Missouri Foods Everyone Mispronounces Except The Locals

Missouri’s food scene is packed with quirky dishes that taste amazing but sound totally confusing! You might think you know how to say certain foods, but locals will quickly correct you with a grin.

Getting these pronunciations right is like unlocking a secret handshake into Missouri’s delicious culture. Let me walk you through the most commonly butchered food names that’ll make you sound like a true Show-Me State insider!

Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken

Outsiders always stumble over this one because they expect regular Chinese takeout. Springfield locals say it fast, almost like one word, without pausing between syllables. It’s their pride and joy, invented right in their hometown!

The dish looks nothing like what you’d find in other states. Crispy fried chicken gets drenched in a thick, savory gravy that makes your taste buds dance. Cashews sprinkled on top add that perfect crunch everyone craves.

Try ordering it with confidence next time you’re in Springfield. Locals will instantly know you’ve done your homework!

St. Paul Sandwich

Here’s a funny thing about this sandwich: it has zero connection to Minnesota! People from out of state always pause awkwardly when ordering it. St. Louis folks say it casually, like they’re talking about an old friend.

An egg foo young patty nestled between soft white bread sounds weird, but tastes incredible. Mayo, lettuce, pickles, and tomato complete this unusual combination that somehow works perfectly. It’s comfort food with an identity crisis!

Once you taste it, you’ll understand why locals defend it fiercely. The name might confuse you, but the flavor won’t disappoint.

Toasted Ravioli (T-Ravs)

If you say the full name, locals will immediately know you’re not from around here. Everyone in St. Louis just calls them T-ravs, quick and snappy like a nickname for your best buddy. It’s practically a crime to say it any other way!

These breaded beauties get deep-fried until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside. Meat filling inside stays tender and flavorful, begging to be dunked in marinara sauce. They’re served as appetizers everywhere from fancy restaurants to neighborhood bars.

Master this pronunciation and you’ll blend right in!

Provel Cheese

This cheese trips up visitors every single time they try to order pizza. Some say PRO-val like they’re speaking French, while others attempt pro-VEL-eh with fancy pronunciation. Locals simply say PROV-uhl without thinking twice about it.

It’s a processed blend that melts into creamy perfection on St. Louis-style pizza. Cheddar, Swiss, and provolone combine to create something totally unique to Missouri. People either love it intensely or find it strange at first bite.

Once you nail the pronunciation, you’re halfway to becoming an honorary St. Louis resident!

Gooey Butter Cake

When tourists order this dessert, they often over-enunciate each word separately like they’re reading a recipe. St. Louis natives flow it together naturally, almost singing it as one sweet phrase. It’s pure poetry when said correctly!

A dense cake bottom supports a custard layer that jiggles slightly when you cut into it. Powdered sugar blankets the top, making it look like a winter wonderland of sweetness. Every bakery in St. Louis has their own secret recipe they guard carefully.

Say it right and watch locals smile with approval!

Kaldi’s Coffee

Coffee lovers from other places always butcher this beloved St. Louis roastery’s name. Some say KAL-dees while others try KALL-dies with a hard emphasis. Locals pronounce it KAL-deez with a soft, easy flow that sounds effortless.

This local coffee chain has been fueling Missourians since the 1990s with exceptional brews. Each location feels cozy and welcoming, perfect for studying or catching up with friends. Their beans are roasted locally, giving every cup that fresh, robust flavor.

Get the name right and order like a true St. Louis coffee connoisseur!

Vess Soda

Out-of-towners often say VESS with a long E sound like they’re guessing. Missouri folks know it’s pronounced VESS with a short E, rhyming with mess or less. This local soda brand has been around since 1916!

You’ll find these colorful bottles in corner stores and gas stations throughout Missouri. Flavors range from classic cola to unique options you won’t find anywhere else. It’s cheaper than big-name brands but tastes just as refreshing on hot summer days.

Pronounce it correctly and grab yourself an ice-cold bottle of Missouri history!

Maull’s BBQ Sauce

Visitors stumble over this St. Louis barbecue staple constantly, saying MALLS or MAWLS incorrectly. The right way is simply MALLS, rhyming with halls or walls, quick and straightforward. Every local pantry has at least one bottle hiding in there!

This tangy, tomato-based sauce has been a Missouri favorite since 1897. It’s thinner than Kansas City-style sauce but packs incredible flavor on ribs and chicken. Locals swear by it for everything from grilling to dipping fries.

Master the pronunciation and you’ll sound like you’ve been eating Missouri barbecue your whole life!

Concrete (Ted Drewes)

Sure, everyone knows the word concrete, but ordering it at Ted Drewes requires special knowledge. Newcomers call it ice cream or a shake, which makes locals chuckle knowingly. It’s a concrete, plain and simple, thick enough to turn upside down!

This frozen custard treat is so dense that spoons stand straight up in it. Mix-ins like cookies, candy, and fruit get blended into creamy perfection. Ted Drewes has been serving these since 1929, making them a St. Louis institution.

Call it by its proper name and enjoy every thick, delicious spoonful!

Slinger (Diner Dish)

This legendary late-night diner food has a simple name that outsiders somehow complicate. They overthink it, adding extra syllables or emphasis where none belong. St. Louis folks just say SLING-er fast, like they’re ordering it at 2 AM after a concert!

Hash browns form the base, topped with eggs, a hamburger patty, and chili. Cheese gets melted over everything, creating a glorious mess of breakfast and dinner combined. It’s the ultimate comfort food when you need serious fuel.

Say it confidently and dig into this St. Louis classic without hesitation!

Pork Steaks

While this seems straightforward, people from other states get confused about what it actually means. They think it’s just regular pork chops or tenderloin, completely missing the point. Missourians know pork steaks come from the shoulder, cut thick and grilled low and slow.

These affordable cuts become tender and juicy when cooked properly over charcoal. Barbecue sauce gets brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling. Summer weekends in Missouri aren’t complete without pork steaks sizzling on the grill.

Know what you’re ordering and you’ll experience true Missouri barbecue!

Brain Sandwich

Okay, everyone can say the words, but most people can’t believe it’s actually real! Visitors think locals are joking when they see this on menus in southern Missouri. It’s exactly what it sounds like, breaded, fried, and served on a bun.

This old-school delicacy has been around since German immigrants brought the tradition over. The texture is soft and creamy inside with a crispy coating outside. Pickles and onions add tang to balance the rich, mild flavor.

If you’re brave enough to try it, you’ll have an unforgettable Missouri food story to share!