A Taste of South Dakota's Favorite Foods (2024)

Pheasant Sandwich

CHISLIC

Named the state's "official nosh" in 2018, no single dish is more strongly associated with South Dakota thanchislic. Those not from the area often mistake this beloved snack for shish kebab. Although the two are similar, the difference is in the details. While shish kebabs are a grilled assortment of meat and vegetables, the much simplerchislicconsists of half-inch cubes of meat – typically lamb, venison or beef – which are deep-fried or grilled and served up in a dish or on skewers.

You haven’t truly experienced South Dakota until you’ve had a proper plate ofchislic. German/Russian immigrants are credited with bringing the dish to South Dakota in the 1870s, and the popularity of chislic has spread across the state ever since. You can get your fill of the delicious dishas an appetizer (or a meal, if you order enough) at many bars and restaurants across the state, including Meridian Corner outside of Freeman (the town that also hosts an annualChislic Festival)and Urban Chislic in Sioux Falls.

KUCHEN

This cake-like German pastry –made with sweet dough and a filling of custard, fruit or nuts – was first introduced to the area in the 19th century and has been a favorite among locals ever since. In the spring of 2000, the South Dakota State Legislature even passed a bill declaringkuchenthe official dessert of The Mount Rushmore State. Small-town bakeries, especially in the eastern halfof the state, commonly serve these tasty treats. You’ll also find an abundance ofkuchenalongside bratwurst and fried potatoes atSchmeckfestin Freeman.

KOLACHES

Originating in Slovak communities of Central Europe,kolachesare reminiscent of a tiny, personal pie. A light and flaky crust holds a dollop of candied fruit or cream cheese that's surrounded by a fluffy pillow of dough. Although these belovedtreats are traditionally considered a wedding dessert, you don’t have to get hitched to enjoy them here. One of the best places to get your hands onkolachesis in Tabor – the unofficial Czech capital of South Dakota – especially duringCzech Days, the town's annual celebration of Czechoslovakian culture held every June.

WASNA

TheLakotaSioux, an indigenous people of the Great Plains, createdwasnaas a way to break away from reservation-born foods and return to dishes truer to Native American culture. The namewasnacomes from a Lakota word meaning “all mixed up” – which is apt, considering the dish consists of a pounded mix of dried buffalo meat, cranberries and grains.

This snack is incredibly nutritious and high in protein. In fact, the Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation have created an energy bar from their ancestralwasnarecipe calledTanka Bar. You can find the bars in many retail stores across the country, but there's nothing like tastingwasnain the very state in which it was created. Trust us. All it will take is one bite for you to understand what we mean.

WOJAPI

Another popular Lakota Sioux recipe you’re likely to find across the state iswojapi.This viscous dipping sauce is prepared by mixing berries – typically chokecherries, but any wild berry will do – a sweetener and corn starch. Like many Native American dishes, this simple recipe produces irresistibly delicious results.Wojapiis typically served withfry bread, a doughy bread that is pan-fried to a puffy, golden brown. You can find and experience this taste sensationatpowwowsand other Native American gatherings in South Dakota as well as at theLaughing WaterRestaurantatCrazy Horse Memorial.

INDIAN TACOS

Fans of traditional tacos will love this Native American twist on an old classic. This variation consists of everything you would expect to find on a normal taco, but with a few key differences. Namely, they’re served on fry bread rather than a traditional shell or tortilla, giving this dish a doughy yet flaky finish.Indian Tacosare also commonly prepared with bison meat rather than ground beef, creating an authentic flavor you’ll taste in every bite.Cedar Pass Restaurantin Badlands National Park is well-known for itsIndian Tacos, but you can– and should – also find them atpowwowsand individual stands across South Dakota.