4 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Las Vegas

Written by Megan Martin
Published: February 21, 2024
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Las Vegas is considered one of the most food-enthused cities in all of the United States. Because of the city’s large size and appeal, it has captured the attention of food connoisseurs all over the world, creating a rich and diverse food scene. During a visit to the city, you can find everything from decedent seafood to Thai-style duck to delectable desserts. However, what food dishes are symbols of Las Vegas?

Discover 4 different dishes with a notable impact on the food scene of Las Vegas. Plus, learn more about how these foods rose to popularity and where they originate from, if not in the city itself.

Before reading, it is important to note that these aren’t the only dishes that are symbols of Las Vegas. Because there is so much diversity in the food scene of this city, there are dozens of dishes that stand out in Las Vegas. However, these are some of the most popular or unique to the city.

Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!

Prime Rib

The rib steaks (cote de boeuf) being grilled on an open fire

Prime rib is a staple steakhouse dish in Las Vegas.

©iStock.com/Wirestock

The prime rib is one of the most popular cuts of beef, and it is a favorite in Las Vegas. In fact, for many people, it is a must-try dish when visiting the city. Las Vegas is home to an abundance of different steakhouses and restaurants that specialize in preparing this dish. 

A prime rib is also known as a standing rib roast. It is a beef product that comes from the center of the cow, near the shoulders. The name standing rib roast comes from the fact that this dish is often roasted on the bone so that the meat doesn’t touch the pan.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail

Shrimp cocktails are one of the most popular small dishes in Las Vegas.

©&#169 Getty Images/PHOTOS.com>> via Getty Images

The shrimp cocktail, also known as the prawn cocktail, is one of the most popular hors d’oeuvres in the United States and the United Kingdom. This interesting dish features cooked prawns in a glass with cocktail sauce. 

The exact history of the shrimp cocktail is unknown. Its popularity grew rapidly in Las Vegas during the 1950s. However, this was only one version of this beloved dish, with other versions originating elsewhere in the world at different times.

Fry Bread

navajo taco, native american fry bread

This dish can be served with savory or sweet ingredients, though savory are most common.

©bonchan/iStock via Getty Images

Fry bread, or frybread, is one of the most popular cuisines in Las Vegas, originating from the Indigenous peoples in the city and surrounding areas. For many years, this dish was prepared and served only for special occasions. Then, it became a seasonal dish served at many restaurants in Las Vegas before becoming a year-round enjoyed dish.

Fry bread can be sweet or savory, depending on what it is served with. One of the most popular cuisines is the fry bread taco, which is fried bread served with beans, cheese, and other toppings. This dish has a rich history and symbolism. The ingredients and recipe for this dish arose in the late 1800s after Indigenous peoples were displaced from their homes.

Chateaubriand

Bison Tenderloin on white plate setting with salad garnishes

This French dish features tenderloin prepared with other meats.

©ARSTI/Shutterstock.com

Chateaubriand is also known as chateaubriand steak. Like the prime rib, this is a popular dish of beef meat. However, it is not a single cut of meat, unlike the prime rib. Instead, traditional chateaubriand consists of a fillet of tenderloin cooked between other pieces of meat. Typically, these other two pieces of meat are not the same quality and tend to be discarded once cooking has finished rather than being served.

This dish originates in France, but it has become a well-known meal in Las Vegas.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © f11photo/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Megan is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is birds, felines, and sharks. She has been researching and writing about animals for four years, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in biology and professional and technical writing from Wingate University, which she earned in 2022. A resident of North Carolina, Megan is an avid birdwatcher that enjoys spending time with her cats and exploring local zoological parks with her husband.

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