This burger is served piping hot and has inspired a friendly rivalry between restaurants in the Twin Cities.

For the original Jucy Lucy, visit Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis, a small, no-frills spot that has been serving this gooey burger since the 1950s.
Matt’s Bar

For a different take, try 5-8 Club, which offers their own version of the Jucy Lucy, along with a variety of additional toppings.
5-8 Club

4. Wild Rice: Minnesota’s Native Grain

Wild rice is native to Minnesota and has been a traditional food of Indigenous tribes in the region for centuries. It’s commonly used in soups, casseroles, and salads, adding a nutty flavor and hearty texture to dishes. Wild rice is even designated as Minnesota’s official state grain.

For a delicious wild rice soup, visit Kramarczuk’s in Minneapolis, where the soup is made with wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables.
Kramarczuk’s

For a unique wild rice salad, try Cafe Latte in St. Paul, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Cafe Latte

5. Lefse: A Scandinavian Flatbread Favorite

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes, flour, and butter. It’s typically served with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and is especially popular during holiday celebrations in Minnesota, where many residents have Scandinavian roots.

You can find fresh lefse at Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts & Foods in Minneapolis, a local shop that also offers Norwegian groceries and baked goods.
Ingebretsen’s

If you’re visiting around the holidays, check out The Scandinavian Festival in Minneapolis, where lefse is a star among other Scandinavian foods.
The Scandinavian Festival

6. Minnesota State Fair Foods: The Land of 10,000 Tastes

The Minnesota State Fair is known for its unique, indulgent foods, including deep-fried cheese curds, Sweet Martha’s Cookies, and foods served on a stick. It’s one of the largest state fairs in the country and a paradise for food lovers looking to sample inventive and traditional fare.

The fair runs annually in August and offers an unforgettable experience with a variety of foods, including the beloved Sweet Martha’s Cookies, which are served hot and gooey.
Minnesota State Fair

7. Apple Crisp and Honeycrisp Apples: A Fall Favorite

Minnesota is famous for the Honeycrisp apple, which was developed at the University of Minnesota. Known for its sweet, crisp taste, the Honeycrisp is perfect for enjoying fresh or in dishes like apple crisp and cider.

Minnesota Wines & Wineries

For fresh Honeycrisp apples and apple cider donuts, visit Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, a family-friendly orchard offering apple picking and seasonal treats.
Apple Jack Orchards

For a delicious apple crisp made with local apples, check out Red Wagon Pizza Company in Minneapolis, where seasonal apple desserts are a fall favorite.
Red Wagon Pizza Company

A Culinary Itinerary Through Minnesota: From Lakeside Favorites to State Fair Treats

Embark on a three-day journey through Minnesota to experience the state’s most iconic foods, from the beloved walleye to the molten Jucy Lucy burger. This itinerary will take you from Minneapolis’ renowned eateries to scenic small towns with links to help you plan your trip.

---

Day 1: Minneapolis – Walleye, Jucy Lucy, and Scandinavian Traditions

Breakfast: Scandinavian Pastries at Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts & Foods
Start your day at Ingebretsen’s in Minneapolis, a local favorite for Scandinavian treats like lefse, pastries, and smoked fish. Pick up a few snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts & Foods

Mid-Morning: Visit the Mill City Museum
Dive into Minnesota’s milling history at the Mill City Museum, located on the Mississippi Riverfront. The museum offers interactive exhibits on the flour industry and its impact on the city.
Mill City Museum

Lunch: Jucy Lucy Burger at Matt’s Bar
Head over to Matt’s Bar for an original Jucy Lucy, the famous cheese-stuffed burger that’s become a Minnesota staple. Known for its molten center, this burger is a must-try.
Matt’s Bar

Afternoon: Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Walk off your meal at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. This free outdoor art space is a great spot to explore and relax.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Dinner: Walleye at Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
End the day with a Minnesota walleye sandwich at Psycho Suzi’s, a riverside bar with tiki-inspired decor and classic Minnesota dishes. Try their walleye sandwich for a true taste of local flavor.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge

---

Day 2: St. Paul – Wild Rice, Hotdish, and Local Markets

Breakfast: Coffee and Pastries at Cafe Latte
Start your morning at Cafe Latte in St. Paul, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try a wild rice salad or one of their delicious pastries.
Cafe Latte

Mid-Morning: Minnesota History Center
Spend the morning at the Minnesota History Center, where you can learn about the state’s history, including exhibits on its Scandinavian heritage and agricultural roots.
Minnesota History Center

Lunch: Hotdish at The Modern Cafe
Head to The Modern Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis for a hearty helping of hotdish, Minnesota’s signature casserole-style comfort food. Their take on hotdish is a local favorite.
The Modern Cafe

Afternoon: Explore St. Paul’s Farmers Market
Visit the St. Paul Farmers Market to sample Minnesota’s seasonal produce, honey, and cheeses. The market is full of local flavors, including apple cider and baked goods.
St. Paul Farmers Market

Dinner: Wild Rice Soup at Kramarczuk’s
End the day with dinner at Kramarczuk’s in Minneapolis, where you can enjoy a warm bowl of wild rice soup made with locally sourced ingredients.
Kramarczuk’s

---

Day 3: Beyond the Cities – Apple Orchards, Walleye, and State Fair Classics

Minnesota Weddings

Breakfast: Apple Cider Donuts at Apple Jack Orchards
Begin your day with a trip to Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, where you can pick Honeycrisp apples and enjoy warm apple cider donuts. This orchard offers plenty of seasonal treats and fall activities.
Apple Jack Orchards

Mid-Morning: Scenic Drive Along the St. Croix River
Take a scenic drive along the St. Croix River, passing through picturesque towns and enjoying the autumn foliage if you’re visiting in fall.

