Here in Michigan, we certainly love to eat. From pasties to pizza, there’s a dish from the Great Lakes State to satisfy every craving, and we’re always eager to share. That said, there are a few rules you should understand about food and drink habits in Michigan — so read on and be careful not to commit any of these nine culinary faux-pas.
- Putting ketchup on a coney dog.
Flickr/Eugene Kim Believe it or not, some people seem to think this is acceptable. Sure, ketchup is great on a standard hot dog, but there’s something about adding it to a Detroit coney dog that simply detracts from the delicious flavor. With chili and onions galore, there’s just no room for ketchup here!
- Calling it “soda.”
Flickr/Carol Von Canon We’ve said it a thousand times, but that’s only because it’s the truth: that fizzy beverage we all love is called “pop!” Argue with us if you must, but every true Michigander knows that there’s a deep shame in referring to it as “soda” or — even worse — just “Coke.”
- Getting too creative with your pasty condiments.
Flickr/jgagnon63 Here in Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula, we sure do love our pasties. While we won’t publicly shame you for your pasty choices, just know that we’re silently judging you for eating your pasties with anything other than gravy or ketchup. Sour cream, ranch dressing, or any other topping just won’t do.
- Choosing any brand other than Better Made Potato Chips.
Facebook/Better Made Snack Foods This is slightly more relevant to those from the Metro Detroit area, but many Michiganders are fiercely loyal to Better Made — after all, they’re produced right here in the Great Lakes State! We’ll admit to enjoying various chip brands from time to time, but there’s nothing quite like a Michigan-made snack.
- Buying apples from the grocery store during U-Pick season.
Flickr/F.D. Richards When fall rolls around, Michiganders flock to the apple orchards to stock up on sweet fruit. Sure, it might be more convenient to grab your apples from Meijer, but there’s nothing like enjoying the literal fruits of your labor after bringing home a basket or two. Don’t miss out on this awesome autumn tradition!
- Letting Fat Tuesday pass without eating at least three paczki.
Flickr/@joefoodie Whether you’re Polish or not, Paczki Day is a pretty big deal here in the Great Lakes State — especially if you find yourself near Hamtramck. When Fat Tuesday rolls around, you simply MUST flock out to local bakeries for a dozen of these ultra-sweet, ultra delicious pastries. Your taste buds will thank you.
- Claiming that Vernors is just a beverage.
Flickr/Derek Bruff True Michiganders know that Vernors is far more than just another ginger ale brand: it’s a magical elixir that heals stomach-related woes of all sorts! When you’re not feeling well, one sip of Vernors seems to settle all that ails you instantly. So please don’t pretend that it’s an ordinary drink!
- Buying just one slice of Mackinac Island Fudge.
Flickr/Liza Lagman Sperl There’s a reason Mackinac Island Fudge is so famous — it even has its very own ice cream flavor! The rich deliciousness of this sweet treat should certainly be enjoyed slowly and in small doses, but it’s pretty much impossible to leave a fudge shop without grabbing a few different flavors to try. Buying just one would be a tragedy!
- Dissing Detroit-style pizza.
Flickr/@joefoodie There’s something extra-delicious about square pizza, and Detroit does it best. While triangular slices are traditional, we Michiganders have never been keen to follow the pack — and that applies to our pizza, as well! Our mouths are watering just thinking about those crispy, cheesy corners…
Did we leave any Michigan food faux-pas off our list? We’re always eager to hear your insights and opinions. Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below, and happy dining!
Flickr/Eugene Kim
Believe it or not, some people seem to think this is acceptable. Sure, ketchup is great on a standard hot dog, but there’s something about adding it to a Detroit coney dog that simply detracts from the delicious flavor. With chili and onions galore, there’s just no room for ketchup here!
Flickr/Carol Von Canon
We’ve said it a thousand times, but that’s only because it’s the truth: that fizzy beverage we all love is called “pop!” Argue with us if you must, but every true Michigander knows that there’s a deep shame in referring to it as “soda” or — even worse — just “Coke.”
Flickr/jgagnon63
Here in Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula, we sure do love our pasties. While we won’t publicly shame you for your pasty choices, just know that we’re silently judging you for eating your pasties with anything other than gravy or ketchup. Sour cream, ranch dressing, or any other topping just won’t do.
Facebook/Better Made Snack Foods
This is slightly more relevant to those from the Metro Detroit area, but many Michiganders are fiercely loyal to Better Made — after all, they’re produced right here in the Great Lakes State! We’ll admit to enjoying various chip brands from time to time, but there’s nothing quite like a Michigan-made snack.
Flickr/F.D. Richards
When fall rolls around, Michiganders flock to the apple orchards to stock up on sweet fruit. Sure, it might be more convenient to grab your apples from Meijer, but there’s nothing like enjoying the literal fruits of your labor after bringing home a basket or two. Don’t miss out on this awesome autumn tradition!
Flickr/@joefoodie
Whether you’re Polish or not, Paczki Day is a pretty big deal here in the Great Lakes State — especially if you find yourself near Hamtramck. When Fat Tuesday rolls around, you simply MUST flock out to local bakeries for a dozen of these ultra-sweet, ultra delicious pastries. Your taste buds will thank you.
Flickr/Derek Bruff
True Michiganders know that Vernors is far more than just another ginger ale brand: it’s a magical elixir that heals stomach-related woes of all sorts! When you’re not feeling well, one sip of Vernors seems to settle all that ails you instantly. So please don’t pretend that it’s an ordinary drink!
Flickr/Liza Lagman Sperl
There’s a reason Mackinac Island Fudge is so famous — it even has its very own ice cream flavor! The rich deliciousness of this sweet treat should certainly be enjoyed slowly and in small doses, but it’s pretty much impossible to leave a fudge shop without grabbing a few different flavors to try. Buying just one would be a tragedy!
There’s something extra-delicious about square pizza, and Detroit does it best. While triangular slices are traditional, we Michiganders have never been keen to follow the pack — and that applies to our pizza, as well! Our mouths are watering just thinking about those crispy, cheesy corners…
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