5 Delicious Foods to Try in Buffalo, New York

My two-day journey through the New York city brought with it some authentically Buffalo food and beverage experiences. It became quite evident that the area has a lot to offer hungry groups and foodie-centric travelers at every level.

Led by Visit Buffalo Niagara, the city's destination marketing arm, I attacked the food scene with an open mind and discovered some interesting -- and flavorful -- eats. Following are five must-haves for travelers in the area. 

1. Wings

Call them chicken -- not Buffalo -- wings. These finger-linking morsels are usually fried and coated in a spicy sauce. Local eateries enjoy adding their own, unique twists on the classic dish. Check out the dozen restaurants on the Wing Trail. Travelers from all over the world are known to make the pilgrimage and do just that. 

2. Buffalo Nuts 

Also not from buffaloes, Buffalo Nuts are peanuts coated with a kick of Buffalo wing flavor. The original batch was tested by local creators for months to find the perfect flavor, and they're confident they did. Try these babies as a salad topper, mix them with your favorite veggies or just eat them as a snack. The 'nuttier' the choice, the better. Try them in all four flavors, original, bleu cheese, ranch and honey nut. 

3. Beef on Weck

Possibly first sold from a food stand at the 1901 Pan American Exposition, Buffalo's signature beef on weck sandwich (pictured above) consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a kimmelweck roll, similar to a Kaiser roll, with caraway seeds and coarse salt. Some of the most popular spots to grab one include Schwabl's, Bar-Bill Tavern and Charlie The Butcher. 

4. Lloyd's Tacos

What began as Buffalo's first food truck now serves Mexican-inspired tacos and burritos from four food trucks and two restaurants across the city. Try the slow roasted pork tacos in all their savory glory. Trucks will travel to cater private events.

5. Sponge Candy

Squares of airy toffee made from sugar, corn syrup and baking soda are coated in chocolate to create this quirky treat. Fowler's Chocolate, headquartered in Buffalo, originated the local sweet in 1910 (and offers customized corporate gifts).