What to Eat in Kentucky: Iconic Foods

Barbecue

Western Kentucky style (Owensboro/Pit barbecue): pork shoulder/butt slow-smoked over hickory with sweet vinegar-based sauce. Most famous in western Kentucky.

Burgers

Top burgers feature fresh local ingredients and unique toppings: Hot Brown Burger, Louisville Burger, Lexington Burger.

Hot Brown

Open-faced turkey, ham, bacon sandwich with Mornay sauce, baked bubbly. Originated at Louisville's Brown Hotel (1920s).

Ice Cream

Local creameries use fresh ingredients for flavors like bourbon ball, butter pecan, chocolate mint.

Derby Pie

Six-layer chocolate pecan pie created by Kern's Kitchen (Louisville, 1950); official Kentucky Derby dessert.