Growing up on Long Island, you often take for granted all the amazing food that's around you all the time. You soon realize after your friends have left the Island to go to college, how amazing Long Island food really is. Here are a few foods that Long Island does better than anyone else.

1. Bagels.

Shocking, I know. But there's nothing worse than experiencing an out-of-state bagel when you're used to the heavenly ones back home. Long Island bagels have a few secret ingredients, love, and pent up road rage. There's nothing like the chewy yet crisp texture of a bagel from your hometown filled with two pounds of cream cheese. Also, bacon-egg-n-cheese is one word -- never forget that.

2. Pizza.

Every time someone wants Pizza Hut or Domino's, I cringe a little (actually, a lot). Why on Earth would you settle for a chain restaurant when you literally have a cute Mom and Pop Pizzeria in every plaza on the Island. Why? Anyway, pizzerias on the Island are great because they're always open late and have every specialty slice you could imagine. Thin crust is the best crust, and it should always be served hot enough to burn your taste buds to smithereens.

3. Sushi.

Surprise, surprise -- I'm talking about sushi again. But, hey, if you grew up on Long Island you'd be bragging, too. We have access to the freshest seafood and sushi is no exception. Don't get me wrong, NYC sushi is also the bomb but come on, wouldn't you rather be eating it on the beach?

4. Iced tea.

Ever heard of a Long Island Iced Tea? Well, you can guess where that comes from, but Long Island is pretty damn good at making a variety of teas. Usually paired with a bacon-egg-n-cheese (there it is again), Arnold Palmer is the king of Long Island beverages.

5. Sandwiches.

Great cold cuts are the lifeblood of Long Island families. Delis are treasured and so are their heros and salads. Chain sandwich shoppes are still somehow in business here, but are graciously ignored. Nothing beats a hometown deli sandwich.