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When you think of American food you probably think of burgers, hickory-smoked BBQs, and some really decadent monster cakes and donuts. And yes! These are part of the Land of the Free’s gastronomy. But the foodie scene in the States is so much broader than that – as broad as the country is – and each section of the country has its own unique flavour.
New England, 6 of the original East Coast states, have some of the best food ever. Heavy on the good value seafood because of the gorgeous ocean right on our door, but balanced out with other meats and sweet treats, a foodie tour of New England is something you need to add to your bucket list. So, without further ado, this is a list of the best food in New England that you need to treat your taste buds to.
Where is New England?
First things first, let’s get this straight: New England comprises 6 states and nowhere else. The states are: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
It’s home to four of the eight Ivy League colleges and MIT, gorgeous mountains, scenic beaches, iconic Cape Cod, thick forests, and Mt. Washington – a location with some of the worst weather in the world! You’ve got a perfect blend of nature and city, and in my opinion (though I am biassed), New England is the best area in the US.
Seafood
Located right by the Atlantic, the seafood scene makes up a large portion of the contenders for the best food in New England. It’s fresh and it’s cheap and it’s delicious – seafood restaurants can be found basically everywhere! You can get whatever you want BUT the New England staples are lobsters and clams.
1. Lobster roll
The heavenly lobster roll is non-negotiable. Do yourself a favour and grab one (or five) on your trip because if you miss out you may as well not have come in the first place. There’s two kinds of lobster rolls: buttered, or lobster salad.
One is made up of steamed chunks of lobster popped into a toasted hot dog roll and then absolutely drenched in golden melted butter. It’s warm and glossy and amazing! The other one is made up of steamed chunks of lobster tossed in a refreshing mayonnaise based dressing, popped into a toasted hot dog roll, and garnished with some lettuce for a dash of green. It’s cool and tangy and delicious.
You can’t go wrong with either option, and the best place to grab yourself one of these is in Boston or Rhode Island where you’re right by the sea. If you’re in Boston, make sure to head to Quincy Market where you can sample lobster rolls as well as other mouth-watering dishes.
Image source:Charlie Fabre
2. Clam chowder
Pronounced ‘chow-dah’, this is a staple dish, good for warming up in the winter, or winding down after long beach days in the summer. It’s not necessarily the most appetising food to look at, but we promise as soon as you get a spoonful in your mouth it won’t even matter – it’s what’s on the inside that counts after all.
Thick, creamy, hearty; a bowl of clam chowder serves as a perfect starter dish or as the main course. Made with potatoes, bacon bits, and chewy chopped clams, topped with some fresh chives, this is best served in a bread bowl so you can really double up on the comfort aspect! Seriously, this is one of the best foods in New England, and perhaps even one of the best American dishes, so you have to try it!
3. Fried clam strips
In keeping with the clam theme (there’s a lot of clam dishes to be had in this corner of the States), you’ve got to try fried clam strips. It’s exactly what it sounds like: clam strips battered and fried in bubbling oil, and served in a basket alongside a hefty portion of fries and a big dollop of tangy tartar sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and you’ve got yourself a solid lunch under the sun – just make sure the seagulls don’t snatch it.
It’s simple and effective, and you can get fried clam stips almost anywhere! When you’re by the seaside keep your eyes peeled for clam shacks and lobster huts that’ll sell the freshest seafood in loads of different forms.
4. Clambake
Yeah, sorry, MORE CLAMS, but this addition can’t be skipped. If you’ve seen the seafood boil craze over on your socials and thought that looks delicious then you’re gonna love this. Where the seafood boil is a spicy, Southern, soupy dish, the clambake is a steamed pot of savoury goodness. Basically, it’s a giant amalgamation of the best of seafood with some veggie extras.
In a pot, chuck in as many lobster tails, mussels, crab legs, scallops, clams and quahogs as you can, and add New England red potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, onions, lemon wedges, and any seasoning you like, and voilà! Traditionally the clambake is steamed over layers of seaweed in a pit oven, though you can use whatever is available to you. Serve with some simple bread rolls and butter on the side, and maybe a salad or something, and enjoy the bursting flavours of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Steamers
Fans of mussels in wine broths will love steamers. Simply cooked in salted water, these clams are steamed until the shells open, and are then served in a shallow bowl with broth and a side of melted butter for dipping. It doesn’t sound like much, but the beauty of steamers is in the simplicity of the dish. They’re easy to make yourself if you know where to buy fresh clams (which is basically everywhere in New England), or you can order them at plenty of seafood restaurants where they might even zhuzh them up a bit.
