From Maine's lobster roll to Pennsylvania's Philly cheesesteak, certain sandwiches are so closely associated with a place that they've become part of its identity.
In Maryland, that honor goes to a Chesapeake Bay staple.
Tasting Table named a crab sandwich Maryland's most iconic sandwich in its recently updated list, which identifies one signature sandwich for every state. The food publication based its selections on sandwiches connected to states through local ingredients, preferences, history or culinary traditions.
Crab cakes are a staple on restaurant menus across Maryland, typically made with crab meat formed into patties and broiled or fried. Put one on a roll with your preferred toppings and condiments, and you've got Tasting Table's pick for the sandwich that best represents the state.
Tasting Table's list stretches well beyond the country's most famous sandwiches, highlighting regional creations that may be unfamiliar outside their home states.
Iowa's selection is the Maid-Rite, a loose ground beef sandwich without the tomato-based sauce associated with a Sloppy Joe. Kentucky gets the open-faced Hot Brown, topped with turkey, bacon, tomato and Mornay sauce, while Massachusetts is represented by the Fluffernutter, made with peanut butter and marshmallow spread.
Other selections include the Italian beef sandwich in Illinois, the pork tenderloin sandwich in Indiana, the walleye sandwich in Minnesota, the green chile cheeseburger in New Mexico, and the pastrami sandwich in New York.
The rankings were updated Aug. 25.
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