Lunch: Walleye Tacos at The Dock Cafe in Stillwater
Stop in Stillwater for lunch at The Dock Cafe, which overlooks the St. Croix River. Enjoy walleye tacos while taking in beautiful river views.
The Dock Cafe

Afternoon: Treats at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (August Only)
If you’re visiting in August, stop by the Minnesota State Fair for unique foods like deep-fried cheese curds, Sweet Martha’s Cookies, and walleye on a stick. The fair is a true Minnesota experience filled with fun foods and local culture.
Minnesota State Fair

Dinner: Wood-Fired Pizza at Red Wagon Pizza Company
Back in Minneapolis, enjoy dinner at Red Wagon Pizza Company, known for its wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients. If it’s fall, try a slice of their seasonal apple crisp made with local Honeycrisp apples.
Red Wagon Pizza Company

This three-day itinerary offers a tasty tour of Minnesota’s unique foods, from its famous walleye and Jucy Lucy burger to seasonal favorites like Honeycrisp apples and wild rice. Whether you’re exploring the Twin Cities’ vibrant food scene or savoring treats at a local orchard, Minnesota’s culinary traditions are as welcoming and diverse as the state itself. Enjoy each bite as you explore the flavors of the North Star State!

Minnesota hosts a variety of food festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich culinary heritage and local produce. Here are some notable events:

1. Minnesota State Fair

• Location: St. Paul
• When: Annually in late August to early September
• Highlights: One of the largest state fairs in the U.S., featuring a vast array of foods, including deep-fried delicacies, cheese curds, and Sweet Martha’s Cookies.
• Website: Minnesota State Fair

2. Twin Cities Veg Fest

• Location: Minneapolis
• When: Annually in September
• Highlights: The largest plant-based festival in the Midwest, offering vegan food samples, cooking demonstrations, and educational exhibits.
• Website: Twin Cities Veg Fest

3. St. Paul Food Truck Festival

• Location: St. Paul
• When: Annually in August
• Highlights: Features over 40 food trucks offering a variety of cuisines, along with live music and craft beers.
• Website: St. Paul Food Truck Festival

4. Minnesota Garlic Festival

• Location: Hutchinson
• When: Annually in August
• Highlights: Celebrates all things garlic with cooking demonstrations, garlic-inspired foods, and local garlic growers.
• Website: Minnesota Garlic Festival

5. Uptown Food Truck Festival

• Location: Minneapolis
• When: Annually in June
• Highlights: One of the Twin Cities’ tastiest events, featuring over 60 local food vendors offering a range of cuisines.
• Website: Uptown Food Truck Festival

6. Minnesota Craft Beer Festival

• Location: Minneapolis
• When: Annually in April
• Highlights: Showcases over 500 beers from 130 breweries, including many from Minnesota.
• Website: Minnesota Craft Beer Festival

7. Stone Arch Bridge Festival

• Location: Minneapolis
• When: Annually in June
• Highlights: Combines art and food, featuring local artists, food vendors, and live music along the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
• Website: Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Minnesota Beers and Breweries

8. Minnesota Renaissance Festival

• Location: Shakopee
• When: Annually from August to October
• Highlights: Offers a variety of period foods, including turkey legs, mead, and other medieval-inspired dishes.
• Website: Minnesota Renaissance Festival

9. Twin Cities Oktoberfest

• Location: St. Paul
• When: Annually in October
• Highlights: Celebrates German culture with traditional foods like bratwurst, pretzels, and a variety of beers.
• Website: Twin Cities Oktoberfest

10. Taste of Minnesota

• Location: Minneapolis
• When: Annually in July
• Highlights: Features a curated group of Minnesota’s top chefs and food vendors, offering a diverse array of local flavors.
• Website: Taste of Minnesota

These festivals offer a taste of Minnesota’s diverse culinary landscape, from traditional dishes to innovative food creations.

Minnesota’s culinary landscape is a celebration of its heritage, community, and natural abundance, from the humble yet satisfying hotdish to the freshly caught walleye and beloved Jucy Lucy. Whether you’re sampling wild rice soup, biting into a molten Jucy Lucy burger, or exploring the unique flavors of the Minnesota State Fair, each dish tells a story of the state’s culture and its people. Embrace the warmth and creativity of Minnesota’s cuisine and enjoy the unforgettable tastes of the North Star State!

Here are some Facebook hashtags to go with your Minnesota food posts:

1. #MinnesotaFoodFestivals
2. #TasteOfMinnesota
3. #MNStateFair
4. #TwinCitiesEats
5. #MinnesotaFoodie
6. #GarlicFestivalMN
7. #TwinCitiesVegFest
8. #MinnesotaCraftBeer
9. #StPaulFoodTruckFest
10. #MinnesotaGarlicFest
11. #UptownFoodTruckFest
12. #MNFoodScene
13. #MNCheeseCurds
14. #SweetMarthasCookies
15. #TwinCitiesOktoberfest
16. #MNStateFairFoods
17. #MidwestEats
18. #EatLocalMN
19. #StoneArchBridgeFest
20. #RenaissanceFestivalMN
21. #MNAppleOrchards
22. #CraftBeerMN
23. #MinneapolisEats
24. #MNFoodTrucks
25. #MNFlavorFest

Foods Of Minnesota-Loon on the water

These hashtags will help boost visibility and engagement on Facebook posts about Minnesota’s food festivals, attracting users interested in local food events and the state’s diverse cuisine.

More on Minnesota