In April 2017, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs announced a search for Orlando's "Signature Dish." Visit Orlando wanted the treat to be a dessert that includes honey (because Florida produces nearly 17 millions pounds of honey a year), eventually choosing "honey nougat glacé." But we think that's a bit limiting. Here are a few local dishes that definitely deserve the term "Signature Dish."
20 Orlando dishes that should be considered as our city's official 'Signature Dish'
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Sep 15, 2017 at 7:34 pm
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Roast beef sandwich from Beefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-2241Roast beef sandwiches and beefy spuds (tater tots) from Beefy King are an Orlando tradition that have been around longer than Walt Disney World. For the past 49 years, this landmark establishment has made this lunchtime staple to perfection.
Photo via flyguynyfl/Instagram
Fried Chicken from Chef Eddies
595 W. Church St., 407-826-1731Chef Eddie's soul food has treated Orlando to a range of crispy chicken and waffle options, including sweet potato, berry, or red velvet for those with a sweet tooth.
Photo via khoappetite/Instagram
Oysters from Lee & Rick’s
5621 Old Winter Garden Road, 407-293-3587Fresh oysters have been served up in Winter Garden at Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar since 1950. Order this succulent seafood specialty by the dozen or bucket and pile on a couple appetizers for a complete meal.
Photo via imnattyrosi/Instagram
Chicken tender sub from Publix
Publix locationsIt's every Orlando local's God-given right to enjoy a Publix sub. The chicken tender sub is one of the tastier choices. You can follow @PubSubsOnSale on Twitter to find out if the sandwich is on sale, but a word of caution to those trying it for the first time: strong cravings for the sub will ensue during random hours of the day.
Photo via sublix/Instagram
Sushi rolls from Sushi & Seoul on the Road
Downtown OrlandoFish from a truck is usually a pretty sketchy way to satisfy your seafood craving, but any roll you order from the Sushi & Seoul on the Road food truck is a safe bet. The traveling eatery is the mastermind of chef and food truck entrepreneur Al Ruiz, who recently participated in the World DXB (Dubai) and Love Food Festivals in the United Arab Emirates.
Photo via Sushi & Seoul On The Roll/Facebook
Poke bowls from Da Kine
669 Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-629-6320For a lot of Orlando locals, Da Kine is an introduction to the raw fish Hawaiian salad dish known as Poke. You can either build your own bowl with rice, protein, and toppings, or you can order one of the signature bowls. If you're looking to get a signature bowl, the spicy "el diablo" is a favorite.
Photo via Da Kine Poke/Facebook
Pizza from Pizza Bruno
3990 Curry Ford RoadThere are a lot of pizza joints in the city, but no one offers wood-fire Neapolitan style pies like Pizza Bruno. With a variety of toppings, their crunchy, cheesy slices are worth a visit.
Photo via Pizza Bruno/Instagram
JapaDog from Tako Cheena
932 N Mills Ave., 407-757-0626The next time you over-order at Tako Cheena, make sure the JapaDog is included as one of your selections. The Chinese sweet sausage smothered in spicy mayo, avocado-wasabi, and fumi and scallions will turn you into a hot dog snob.
Photo via flavorlando/Instagram
Big steamy bowl of pho from Pho 88
multiple locationsWhether you’re feeling under the weather or just in the mood for something warm and filling, giant bowls of pho from Pho 88 have got you covered. Bean sprouts, thai basil, limes, jalapenos are served with the beef noodle soup upon request at this Vietnamese family-owned restaurant.
Photo via tn.worldexplorer/Instagram
Spinach and feta empanada from La Empanada Food Truck
The food truck has perfected the spinach and feta empanada with sautéed spinach, garlic, a hint of lemon, and feta cheese. If you're lucky enough to spot the truck, grab either a sweet or savory envelope of goodness and a Mexican Coke.
Photo via laempanadatruck/Instagram
Special burger at Hideaway Bar
516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892You may go to the Hideaway to get your fill of beer, but be sure to leave some room for the Special Burger. Topped with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, American cheese, A-1 sauce and bacon, this burger will make you forget about the fancy avocado and fried egg toppings other burger joints boast.
Photo via orlandoepicurean
A Double D from Gringos Locos
multiple locationsThere's no turning back for taco lovers once they've had a double decker taco: tortilla-wrapped crunchy shell tacos held together by a queso spread.
Photo via madeinorlando/Instagram
Wings from Gators Dockside
multiple locationsGator’s Dockside is a carnivore’s delight. Freshly fried boneless and bone-in wings are tossed in your selection of sauces and paired with homemade bleu cheese or ranch dressing.
Photo via Gator’s Dockside/Facebook
Dole Whip at Disney
Adventure Island in Walt Disney World’s Adventure IslandA favorite for Disney regulars, the Dole Whip is the pinnacle of soft-serve heaven; a frozen, non-dairy treat blended in a pineapple and vanilla swirl. Try the cup or upgrade to the pineapple float.
Photo via captainpeggyrogers/Instagram
A Cuban from Black Bean Deli
multiple locationsCuban sandwiches are perfectly crafted at Black Bean Deli locations. Stop in before 3 p.m. to get the special that offers rice and black beans along with the sandwich.
Photo via cait_chamberss/Instagram
Roti canai from Hawkers Asian Street Fare
1103 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0606The real appeal of the Malaysian flatbread dish may be in the spicy curry dipping sauce. You might think you can resist multiple servings of the flatbread, but chances are you'll cave after the first bite.
Photo via ravenousclaw/Instagram
A giant slice of pizza from Lazy Moon
multiple locations"Bigger is always better" definitely seems to be the motto at Lazy Moon. Pile on the toppings from their choice of cheeses, fruits, veggies and proteins and you’ve got yourself a nice slice.
Photo via bdeliz/Instagram
Yellow curry chicken salad sandwich from Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria
67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865Pom Pom's yellow curry chicken salad sandwich has the perfect crunch sandwich formula with red apples, almonds, and red onions. It’s best served with lightly-toasted seeded rye bread and a side of peanut sauce noodles.
Photo via Pom Poms Teahouse/Instagram
Box of cupcakes from Blue Bird Cake Shop
3122 Corrine Drive, 407-228-3822Blue Bird offers an assortment of cupcake classics like the Neapolitan, tuxedo, and sweet cake, but keep a lookout for the additional daily selections. Past flavors include banana split, cookie dough, and the exceptionally Floridian orange creamsicle.
Photo via orlandofoodienews/Instagram
Tongkatsu ramen from Domu
3201 Corrine Drive, STE 100, 407-960-1228Located in Audubon Park’s East End Market, this spot serves up Asian dinner delight. The Tongkatsu ramen from Domu is a pork bone based noodle dish that keeps you feeling satisfied all night long.
Photo via Domu/Instagram
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