What Is The Signature Food Item In The Capital Region? We Found The Answer

Is there a food item that the Capital Region is known for more than anything else? 

There are regions all around the country that are known for amazing food. Chicago has their signature hot dogs and Italian beef, Philly has the cheesesteaks, the Southwest has tacos, the south has both BBQ and fried chicken. It's always made me a little jealous.

What is the signature food item for the Capital Region?

I think there are actually a number of answers, but only one correct one. Obviously it's all subjective based on your personal preferences, but I don't think any of these items can be denied as "signature."

When we asked the listeners their opinions some of them got oddly specific. But what we did find was that an overwhelming amount of people agreed that mini hot dogs, whether it be from Hot Dog Charlie's, Gus's, or Famous Lunch, those are the most signature food item in our area. I have to agree.

Now, a very VERY close second for me has to be the mozzarella sticks with melba sauce. I was back and fourth on this one because literally you can't get this anywhere else and no one truly understands what it is until you try it.

Yes, we have amazing pizza. But it's not signature to our area. We have great pizzerias, but I don't think we can claim it.

However I think we can claim fish fry. This area seems to go bonkers for a fish fry. Which is just so odd especially for a place that isn't remotely coastal.

I had the pleasure of having Jerry Papandrea on and while he won't admit it, he is a local food expert in my opinion. You can go check out his food reviews from all over the Capital Region and beyond here.

We discussed what we thought was the signature item. Several things came up, including Stewart's ice cream. Hear our full chat below.