You’ve likely seen the viral social media posts with soccer visitors experiencing American food for the first time – ranging from fast food burgers to gas station delights. In Massachusetts, you’ll find ways to experience quintessential American foods as well as coastal classics, farm-fresh finds, and world-class flavors even in the smallest of towns.
What seafood is Massachusetts known for?
Seafood lovers will rejoice in Massachusetts, where your dish is about as fresh as it gets. Now is the perfect time to get a lobster roll. Many love this dish served cold with chunks of fresh lobster tossed lightly with mayo; others love it served hot and soaked in rich butter. Either way, it’s best served in a New England-style hot dog bun. Though summer doesn’t feel like soup season, a creamy New England clam chowder, loaded with clams, potatoes, and salt pork and served with oyster crackers is a must-try. While you can get fried clams at menus across New England, you can also visit Woodman’s of Essex – home of the original fried clams. Have them in a clam roll or as a part of a seafood platter, best-served with a “half-and-half” order of French fries and onion rings. Stuffies, or stuffed quahogs, are a popular appetizer that consists of large baked clamshells filled with a seasoned mix of breadcrumbs, peppers, chopped clams, and sometimes chorizo or sausage for an added kick. Lastly, Massachusetts is world-renowned for oysters. Every oyster offering is just a little bit different in terms of size, brine, and profile. Popular varieties come from Wellfleet, Barnstable, and Duxbury. Slurp an order up with cocktail sauce, horseradish, and a squeeze or lemon or try the wine-based Mignonette.
What dishes are unique to Massachusetts and the region?
Whether you love a surf-and-turf or are a land lubber, Massachusetts is full of regional specialties that just don’t have the same flavor elsewhere. Starting North of Boston, grab a roast beef “three-way,” a sandwich piled high with slow-roasted beef, James River barbeque sauce, a slice of American cheese, and a layer of mayo on a griddled onion roll. Beef lovers will also want to make sure they try steak tips, which you’ll find at many bar and grill establishments. The origin story is a bit fuzzy, but at many places you’ll find marinated cuts of sirloin, grilled to perfection and served with rice pilaf or a giant baked potato. If you’re taking in a baseball game, go for a Fenway Frank. This hot dog is made in Chelsea and served in a New England-style bun – load it up with your favorite toppings. If you’re spending time on the South Shore, don’t miss a “bar pizza,” known for its crispy crust and edge-to-edge toppings. Around the South Coast, you’ll find places selling goods made with Massachusetts cranberries, a fruit that is only grown and harvested in a few places in the world. This tart berry is served in many forms from dried and covered in white chocolate to juices and cocktail mixers. Massachusetts also has a strong farm-to-table dining scene and summer is the perfect time to experience fresh produce and flavors of the season. For those who want other tastes of New England, grab a bottle of Massachusetts maple syrup to take home or find a fresh-pressed apple cider. If you’re looking for a historic dining experience and New England comfort food, the state is loaded with dining venues in history-filled settings that serve up Yankee pot roast and baked schrod. And, while we love our local coffee shops, Massachusetts is home to the first-ever Dunkin’ Donuts – try an iced “regular” for the full Massachusetts experience. This is a brewed iced coffee served with cream and sugar, and you’ll find people drinking this cold beverage on the snowiest and coldest of days.
What dessert is Massachusetts known for?
There is no shortage of sweet treats across Massachusetts. You’ll find local donut shops, bakeries, and even the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail that features local farms using local dairy to craft a refreshing summer treat. You may even want to order a frappe – ice cream, milk, and flavored syrups. Here in New England, don’t call it a milkshake! If you find yourself in Boston, head to the Omni Parker House, a historic hotel an originator of the Boston Cream Pie which is a light and fluffy sponge cake filled with vanilla custard and topped with a chocolate ganache. You’ll find this flavor profile in other sweet treats like donuts, whoopie pies and more. It’s a classic! While often served in sandwich form, if you see a Fluffernutter on a menu, go for it! This is a staple in many kids’ lunch bags across New England and is served on fluffy bread with a layer of peanut butter and marshmallow Fluff – invented in Somerville and still made in Lynn. If you’re looking for baked goods on the go, you’ll find delicious places to get a cannoli, especially at Italian bakeries or go for big, warm chocolate chip cookies which was invented in Massachusetts!
Where can I find great restaurants in Massachusetts?
Each month, you’ll find a fresh new Culinary Corner blog that highlights chef/owners and their unique establishments across Massachusetts. Thirsty for more? The Craft Beverage Spotlight tells you where to find Massachusetts-made beers, wines, spirits, and more.
Well-connected routes and manageable distances around Massachusetts mean you can plan a food-focused day trip, take a unique food tour, or simply follow your cravings from one stop to the next. No matter where you go, something great is always within reach. Along the way, stop at a museum or historic site, browse local shops in a historic town center, or find yourself in a quiet landscape. Extra time is where the game stops following the script and every second feels bigger – like anything can happen. You might be here for the matches, but the time around them is where your Massachusetts memories will be made.
Massachusetts Foodie Trails include:
To stay up to date on Massachusetts moments this summer, follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.
