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.
Everything bagels
Chewy, delicious bagels are a staple in and around New York City. Just make sure you don’t ever toast it!
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!).
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.
Disco fries
Borrowed from our northern neighbor, Canada, disco fries (aka poutine) are a staple on old-school diner menus.
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.
Seafood chowder
One excellent way to make the most of the sheer abundance of seafood on the East Coast is in a chowder, like this recipe.
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.
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.
Waldorf salad
The Waldorf salad was first tossed up at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on March 14, 1896.
Boston baked beans
Rum, the unofficial liquor of New England, is a welcome addition to this Bostonian staple.
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.