If you’re planning to travel and explore a different side of the United States soon, you’ve probably chosen some cities located in the northeastern region. As these areas boast of some low mountains, broad valleys, and beautiful spots, it’s surely a great place to make memories with friends and loved ones. They’re popular for beautiful autumn foliage, and big cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, DC, are found there.
While spotting beautiful sceneries can be your top priority, there’s another reason you travel, and this is no other than to delve into a gastronomic experience. The northeast region is filled with top-notch snacks and food delights. If you’re going to ride the NYC to Boston train, get ready to enrich your tummy with some of the freshest seafood and other staple dishes that are popular in New England.
Don’t miss out on these iconic food options on your visit to the northeastern region:
- Beantown Beans
Baked beans are one of the staple American dishes everyone would love, but if you want to tickle your tummy with the ever-popular Boston beans, you should try this iconic American dish in Boston. There are many delicious recipes to make Boston Baked Beans which remains one of New England’s favorite traditional dishes. There are ways to cook like a professional chef and make this traditional Boston bean dish.
A syrup similar to molasses is added to these starchy baked beans to tenderize and sweeten them. Native Americans taught early settlers how to bake beans using bear fat in the 17th century, which led to the dish’s popularity. Until the modern day, people slowly cook beans to come up with tender, melting, and soft beans. You’re in for a quick surprise when you taste these flavorful beans with molasses, as it’s different from the standard version.
2. Clam Pizza
If you’re feeling experimental, why don’t you try out a seafood pizza, and this time go for a clam pizza? The clams come with the rest of other staple pizza ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Unlike the other pizza options, the clam pizza won’t come with the usual tomato sauce and mozzarella. However, you’ll definitely love the combination of clam and other basic ingredients. Many pizza shops in New England sell this famous pizza dish, so go ahead and try one.
3. Lobster Rolls
Another northeastern region dish you must try is the ever-famous lobster rolls. The lobster meat is fresh, chilled, and seasoned with salt, pepper, mayo, and butter and placed in a toasted or warm hot dog bun.
Try to eat it with the locals at a seafood shack along a rocky Maine coast, and you’ll definitely have a truly authentic food experience. Go to Portland and check out fresh lobsters from the dock. Trying this dish fresh from the catch is the best way to ensure freshness.
4. Buffalo Wings
Americans love buffalo wings, and nothing beats the experience of trying this dish straight from where it originated, in Buffalo, New York. After all, it got its name from the place. These mouthwatering chicken wings have numerous origin stories, but you should try the dish out at any New York buffalo wings restaurant.
5. Johnnycakes
Johnnycakes are the northeast’s version of tortillas that taste like fluffy pancakes. This has been an early American staple food that continues to be popular today. There are many other names for this popular dish. Some call it journey cake, johnny bread, hoecake, and others. But typically, this is a cornmeal flatbread.
This simple cornmeal flatbread is made using only cornmeal, salt, and hot water. It’s often served with sweet toppings such as syrup and butter for breakfast or as a snack. Don’t leave Rhode Island without trying this dish out.
6. Clam Chowder
Yes, you can find Boston clam chowder, a richly flavored soup with clams, clam juice, onions, bacon, salt, pork, and potatoes, outside the northeast. But many people believe you can taste the best clam chowder when you travel to Boston. It’s best to try this dish in a state that has a long history of chowder tradition. Many top spots in the city offer the best clam chowder version, and all you need to do is explore local-favorite restaurants.
Conclusion
You may think that the options listed in this article are available anywhere in the US. It’s, however, necessary to travel to New England to taste some of their authentic and best versions. Hopefully, the next time you explore the northeastern US, you’ll follow through with this list and make the best of your gastronomic experience while traveling.