Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers a wonderful blend of rich history and vibrant culture.
While the city is most well-known for its stunning natural landscapes and diversity of weather, there is a burgeoning culinary scene. While the distinct flavors and unusual dishes might not be to everyone’s taste, they are certainly something unique. A local favorite and a classic South Dakota dish is chislic. Originating from the state’s German-Russian community, chislic consists of skewered and grilled meat. It’s traditionally made from red meat such as lamb or beef. The bite-sized, perfectly seasoned pieces are often serviced with a side of barbecue sauce or garlic sauce. The rich combination of flavors has made chislic a popular snack at local festivals, family gatherings and sports events. It’s become a staple of menus of restaurants across Sioux Falls. For anyone with a sweet tooth, kuchen is a South Dakota delight. Derived from the German word for cake, kuchen is a traditional pasty that evidences South Dakota’s strong German heritage. The dessert is made up of a tender crust filled with a variety of sweet options, such as fruit, nuts or custard. It is commonly served with a dollop of whipped cream on top and is another popular seller at local events. South Dakota is renowned for its high-quality beef. In Sioux Falls this had led to bison burgers. Bison offers a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef. In local restaurants, chefs expertly craft burgers that highlight the unique taste of this prairie-raised meat. Sometimes topped with fresh vegetables and unique sauces, the bison burger truly represents the spirit of the Great Plains.