Savoury
Even though New England is best known for its exquisite seafood, all you carnivores will be able to get plenty of meat dishes as well. We’re no strangers to summer days spent grilling in the backyard or evenings enjoying some fast food legends by the shore. So, these are some of the best foods in New England when it comes to savoury dishes.
1. Potroast
Also known as a Yankee Potroast, the potroast is a classic dish enjoyed by all, particularly in the colder months when that snow and ocean wind chills you to the bone.
A hunk of beef is seared off then placed in a dutch oven to cook until it’s moist and tender and has that ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ feel. This pairs amazingly with a thick gravy and roasted veg, like carrots and celery, cooked in the same pot so that it can absorb all those delicious juices. Most countries have some sort of variation of this dish – in France it might be the boeuf bourguignon – so the familiar flavours are sure to make it a crowd pleaser.
2. Beach pizza
What’s beach pizza? We have a whole article about it, so read up! But to sum it up, it’s a thin-crust pizza topped with marinara sauce and cheese – easy peasy! As the name suggests, you can find slices of this dish around the coasts and beaches of Massachusetts. This is a hyper-local dish specific to the North Shore area of the state, so even though you can buy pizza practically anywhere, you’ll need to head there for the real deal.
3. Fenway Franks
New England is home to an iconic kind of hot dog known as the Fenway Franks. These are a specific brand of beef and pork sausage, and what makes them so important in the landscape of New England cuisine is the fact that they are associated with the Red Sox – the area’s stellar baseball team – and even named after their home stadium in Boston: Fenway Park.
Best enjoyed seated in one of the hot plastic seats of the stadium while watching a riveting game against our sworn enemies the Yankees, you can’t go wrong with a Fenway Frank hot dog. You may be thinking what’s the big deal? It’s a hot dog, but actually Fenway Franks are set apart from the rest because instead of being steamed as is standard, these guys are boiled and grilled for extra flavour. One of the best foods in New England, they’re a home run when it comes to street food.
4. Red snapper hot dogs
Another local delicacy, red snapper hot dogs are Maine’s claim to fame. Served like any other hotdog on a toasted bun with toppings of your choice (we recommend yellow mustard and pickle relish), what sets the red snapper hot dogs apart is their bright red colour. Why are they this red, you may ask? Well, it’s due to food colouring which is believed to have been used to set these hot dogs apart from other competitors. Why are they deemed ‘snapper’? This is because of the casings which make a crisp snapping sound when bitten into.
You may have had 100 hot dogs in your lifetime, but if you find yourself in Maine enjoying the vast forests and lakes, you have to try one of these because it would just be plain rude not to.
5. American chop suey
Also known as American Goulash or Johnny Marzetti, no one’s quite sure how American chop suey came about. The most common theory is that it was created by Chinese immigrants who wanted to make chop suey – a noodle dish – but didn’t have access to the same ingredients, so used what America had on offer. Whether this is true or not, American chop suey has become a staple that is delicious and easy to make, especially if you’re cooking for a hungry family.
All you need is macaroni (or any pasta shape will do), ground beef, and seasoned tomato sauce. Cook it altogether and add whatever extras you like like vegetables or cheese, and there you have it! American chop suey, one of the best foods in New England, loved by all.
An extra twist was given to the dish by the denizens of Rhode Island, and this involves scooping American chop suey onto a burger bun and eating it like a sandwich, thus creating the American chop suey sandwich. It’s messy, but delightful.
Sandwiches
Deli meat counters are one of the BEST things in America – that sounds really niche, but ordering a pound of provolone cheese and sliced roast beef is a euphoric experience. You can find a deli counter at most establishments too, whether it’s Walmart or 7Eleven, and because they’re so prominent, subs are a classic food! Without further ado, let’s talk classic New England sandwiches.
