St. Louis-style barbecue, toasted ravioli, and gooey butter cake define Missouri’s food identity. St. Louis barbecue focuses on pork ribs with a sweeter, tomato-based sauce and a distinct cut of ribs. Toasted ravioli, breaded and fried, functions as a regional appetizer tied closely to St. Louis. Kansas City barbecue, on the western side, expands the profile with a wider range of smoked meats and thick sauces. Gooey butter cake stands out as a signature dessert, rich and dense. Provel cheese appears in local pizza styles, particularly in St. Louis. The food centers on barbecue and a handful of highly localized specialties.
