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- Even More Iconic Food To Try In Florida
From the country's best theme parks to some of its best beaches, Florida is always a top-trending hotspot. Orlando is usually at the center of it all, being a dream destination for kids and adults alike. Along with its tourist attractions, though, come its culinary offerings - and they're some of the best in the state. Florida has many excellent restaurants where visitors can try the best of the local cuisine.
There are just some iconic foods that only Orlando is known for, and foodies will surely appreciate every single one of its best dishes. From traditional dishes to foods that have become iconic staples in Orlando culture, here's what foods is Orlando known for that one should not miss out on.
UPDATE: 2023/03/12 12:32 EST BY AARON SPRAY
Even More Iconic Food To Try In Florida
Florida is famous for its unique blend of cuisine. While it may lack the famous Cajun food of Louisiana, its food has been shaped by its tropical setting as well as influence from Cuba and elsewhere in the Caribbean. This list was updated and expanded to include what foods is Orlando known for.
UPDATE: 2022/11/12 17:46 EST BY AARON SPRAY
More Iconic Florida Food To Try In Orlando.
Florida has a cuisine of its own, and much of the best of it can be sampled in Orlando. This article was updated to include some more Florida dishes to put on one's culinary bucket list for the next time in Orlando. See how the tropical environment and seafood give Florida a unique set of dishes.
14 Key Lime Pie
When visiting the Florida Keys, key lime pie is a must, but it's also a must for anyone visiting Orlando too! This has become somewhat of the unofficial dessert of Florida, and it's easy to see why. While many places try to imitate it, no one quite serves up this sweet treat as Florida does, and Orlando has plenty of options when it comes to the best sweet-and-tart slice of key lime pie.
13 The Classic Cuban Sandwich
While the Cuban is associated more with Miami than Orlando, that doesn't mean one can't find the perfect sammie just outside of Disney World. Featuring tender roasted pork, ham, swiss, and pickles as the stars of this iconic sandwich, it's a must when visiting Florida. It's one of those dishes that can be found throughout the state, but visitors to Orlando will have no issue finding some of the best.
12 Anything With Meyer Lemons Or Oranges
As a whole, Florida is known for its citrus production, and there's a seemingly never-ending list of Meyer lemon and orange food items on any given menu. Rather than avoid all things citrus, visitors should be embracing it - especially because the fruit is grown locally, which gives everything a boost of flavor that truly can only be found in the Sunshine State. From bakeries to top-notch gourmet establishments and markets, visitors are sure to find their citrus fix in Orlando.
11 Alligator, Preferably Fried
While alligator is a dish that many would expect in a state such as Louisiana over Florida, it's not uncommon to find fried alligator on the menu in restaurants throughout Orlando. With a similar taste to chicken, the alligator is less of a taboo dish and more one that's traditional, considering Florida's local reptile population. For those who are the first to try unusual dishes, such as frog legs in New Orleans, the fried alligator is another unique dish that's worth giving a try when visiting Orlando.
10 Fresh Stone Crab
Florida is also known for its fresh seafood, especially out in the Keys. However, Orlando also brings to the table - quite literally - its own unique mix of dishes that include stone crab. Since there are strict harvesting laws in Florida regarding the catching of stone crabs, they are a true delicacy for anyone who can find them on a local menu. When caught, only the claws of the stone crab are allowed to be harvested, which means only a certain number of stone crab claws end up on menus throughout the season. The meat itself is sweet and tender, almost buttery in texture, which makes it a high commodity!
9 Conch, A Classic Dish
Conch is another food that Orlando is famous for. Since the conch is found in abundance around Florida, it's not nearly as rare to find as stone crab is. Conch is usually served in one of two ways: in ceviche and as a conch fritter. These are presented simply with a squeeze of lemon and some sauce on the side and are easily found in Orlando and the surrounding area.
8 Dole Whip
Those who are visiting Orlando might also be visiting Disney World, where there's one sweet treat people can't get enough of Dole Whip. This pineapple-flavored frozen treat has a solid reputation for being one of the best and most iconic Orlando foods, and it's easy to see why. Some might think that it's overrated - until they try it and realize that it's practically heaven in a cup.
7 Grouper
One of two fish that are local to Florida's waters includes grouper, which is commonly fried up and served with a squeeze of lemon. Those dining out won't have an issue finding this one, especially if they're choosing one of Orlando's many seafood restaurants. Grouper is also likely to be seasoned with either blackening spice or served up in a sandwich, so there are a variety of ways to try it.
6 Snapper
Yet another popular fish option in Florida is snapper, which is also commonly found throughout Orlando's seafood restaurants. This tender fish is slightly sweet and is usually served with citrus, but nothing too overpowering since it does have a delicate flavor.
5 Apalachicola Oysters
Admittedly, Apalachicola Oysters are not in Orlando as Apalachicola is a small charming town in Florida's Panhandle. The town is famous for producing some of the largest and best oysters in the United States. It produces around 90% of Florida's oysters. In general, all the oysters from Apalachicola Bay are called by the Apalachicola name. These warm-water oysters are surprisingly old and take about three years to get to three inches long. While in Orlando, take the time to find restaurants with the best Florida Apalachicola Oysters prepared in the Florida tradition.
4 Florida Strawberries
Strawberries may not be the most exotic food - nor does it qualify as a recipe or dish. But with its warm weather, strawberries come early to Florida - the season starts in early spring. The state is ranked second only in the USA behind California for its strawberry production. Hillsborough County just outside of Tampa, is known as the "Winter Strawberry Capital of the World."
- Season: March or April
If coming in March or April, take the time to stop by local farm stands and citrus grove stands for these delicious delights. Try out Florida's iconic strawberry shortcake while in the state and even attend the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.
3 Key West Pink Shrimp
Another Orlando famous food is the Key West Pink Shrimp. They get their name from their rosy blush color and are just perfect for seafood lovers. Their season is from November through June. Unfortunately, Orlando is some distance from the sea, but there should still be plenty of places to find them.
Key West Pink Shrimp are sweet and tender and are ideal for a shrimp appetizer. They are native to the tropical waters around the Florida Keys but can be found in restaurants around much of southern Florida.
2 Kumquats
Those with a taste for tart fruits should certainly try Florida kumquats. These are a bit smaller than a goofball. Kumquats are native to Japan and have been enjoyed by the Japanese for a very long period of time. The common varieties found in Florida are the 'Nagami' and the 'Meiwa'. They have been gracing the plates of Floridans since around 1885. Today, Saint Joseph is regarded as the capital of kumquats in Florida.
Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that people eat whole (without cutting or peeling them). In Florida, kumquats are made into marmalade. So put both the fresh kumquat fruit and the Florida kumquat marmalade.
1 Miccosukee Fry Bread
Wondering what to eat in Orlando? Miccosukee Fry Bread is bread made by the native Miccosukkee tribes who live in the Everglades today. People can find Miccosukee Fry Bread at the Miccosukee village (the village is near the entrance to the Everglades National Park close to the Shark Valley Visitors Center). Make the Miccosukee Fry Bread by oneself and follow the recipe online or shop around and find a restaurant offering this Native American Florida bread in Orlando.