The plates that define Des Moines: what they are, where they came from, and where to eat the canonical version.
Signature dishes
-
Steak de Burgo
A filet mignon cooked and served with garlic, fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) and either butter or cream sauce.
Where to try it: Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Centro
-
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
A butterflied and pounded Iowa pork loin, hand-breaded with seasoned flour or breadcrumb coating, fried or flat-griddled until golden.
Where to try it: Smitty's Tenderloin Shop
-
Iowa Sweet Corn
Iowa grows some of the finest sweet corn in the United States. The combination of deep Iowa topsoil, warm summer days and cool nights produces a sweetness
Where to try it: Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market, Harbinger
-
Loose-Meat Sandwich
Seasoned ground beef cooked loose on a flat-top without forming a patty, spooned into a soft hamburger bun. The loose-meat sandwich is a uniquely Iowa fast
Where to try it: Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe
-
Crab Rangoon Pizza
Fong's Pizza's signature creation: a pizza topped with cream cheese, imitation crab, green onion and a sweet chili drizzle, named after the Chinese-American
Where to try it: Fong's Pizza
-
Iowa State Fair Pork Chop on a Stick
The definitive Iowa State Fair food item: a whole pork chop on a wooden stick, grilled over open flame at the Iowa Pork Producers tent.
Where to try it: Iowa State Fair Food on a Stick
-
Graziano Brothers Italian Sausage
The house-made Italian sausages at Graziano Brothers have been produced to the same family recipes since the business opened in 1912. Sweet, hot and fennel
Where to try it: Graziano Brothers
Signature Dishes in Des Moines, FAQ
What food is Des Moines known for?
Des Moines's signature dishes include Steak de Burgo, Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Iowa Sweet Corn, Loose-Meat Sandwich, Crab Rangoon Pizza. See our signature dishes chapter for where to eat each.