When you order takeout, do you ever wonder if your food choices are aligned with the choice of your neighbors? According to a recent study conducted by home goods brand Hastha Kalalu, using TripAdvisor search data to establish the most popular takeout dishes in every state, the collective mind is working even when it comes to takeout dishes.
If you want to know what they found, we are more than happy to share state-by-state research focused on people’s takeout preferences. So make sure you check the state you live in and see if your food preferences align with the others!
Chicken parmesan
Preferred in: Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming
A beloved, timeless Italian-American favorite, Chicken parmesan is the ultimate comfort food we all need. With a crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet, smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with quite a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this tasty dish is both hearty and satisfying.
Generally served over a bed of spaghetti or sandwiched inside a toasted hoagie roll, the dish serves the ideal balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal at home or even a filling takeout option, the dish will never ever disappoint you.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Preferred in: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska
Quite a bold and flavorful appetizer, the Bang Bang Shrimp is well-known for its crispy, lightly battered shrimp coated in this creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Their signature sauce, an intricate blend of mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha, complements the right amount of heat and tang.
It is often served over a bed of lettuce and piled with tacos, which makes it an irresistible combination of crunch and zest that also makes it a favorite among many seafood lovers.
Buffalo cauliflower
Preferred in: New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
A plant-based twist, Buffalo Cauliflower is as flavorful and satisfying as a dish can get. The cauliflower is either roasted or battered and fried to crispy perfection, right before being tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce.
Served with blue cheese dressing and sometimes even crunchy celery sticks, this dish delivers all the bold flavors of proper buffalo wings without the meat. Whether as an appetizer, a snack, or simply as a main dish, Buffalo Cauliflower is a guilt-free indulgence that definitely packs a punch.
Burritos
Preferred in: Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma
A handheld meal that’s just as convenient as it is tasty, burritos pack all these incredible layers of flavor and texture. Made out of a soft flour tortilla, filled with seasoned rice, beans, and tender meats such as carne asada, grilled chicken, and carnitas, and topped with plenty of cheese, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, this dish is bound to make you very happy.
Of course, you might want to go with a classic Mission-style burrito or just a smothered wet burrito covered in plenty of sauce and cheese, this dish is more than the ideal balance between protein, carbs, and flavor. Quite customizable and satisfying, burritos are definitely our preferred go-to takeout option!
Buffalo chicken sandwich
Preferred in: Colorado, Texas, Wisconsin
If you’re one of those people who would always choose this fiery kick of buffalo sauce, then it probably doesn’t shock you that Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is widely looked out for in Colorado, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Who wouldn’t love it, really? This crispy, juice-fried chicken breast, dressed in spicy buffalo sauce and served on a toasted bun promises so much and delivers even more. The contrast of crunchy chicken, creamy dressing, and spicy sauce makes this piece no less than a mouthwatering choice.
Baby back ribs
Preferred in: Massachusetts, Washington
If you prefer, like the people in Massachusetts and Washington, these fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs with a barbecue classic, then your tastes will never go out of style. Slow-cooked and slathered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, these ribs are extremely rich in flavor and irresistibly juicy.
Whether you like them grilled or oven-baked, baby back ribs will come with the ideal mix of crispy and succulent meat. It’s absolutely delicious.
Spicy tuna roll
Preferred in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania
A favorite among sushi dishes, the Spicy Tuna Roll packs these fresh, diced tuna rolls combined with spicy mayo and carefully wrapped in sushi rice and seaweed. In certain restaurants, you might find it with sesame seeds or even a drizzle of extra spicy sauce.
You can order just this or you can pair it with other sushi rolls. Whatever you choose, the Spicy Tuna Roll is a great go-to option for those who are craving a flavorful and slightly fiery sushi experience.
Nachos
Preferred in: Indiana, Tennessee
Nachos are by far the ultimate shareable comfort food, featuring crispy tortilla chips pilled next to our favorite, gooey melted cheese, savory seasoned meat, creamy guacamole, sour cream, and zesty salsa. I personally like the classic beef nachos or the fully vegetarian option, but either way, this dish is all about bold flavors and textures. It’s ideal for game nights, parties, and late-night cravings.
Poke bowls
Preferred in: Delaware, Hawaii
A fresh and customizable takeout option, this Hawaiian specialty features diced raw fish, topped with either tuna or salmon and served over a bed of sushi rice and greens.
What’s really great about poke bowls is that you can choose your “greens,” so to speak, such as avocado, edamame, cucumber, seaweed, and the “super green” spicy mayo (just kidding, but there’s always room for mayo, right?). It’s healthy, it’s refreshing, and it’s rich in protein. What else can you wish for?
Detox juice
Preferred in: Georgia, Idaho
Well, no one orders detox juices unless they are ready to embark on a much-needed detox session. Every now and then, it’s exactly what we need. These juices are made from fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfoods meant to cleanse and energize the body.
Whether it’s a specific type of green juice made with kale, spinach, cucumber, and lemon, or a citrus blend with ginger and turmeric, all these nutrient-dense beverages offer the energy boost we all need every now and then. Here’s a great online option!
Cauliflower rice bowls
Preferred in: Florida
The cauliflower rice bowls are a much-needed low-carb, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional rice bowls. They are mainly composed of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and flavorful sauces. The cauliflower rice also serves as a light and fluffy base, topped with plenty of ingredients such as grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, avocado, and a wide variety of seasonings.
Whether it’s simply inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, or even Mexican flavors, these bowls are a healthy yet tasty takeout option for those who are looking to keep things light without actually sacrificing their taste.
Shawarma
Preferred in: California
The most appreciated Middle Eastern street food staple, shawarma features these marinated and slow-roasted meat bites, sliced very thin and served in a hot pita or flatbread. Topped with fresh veggies, pickles, and creamy garlic sauce or tahini, shawarma packs some of the tastiest and bold spices and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a wrap, a plate with rice and hummus, or as a salad, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful choice for takeout.
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