The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in Indiana
When you venture about 20 minutes south of Indianapolis, the city’s bustling heart, you’ll find Broad Ripple, a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic dining scene and lively atmosphere along the White River. Here, at Brugge Brasserie, the spirit of Indiana’s culinary past comes alive with a unique take on the famous sugar cream pie, often called the “Hoosier Pie.” This rich, custardy dessert made from simple ingredients like cream, sugar, and butter is a true Indiana original, and Brugge’s version pairs the traditional filling with a delicate crust and a hint of vanilla. Sampling this pie in the lively energy of Broad Ripple, especially on a warm summer evening, offers a sweet taste of Indiana’s heritage in a hip riverside setting.
Drive about an hour north of Indianapolis and you’ll reach Shipshewana, nestled in LaGrange County near the Indiana-Michigan border. This town sits at the heart of Amish country, where you can explore the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market on the edge of town. Beyond antiques and crafts, the market is a gateway to authentic Amish cooking, including the iconic Indiana tenderloin sandwich—breaded and fried pork cutlets served on a bun. The tenderloin here stands apart for its generous portion and crispy, golden crust. Sampling it fresh at a local market stall, especially during the warmer months when the flea market is bustling, immerses visitors in a culinary tradition deeply tied to Indiana’s rural communities.
Travel about 45 minutes northwest from Fort Wayne to the city of Auburn to discover the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a gem for car enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. While the museum is famous for its collection of classic cars, Auburn’s local diners and cafes have long been champions of the Indiana-style pork tenderloin—a dish often celebrated alongside the automotive history of the region. Here, the sandwich is a local pride, frequently enjoyed with a side of Indiana-grown corn or potatoes. Visiting Auburn in the fall, when the museum hosts classic car events, is perfect for pairing a cultural experience with a taste of this hearty Midwestern staple.
About two hours southwest of Indianapolis, Evansville sits on the banks of the Ohio River, where you can explore the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science. The museum’s exhibits feature regional history that sheds light on the city’s rich cultural tapestry, including its culinary evolution. Evansville is known for its distinct chili style—a thicker, meatier chili often ladled over spaghetti or hot dogs, reflecting German and Midwestern influences. Sampling this dish in local eateries near the museum offers visitors a savory, comforting experience steeped in the city’s diverse heritage, especially cozy during the cooler months when chili warms the soul.
Head east from Indianapolis about 40 miles to the small town of Cambridge City, where the annual Cambridge City Apple Festival celebrates the area’s apple-growing tradition. While the festival itself is a seasonal highlight, the surrounding countryside and local orchards provide a hands-on experience during the harvest season. Indiana apples have inspired everything from apple butter to fresh-pressed cider, a crisp and refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with homemade cinnamon donuts often found at roadside stands. Visiting in late September or early October, when orchards are at their peak, lets travelers savor the fresh flavors of Indiana’s apple country and enjoy the crisp fall air.
Approximately 90 minutes northwest of Indianapolis, in the city of Lafayette, you’ll find the Tippecanoe County Market House—an epicenter of local produce and artisanal foods. Lafayette’s location near Purdue University has fostered a vibrant food scene that embraces tradition and innovation. Among the treats here is the Hoosier favorite pork tenderloin, often prepared with a secret blend of spices that reflects the region’s culinary creativity. The market’s fresh atmosphere, combined with nearby riverwalk trails along the Wabash River, makes for a lively visit. Spring and early summer are especially pleasant times, when the market’s outdoor vendors showcase peak-season vegetables and meats alongside traditional Hoosier fare.
Finally, about 30 minutes south of Bloomington, the city of Nashville welcomes visitors into Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park, known for its rolling hills and artisan community. The town itself has become synonymous with hearty, comforting fare, including a style of breaded pork tenderloin sandwich that many Hoosiers swear by. Nashville’s local cafés and bakeries emphasize scratch-made breads and locally sourced ingredients, giving this iconic dish a rustic and fresh twist. Visiting in the fall not only offers stunning foliage views along the park’s scenic ridges but also a chance to savor food inspired by the land and tradition, where every bite tells a story of Indiana’s farming roots and creative spirit.