A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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Montana: Rocky Mountain Oysters

Leave it to Montana to claim a “quirky” delicacy as its iconic food: Rocky Mountain oysters. Despite the name, these aren’t seafood at all – they’re battered and fried bull calf testicles, a ranching-country treat born of necessity and frugality on cattle ranches. Ranchers not wanting to waste any part of the animal turned these into a dish that’s often served as an appetizer. The preparation is straightforward: the oysters are peeled, sliced, coated in seasoned flour or batter, and deep-fried. They come out looking a bit like fried chicken strips or medallions, usually served with cocktail sauce, hot sauce, or gravy for dipping. In Montana, Rocky Mountain oysters are both a novelty for tourists and a genuine local favorite – many Montanans do enjoy them, sometimes with a knowing grin at the shocked reactions of first-timers. The state even hosted an annual “Testicle Festival” for over three decades to celebrate this offbeat fare. The festival (affectionately dubbed the Testy Fest) ran from 1985 until 2018, featuring lots of Rocky Mountain oysters and revelry. So, while it might take some daring to try, this dish is undeniably part of Montana’s cultural fabric – a crunchy, chewy bite of Western Americana that proves no part of the bull goes to waste.