1. Italian sub
The Italian Sub is widely known across the USA, but it’s believed to have originated in Maine, so we’re claiming it as one of the best foods in New England. The American East Coast is home to many Italian immigrants, and this sandwich was apparently created by one named Giovanni Amato. Featuring a hefty filling of provolone cheese, salami, mortadella, ham, tomatoes, olives, pickles, and red onions, this sandwich is a full meal!
2. Grinder
Another sandwich which has recently made the rounds on social media, the Grinder is similar to the Italian Sub, but it is different. Filled with ham, salami, turkey, provolone cheese, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, a healthy glug of olive oil and vinegar, and finally oregano, salt, pepper. In order to make this a proper Grinder the lettuce should ALWAYS be shredded, and the tomatoes should be sliced paper thin. The bread is crispy and the filling is chewy, making this the perfect sub order.
3. Meatball sub
If you find yourself at a sub shop stumped on your order, just know that you cannot go wrong with a meatball sub. Toasted, slathered in marinara sauce, topped with tender meatballs, and with a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese – this sub is heaven! Just make sure not to burn your tongue because those meatballs come out hot, hot, hot.
4. Roast beef sandwich
Endemic to Boston’s North Shore, the roast beef sandwich is fresh and delicious. The primary meat here is thinly sliced roast beef straight from the fridge – yes, served cold! You can pile as many slices as you like onto your bread, and then you complete the masterpiece with whatever you like! There’s no strict recipe for the roast beef sandwich, however it is taken very seriously in New England, so just make sure you don’t pick on anyone else’s assembly.
If you choose to travel around Massachusetts you’ll be treated to plenty of different versions stemming from rivalries between towns. Some of the hottest blood runs between Salem, Peabody, and Lynn. My personal preference for the roast beef sandwich is crispy bread, beef, avocado slices, pickles, provolone, and mayonnaise – but you can fashion it how you like!
On the side
To go with your best New England bites you’re going to need some sides – they’re what complete a meal after all.
1. Boston baked beans
If there’s one thing you try on this list, make it Boston baked beans. These beans are slow cooked for anywhere between 4 to 14 hours depending on the recipe and made into the perfect side to accompany a BBQ meal. Where British baked beans are tomato-y, Boston baked beans are rich and flavourful, made sweet by a thick molasses-based sauce and balanced out by chunks of salt pork that have been left to stew with the beans. You really can’t go wrong by ordering this: it’s the kind of food you could eat by the bucketful.
2. Succotash
Succotash was originally a Native American dish. It has since grown and recipes vary, but no matter where you get it from, it’s undeniable that succotash is one of the best foods in New England. The name for this side comes from msakwitash which means ‘broken corn kernels’, one of the key ingredients.
In Native American tradition it’s a nourishing bean stew, but today it has turned into more of a salad with lots of varieties. The main ingredients include sweet corn and lima beans, as well as chopped cherry tomatoes and bacon bits, but some versions add nuts, potatoes, turnips, or even okra. Succotash is eaten throughout the year, but it’s especially enjoyed over the Thanksgiving season.
3. Cape Cod chips
When you’re having a picnic on the white beaches of Cape Cod, there’s nothing better than a handful of crispy salted Cape Cod chips. The humble potato chip is an unsung hero of the food world, but we’re here to celebrate it today. Named after the famous Massachusetts peninsula, Cape Cod chips are kettle-cooked and come in all sorts of flavours.
Although the brand stretches across the US (and maybe the rest of the world), Cape Cod chips are a true New England icon, as evidenced by their logo which depicts Massachusetts’ very own Nauset Light.
Something sweet
The only way to end a meal properly is with a sweet treat, and America is well known for serving up some sugar-filled delights. These are New England’s additions to the list.
1. Boston cream pie
Right, so, although it’s called a pie, this is actually more of a cake. Where the use of pie came from, I’m not sure, pizzas are also commonly called pies, so it’s just one of those strange American-isms. But no matter what it is, the Boston Cream Pie is heaven.
Golden sponge cake with smooth pastry cream in the middle and a layer of glossy chocolate ganache on top, it’s simple yet decadent, and it’ll make your taste buds sing. The dessert is so beloved that you can find donut versions around New England as well!
2. Maple taffy
Unlike Canada’s version of maple taffy this treat does not involve snow or a stick. Instead, maple taffy as it’s found in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont is literally what it says on the packet: maple flavoured taffy. Buttery and chewy, this candy is best enjoyed while roaming the forests of the North East. The maple syrup makes them very sweet, though, so take it easy lest you get a tummy ache!
