Savoring Idaho: Top 5 Food & Drink Experiences

When people chat about Idaho, the very first thing that usually pops into people’s heads, that is potatoes, which makes total sense! The state’s kinda synonymous with that wonderful spud, yet, Idaho has a bunch to offer your taste buds too it’s almost as though the food scene here goes way past your average potato dish. The thing is, are you kinda curious to know what other culinary delights you might find in this state? So, get ready to get a little insight into some must-try Idaho grub and drinks.

1. Huckleberries: Idaho’s Prized Purple Gems

If you are wandering around Idaho in the late summer, keep your peepers open for huckleberries. It turns out that these berries, that are kinda like blueberries, are a treasure. You know, they grow way up in the mountains, yet getting them is part of the thrill, it’s almost like they are waiting to be discovered. Locals basically are kinda nutty about them and put them in everything. This ranges from pies and jams to ice cream and even adult drinks. They offer this sweet-tart zing. It can turn even your boring old dish into a special treat.

I remember one time when my family and I were checking out the Sawtooth Mountains, we stopped at this little roadside stand. The owner, very nice and clearly passionate, persuaded us to sample a huckleberry milkshake. Now, it could be that mountain air or even that amazing scenery, yet that shake tasted so divine. That experience really just showed me the wonders of huckleberries, and that, it turned out, I love Idaho’s food scene too! The berries are just a bit tart, and you know, they leave this pleasant aftertaste which, for me, screams “Idaho!”.

2. Idaho Potatoes: More Than Just a Spud

Yup, everyone knows Idaho for its spuds! Now, it’s not like they’re lying or anything, the state truly is rather potato-crazy. Even though the word “potato” probably brings to your brain baked or mashed potatoes, so, trust me, there is a bunch of fantastic twists to this root that are prepared and consumed here.

Idahoans like to have potato bar buffets going with all kinds of toppings, there is also potato pizza with thinly sliced potatoes, potato bread, and so on. My aunt, whose roots are right here, you know, makes pretty amazing potato pancakes that are made from scratch. So, when you get a taste of those delicacies you just get hit by this familiar and comfy flavor and warmth, which I can not simply get enough of. My uncle tells me it is because of the soil here and climate that potatoes simply love. Also, very few people know that you should try potatoes from Idaho because here the growing and selection methods are just better.

3. Finger Steaks: Idaho’s Savory Snack

Okay, so have you ever had finger steaks? In Idaho, it’s something of a must. They usually have strips of steak, dipped into batter, and, I mean, fried ’til they get nice and crispy, it is a local favorite snack. Typically people love dipping them into sauces. These appetizers make for a seriously gratifying snack, you see.

The story goes, this gentleman named Milo Bybee in Boise dreamed it up in the 1950s. Now, that is quite some time ago! Finger Steaks basically are not too difficult to prepare, and local eateries typically put some kinda secret spices into the batter so the dish remains a unique point of interest for tourists and people driving by to discover that perfect combo of crisp outside and then tender beef inside that goes just so nice together!

4. Trout: Fresh from Idaho’s Rivers

So, because Idaho actually has a bunch of rivers and lakes, it should not shock you that fresh trout is one of those really sought-after items. People around there, they enjoy this one grilled or pan-fried, and actually, it often is served up with a little lemon with herbs to jazz it all up just a bit. I guess you can say that if you dig on seafood or want something simple, this dish just hits the spot perfectly.

Once, my father and I spent some time on the Snake River fly-fishing and also managed to hook numerous trout. We brushed the trout that was freshly caught with melted butter, sprinkled in a pinch of dill, as I recall, we then carefully tucked everything in aluminum foil, and put them close to the fire on river stones. We also loved the clear quiet that basically descended on the environment while the fish sizzled so near. That simple trout was likely the best fish dish I remember because, more or less, it felt good.

5. Idaho Wine and Craft Beer: A Toast to Local Flavors

When we think about places well known for wine, Idaho is not at the top of that list. I will let you in on a bit of trivia that there is a burgeoning industry right now in Idaho that you may wanna put on your radar! The Snake River Valley is home to some places making world-class wine and that just shows why these vintners can take advantage of ideal growing seasons.

And let’s not pass on a ton of breweries Idaho has! Basically, hopheads find tons of local spots that make some beers to their liking. And actually, whether you’re someone who appreciates a dry red wine, or somebody who prefers craft beer, just know that Idaho offers various selections and has grown. The Idaho microbrew scene boasts various tastes, basically, that ranges from IPAs all the way through stouts. It would not hurt to drop by the local vineyards in Snake River Valley when in the neighborhood so you get a sense of all these flavors coming together! A very cool moment that the vintner showed us during our tour that highlighted, so, just how dedication makes world-class wines a real treat.