Finding iconic food in Wichita, the largest city in Kansas

When you visit Kansas, you are guaranteed to find hearty meals made with love. Because of the state’s farmland and cattle ranches and fondness for potlucks and farmhouse meals, it’s no surprise you’ll find flavorful barbecue, thick-cut bacon for BLTs and plenty of Kansas beef for mouth-watering burgers and steaks.

But which foods are considered iconic or unique to the region, and can you find them in urban areas like Wichita, the largest city in the state? The answer is, of course, you can!

Here’s where you can find some of Kansas’ most iconic foods in Wichita, the heart of the country.

Chili and cinnamon rolls

Chili? Delicious. Cinnamon rolls? Yes, please. But in Kansas and in Wichita, if you order a bowl of chili, it’s common for a homemade cinnamon roll to come alongside. It’s a thing. A delicious thing, and can be found regularly in Wichita at Public, The Kitchen and Old Mill Tasty Shop.

Chicken Fried Steak

Diners around the state and ones in Wichita like Jimmie’s Diner (east and south locations) have perfected this tasty dish. Get it with a side of buttery corn and mashed potatoes and cover it all in creamy gravy for a filling and memorable meal.

Bierock

A bier-what? The bierock is a delicious dough pocket of seasoned hamburger and shredded cabbage and sometimes onions. The food was brought to the state with Volga German immigrants decades ago. It’s a staple on the menu at German restaurant Prost, which also has a German market located next door.

Chicken noodles and mashed potatoes

When you order up a warm bowl of chicken and noodle soup in Kansas, you may find it’s served on top a creamy, buttery serving of mashed potatoes. Sure, you can eat it with a side of crackers, but try it our way when you’re in the heart of the country. Order up especially delicious versions of this specialty in Wichita at Doo-Dah Diner and Tanya’s Soup Kitchen.

Pie

Even though Wichita is the largest city in the state, farms are just outside the city limits. For generations, Kansans have been making and perfecting pie recipes, so it’s not surprising to find this dessert on menus all over the city. Try a slice at eateries like Peace, Love & Pie, Bagatelle Bakery and The Kitchen.
 

If you want to hunt down other food known to the region, like great burgers, barbecue and steak, find even more delicious dining ideas here.