3. Whoopie pie
The Whoopie pie is yet another ‘cake that isn’t a pie’, and to be fair it’s not really a cake either. Considered the state treat of Maine, it’s made of two round chocolate cookies/cakes that sandwich a vanilla filling of marshmallow creme. Whoopie pies are also known as black moons, black-and-whites, bob, or BFO, and you may have come across the Hostess brand of whoopie pies called Suzy Q’s (this manufacturer makes the infamous American treat Twinkies).
4. Blueberry muffins
Anything blueberry flavoured is considered a New England staple. With all the forests we have, blueberries are very common and you can spend your summer’s picking them off bushes if you so choose (just make sure a bear hasn’t peed on them). Blueberry pie (which is actually a pie) is a big hit, but the better option is a blueberry muffin. Fluffy and topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar, you should pick up a blueberry muffin with your morning coffee to guarantee a fabulous day.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts
Forget Krispy Kreme, if you want a donut on the east coast you’re heading to Dunkin’. This company’s slogan is ‘America Runs of Dunkin’’, and this is certainly true for the East Coast. It’s a classic coffee shop like any other, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks, and, of course, a very wide selection of donuts. Here you can try the aforementioned Boston cream donut, as well as a Fenway Faithful, and many others. You can also buy a box of donut holes, called Munchkins, by the dozen or two dozen!
The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened in Quincy, Massachusetts, and it is still open for business today.
6. Apple cider donuts
Speaking of donuts, the most New England choice is the apple cider donut. Don’t be alarmed, apple cider is not alcoholic (we would call that hard apple cider), instead it’s just raw and unfiltered apple juice that has a bold and sweet flavour.
Apple cider donuts are this beautiful drink’s offspring, filled with spices and rolled in crunchy cinnamon sugar. Taking a bite into one of these is like taking a bite straight into autumn – they’re the perfect leaf peeping snack. The drink is so beloved that New Hampshire have made it their state beverage, and so many donuts can be had there.
7. Fluffernutter
You may be hesitant to ask for a fluffernutter at first, but as soon as you get a taste, you’ll be shouting the name from the rooftops! Peanut butter and marshmallow fluff are smeared onto two slices of white bread to make the sweetest, stickiest sandwich known to man. Enjoyed by children and parents alike, the fluffernutter is one of the best foods in New England, and it’s not up for debate.
8. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
Everyone’s favourite ice cream brand (I love sweeping statements), Ben & Jerry’s has taken the world by storm because of all their creative and mouthwatering flavours. But did you know that the brand is from Vermont, and can therefore be classified as one of the best foods in New England? And, did you know that in Ben & Jerry’s stores you can order something called The Vermonster which is a behemoth bowl of 20 ice cream scoops!
Fun fact: it’s believed that New Englanders actually eat the most ice cream of all Americans!! Whether this is scientifically proven or not, who knows, but we’re clinging to that title.
Drinks
And finally, with all this food you’re eating, you’ll need something to wash it all down. Here are some staple New England drinks.
1. Frappes
When in Massachusetts, you have to get yourself a frappe. Pronounced ‘frap’ this is a cold drink perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with milk, ice cream, and syrup, and you may be thinking to yourself this is just a milkshake, and anywhere else you would be correct!
But in Massachusetts, a milkshake does not include ice cream, so if you want an ice cream drink while in the Bay State, you have to order a frappe. These come in all different flavours and can be topped with whipped cream and jimmies (sprinkles).
2. Coffee milk
This is the official beverage of Rhode Island, and it’s basically milk mixed with coffee syrup to make a thick and sweet drink. You can buy coffee syrup to mix in yourself, or you can buy pre-made coffee milk – whatever floats your boat! You’ll get the boost of energy coffee usually gives you without the bitterness sometimes attributed to it.
3. Moxie
Moxie was one of the first mass-produced soft drinks in the US, and it was created by Augustin Thompson in 1876. Originally patented as a medicine – same with Coca Cola – Moxie later became a sweet fizzy drink which tastes similar to root beer and has a bitter aftertaste. There’s really no way to describe the flavour of Moxie, you’re just going to have to try it for yourself.