You Know You’re from the East Coast If You’ve Tried All of These Foods
Updated: Jul. 02, 2020From Maine to Maryland, anywhere you go on the East Coast is guaranteed to have some of the tastiest food in the U.S. How many of these East Coast staples have you tried?
There are some foods that are just staples to the East Coast that other places wouldn’t even think to add to their menu. From the seafood in Maine down to the fresh bagels in New York, the East Coast arguably has some of the best food the country has to offer. If you grew up on the East Coast, these foods probably taste like home to you. Get a state-by-state look with this guide to the most delicious food from every state.
Lobster
Whether it’s lobster tail, a lobster roll, or the whole kit and caboodle, this crustacean is a big part of New England cuisine. Don’t forget the essential clarified butter on top.
Crab cakes
The East Coast is swimming with fresh seafood, especially near Delaware and Maryland. Swim through these seafood facts that will change how you eat fish. These scrumptious crab cakes have the perfect balance between meat and filler (hint: more crab meat!).
Boston brown bread
This hearty, dense brown bread is traditionally steamed in a can and served across the New England area.
Blueberry pie
With 10% of blueberries in North America grown in Maine alone, it’s easy to say these juicy fruits are big on the East Coast. Make use of these berries in one of these 15 picture-perfect desserts for 4th of July. Another favorite way for locals to enjoy these berries is in a pie, like this delicious recipe.
Clam chowder
Clam chowder and New England go hand in hand. Given the abundance of clams on the northern coast, it’s no surprise.
Philly cheesesteak
Soft bread, hot steak, peppers, and lots and lots of cheese come together to make this iconic sandwich from Philadelphia.
Boston cream pie
This iconic pie, which is actually a cake, was created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston in 1856. The fact that Boston cream pie was invented in Boston isn’t much of a surprise, but learn about some surprising birthplaces of your favorite foods.
Hot apple cider
Unfiltered apple cider is a popular way for East Coasters to enjoy fresh picked apples from the many orchards that dot the region. New York has 282 orchards and counting!
Whoopie pies
This sweet dessert combines two New England favorites: whoopie pies and real maple syrup.
Cranberry sauce
The first established cranberry farm was opened in 1816 by Henry Hall in the small Cape Cod town of Dennis. Since then, research about the benefits of this berry has boomed and here’s 9 more reasons to eat cranberries.
Cucumber salad
The largest population of Pennsylvania Dutch, to whom we credit this salad, is located in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, though there are communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, and even California and Canada.
Hero sandwich
Pennsylvanians have hoagies, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans have heroes. These long sandwiches are one of the best-known foods that have different names in different parts of the country.
New York–style cheesecake
New York cheesecake is made with sour cream, like in this recipe, to give it an extra kick.
Hot weiners
The Rhode Island way to spell wiener is with an “ei,” and serve them “all the way” with meat sauce, mustard, onion, and a sprinkle of celery salt.
Funny cake
This unique Pennsylvania Dutch bake gets its name by being half a be a cake and half a pie.
Bagels and lox
Lox and a schmear is an American Jewish breakfast and lunch dish that has spread across New York.
New York–style pizza
In the war of “who has the best pizza in the US,” New York throws its cap in with its super thin crust.
Frappe
If you order a milkshake in Boston, you’ll be served a glass of milk and syrup. To get the blended ice cream dessert, be sure to order a “frappe” (that’s pronounced FRAP, not frap-PAY)!
Haddock
These fish are abundant off of Massachusetts’ coast. Clams are commonplace in this East Coast state, and here’s the one food you have to try in every state.
Matzo ball soup
With the highest population of Jewish Americans living in New York City (over 1.1 million!), it’s no surprise that traditional Matzo ball soup is a common comfort food. Check out our all-American guide to the best comfort food in every state.
