Discover Michigan’s Signature Sandwich You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Just like the pasty, there’s another Michigan staple that is cherished as a Yooper delicacy.

Besides not knowing how to pronounce this Upper Peninsula (U.P.) favorite, I’m not entirely sure what it is! If you’re also unfamiliar with this U.P. specialty, let’s explore together.

I recently discovered a TikTok couple, JD and Maddy (@ThemBites), who are on a quest to make and eat a signature sandwich from each of the 50 U.S. states.

I was eagerly waiting for their Michigan entry and assumed the North Carolina-based duo would pick the iconic olive burger. However, I was pleasantly surprised when they chose:

The Cudighi

How does one even pronounce ‘Cudighi’? The food has its roots in Italy, though that doesn’t necessarily clarify its pronunciation. My coworkers in Kalamazoo, most of whom are Michigan natives, gave it a try, but we couldn’t agree on a single correct way to say it.

After consulting various Yooper YouTube videos and TikTok clips, it appears the correct pronunciation is: COO-dee-ghee.

Cudighi is a type of sausage similar to Italian sausage, featuring a blend of sweet and spicy flavors thanks to spices like nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. While ‘cudighi’ refers to the sausage itself, it also describes a popular style of sandwich among Yoopers.

Travel Marquette notes that although the food originated in northern Italy, it is now mainly found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, especially within Marquette County.

The sandwich and its distinctive sausage were first sold in northern Michigan by Italian immigrants in 1936, who called it ‘Gudighi.’

The next time you’re in the U.P., you should seek out this regional specialty. I’ve heard Vango’s Pizza and Lawry’s in Marquette, as well as Ralph’s Italian Deli in Ishpeming, all offer this treat— or you could try making one yourself!

Another gem in the heart of Ishpeming, a city in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula, is an absolute must for anyone traveling Up North. With the selection and homemade products, it’s sure to stay in business for a long time.

It can almost be considered a different state entirely, capturing everything beautiful about Michigan. There are some spots that are truly breathtaking, and if you’ve never planned a trip to the Upper Peninsula, make sure you’re comfortable with long drives.

We asked the people of Kalamazoo what the new name of our Upper Peninsula would be if it became its own state. Here are some of the top answers they provided.

Source: TikTok, Travel Marquette