South Dakota Eats: Top 5 Food & Drink You Need to Try

So, you know, South Dakota. That state often gets overlooked, right? But that’s sort of its charm, really. It is just packed with unique experiences, plus the folks are generally super friendly, too. More or less, one thing folks might not actually know? It has got a surprisingly cool culinary scene going on. We’re talking local flavors, time-honored recipes, and some pretty awesome innovation to satisfy every kind of taste bud. From savory snacks to some really refreshing drinks, it has got a little of everything. That said, I wanted to put together, basically, a rundown of the top 5 eats and drinks you totally should check out while you’re in the area, right?

1. Chislic: The Official State Nosh

Alright, so let’s kick things off with chislic. It is, like, South Dakota’s official state nosh. Imagine tender cubes of grilled meat, so it could be lamb, beef, or even venison, right? That said, usually it’s lamb around these parts. They typically season it with, as a matter of fact, garlic salt, then grill it to juicy perfection. That said, pretty basic right? But trust me, it’s absolutely anything *but* basic. This local treasure’s got these deep roots going all the way back to, actually, Russian immigrants. Chislic is often served by the dozens at bars and restaurants. It really is just the quintessential South Dakota snack you can enjoy with a local beer.

It actually really isn’t just the flavors that make chislic memorable, but it is the community and history it represents. It is, like your own little edible slice of South Dakota culture, you know? That said, where exactly do you find the very best chislic? Well, just about every establishment in the state boasts their very own unique take on this treasured food, however, Freeman, South Dakota seems to be called chislic city for its incredible takes on the treat. Okay? Great!

2. Kuchen: A Sweet Slice of South Dakota Heritage

Okay, so next on our list, Kuchen, that could be German for “cake,” but, basically, it’s more than just some regular old cake in South Dakota. That said, picture this. You’re talking about, like, a sweet dough crust, with a custardy filling, usually flavored with some delicious fruit. Common choices are like, your apple, raisin, or prune, but just, you know, it has just got a very special touch of sweetness. Typically, they eat it for dessert, too it’s almost a coffee cake, you know?

As I was saying, it has ties back to, actually, German-Russian immigrants, which, like, settled in South Dakota during the late 19th century. Each bite tells a story. This tasty treasure showcases some enduring impact they’ve had, basically, on the local food scene. Some may argue that no trip to South Dakota is complete without trying a bit of Kuchen. Some people even make sure to take an entire Kuchen home after they’ve sampled it for themselves to, hold on to the memory, of the amazing place that South Dakota is.

3. Fry Bread: A Native American Staple

As a matter of fact, speaking of history, let’s take a look at fry bread. We are talking about something deep with, really, so much cultural value, alright? So picture fluffy, flat dough. Next, its deep-fried until its crispy outside contrasts the soft interior, usually, but of course not always, alright? That said, people often top it with honey, powdered sugar, or, honestly, even savory ingredients, which make it kind of the, as I was saying, a super flexible choice to really munch on.

As a matter of fact, the origins have actually become a little controversial, too it’s almost sad, you know? Yet fry bread represents, actually, the perseverance of Native American folks. They used what limited resources they actually did get when forced off their tribal land to, literally, make a classic. Try to visit any powwow, as a matter of fact, any fair, basically any local event. Then there’s always some of this tasty treasure available for anyone wanting an insight, really, into Native American heritage, so be sure to try it. That’s cool!

4. Wall Drug Donuts: A Road Trip Must-Have

Alright, you are cruising along Interstate 90, when, BAM, signs start appearing telling you about this wondrous place. Right? Basically, it is Wall Drug Store. Okay, well if you want, as I was saying, something quick to grab and you, like, maybe like a sweet treat, why not stop at Wall Drug, right? And they have been slinging up, actually, just iconic treats like, really, donuts for donkey’s years, okay? They literally pull thousands of folks through their door, year after year!

For instance, imagine that light and airy donut, covered with sugar or icing, right? And then imagine pairing it with Wall Drug’s very own five-cent coffee (still only five cents?!). You can do it, as a matter of fact! What’s not to enjoy? Honestly. Some might even say this experience really marks you as somebody experiencing South Dakota culture. It does offer, basically, the most classic roadside eats experience on offer, with history. That said, folks should stop at Wall Drug. What could be cooler?

5. South Dakota Craft Beer: A Hoppy Adventure

Finally! It’s the South Dakota craft beer scene. Usually I get this parched during road trips, anyway. Actually, the state has definitely jumped right into the craft beer boom, which sees some of its towns absolutely flooded with amazing, cool, and trendy new craft breweries that, frankly, put out seriously, seriously flavorful and creative beers. What could be cooler than to actually go exploring?

There are actually options for every kind of beer fan, too it’s almost a promise! Actually, try a visit to places such as Crow Peak Brewing Company, Lost Cabin Beer Co., or even Miner Brewing Company to, literally, taste just some of South Dakota’s, just iconic local flavors. In a way, from easy-drinking lagers to heavily hopped IPAs, as a matter of fact, the craft beer culture might surprise folks with its inventiveness. These beers frequently utilize regional ingredients. This really, really can take them to a complete other stage of flavor.