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

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New Hampshire: Poutine

New Hampshire shares a taste with its Canadian neighbors: poutine, the indulgent dish of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This hearty snack originally hails from Quebec, but French-Canadian mill workers likely brought it to northern New England in the mid-19th century, and it found a welcome home in New Hampshire diners and pubs. Traditional poutine starts with a bed of hot, crispy French fries. Fresh cheese curds (mild young cheddar cheese in springy bite-sized nuggets) are scattered on top, and then everything is smothered in ladles of hot brown gravy. The heat from the fries and gravy melts the cheese curds just slightly, resulting in a melty, gooey, crispy, and saucy delight. In New Hampshire, you’ll find poutine on many menus, sometimes with creative twists – like adding bacon, pulled pork, or other toppings – but the classic remains beloved. It’s especially popular as comfort food during the long New England winters or as a late-night bite. The combination of savory gravy and rich cheese curds on fries is the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs treat, making poutine a quirky but undisputed part of New Hampshire’s food identity and a nod to the state’s French-Canadian heritage.