Boston is a city that’s steeped in history and culture. But did you know it’s also a city known for its delicious local cuisine? From hearty seafood chowder to mouth-watering lobster rolls, Boston has an array of wonderful dishes to explore.
In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for the 10 best classic dishes from Boston. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, this list is sure to give you some inspiration.
The purpose of this post is to showcase the diversity of Boston’s culinary scene and to celebrate the unique flavors that can be found throughout the city. We hope it will inspire readers to try new dishes and explore Boston’s vibrant food culture.
And for those who want to experience Boston’s food scene firsthand, we highly recommend trying one of our Boston food tours. Our expert guides will take you on a culinary journey through the city, introducing you to some of the best local dishes and hidden gems that Boston has to offer.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the 10 best classic dishes from Boston.
Boston cream pie
Boston cream pie is a cake filled with vanilla custard, topped with chocolate glaze and whipped cream. Every year from March 17th until April 14th (National Pie Day), we celebrate the deliciousness that is our beloved Boston cream pie — and it’s not just because it has our name on it!
This treat was invented right here in Massachusetts by Parker House Inn chef William Hanson Richardson back in 1856, when he was feeling inspired after having eaten a similar dessert while visiting England earlier that year. We recommend that you sample the original, as well as the multi-award-winning flour bakery’s version.
And, iif you like the flavors of the Boston cream pie, be sure to also to try a Boston cream doughnut.Our pick: Union Square Doughnuts’ version.
Lobster roll
Lobster rolls are a popular New England sandwich that originated in Connecticut, but have since become a beloved dish in Boston, and throughout the region. The sandwich typically consists of a toasted hot dog bun filled with chunks of fresh lobster meat, mixed with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings, such as celery salt, and often served with a side of butter, or melted butter to dip.
Boston has a rich history with seafood, due to its location along the Atlantic coast, which provides a steady supply of fresh lobster. The combination of the sweet, tender lobster meat with the creamy dressing and toasted bun makes for a truly delicious sandwich that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, lobster rolls are a quintessential New England food that should not be missed. While you’ll find many delicious lobster rolls in boston, its iconic one can be found at neptune oyster bar. but be prepared, it has a no reservations policy, and the wait can be an hour or more.
New England Clam Chowder
Another famous seafood dish, New England clam chowder, is a hearty soup made with clams and potatoes, along with celery and onions. It’s traditionally served with saltine or oyster crackers.
The dish originated in New England. It was considered a staple food for fishermen who wanted something filling but didn’t have access to fresh ingredients during long voyages at sea.
The first recipes were developed by Native Americans hundreds of years ago; when European settlers arrived on the east coast of North America, they modified these recipes into what we know today as New England clam chowder.
Many restaurants in Boston claim to have the best clam chowder, so the only way to find out is to try some for yourself. Our recommendations: iconic chowder at the union oyster house, or multi-best of boston-winning chowder at the sail loft.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved dessert and a staple of American baking. But did you know that they have a special connection to Boston? Ruth Graves Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in the 1930s at the Toll House Inn, a restaurant she owned with her husband in Whitman, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. The cookie quickly became a hit and has since become a classic American snack.
So what makes a good chocolate chip cookie? A perfect chocolate chip cookie is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and loaded with chunks of chocolate that are still slightly melted. The cookie dough should be well-balanced, with just the right sweetness and a hint of salt to bring out the flavors.
Whether you prefer your cookies warm and gooey right out of the oven or paired with a cold glass of milk, there’s no denying the irresistible appeal of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Our pick: Flour Bakery’s best of boston chocolate chip cookie, or stop by the Boston Chipyard at Quincy Market, and enjoy
Lobster Bisque
Lobster bisque is a rich and creamy soup that is a staple of New England cuisine. A good lobster bisque is made with fresh, succulent lobster meat that is cooked to perfection and then blended with a creamy base, seasoned with herbs and spices and served hot.
The dish has a long history in New England, dating back to the early 1800s when lobsters were plentiful and considered a food for the poor. Over time, the dish gained popularity among the upper class and became a symbol of luxury and indulgence.
Today, lobster bisque is a common menu item in seafood restaurants throughout Boston and the rest of New England. It remains a beloved and iconic part of the region’s culinary heritage.
Roast Beef Sandwich
Boston’s roast beef sandwich is a classic sandwich that any self-respecting food lover should try when exploring Boston’s iconic foods. It typically consists of thinly sliced roast beef piled high on a soft, fluffy bun and topped with various condiments, such as horseradish sauce, BBQ sauce, or cheese.
Roast beef sandwiches have a long history in Boston, dating back to the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the sandwich became a popular fast-food item.
Nowadays, Boston is home to many roast beef sandwich shops, each with their unique spin on the classic sandwich. While the consensus of local foodies is that the best roast beef sandwiches can be found on boston’s north shore, Kelly’s roast beef’s version on Revere Beach is considered iconic. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a hearty meal, Boston’s roast beef sandwich is a delicious and iconic food that should not be missed.
Sam Adams Beer
Samuel Adams beer is a famous and widely recognized beer known for its distinctive taste and connection to Boston’s rich history. The beer is brewed using traditional methods and the finest ingredients, resulting in a full-bodied, flavorful beer with a distinct hoppy taste. Each variety, including Boston Lager, Summer Ale, Winter Lager, and Octoberfest, has its unique taste and aroma, making it a favorite among beer lovers.
Introduced in 1984 by Jim Koch and named after Samuel Adams, a Founding Father, and American patriot, the brewery quickly gained a loyal following in Boston due to its high-quality beer and commitment to using only the finest ingredients.
Sam Adams beer has become a symbol of Boston’s proud history and culture. It can be found in bars and restaurants throughout the city, sponsoring numerous local events, including the Boston Marathon and Fourth of July celebrations on the Esplanade. Fun fact pro tip: Historic Union Oyster House was the Sam Adams brewery’s first wholesale account. Consequently, it offers an exclusive Sam Adams beer: Colonial Ale (with molasses!).
Fenway Franks
Fenway Franks are a classic all-beef hot dog served on a New England-style bun, and are a beloved part of the Boston Red Sox game day experience. These hot dogs have a distinct snap when bitten into, and their juicy, savory flavor is the perfect complement to a day at the ballpark.
First served at Fenway Park by John Gallo in the 1940s, Fenway Franks quickly became popular, and have been a staple at Red Sox games ever since. Fans flock to concession stands throughout the park to grab a hot dog, and to cheer on their team.
While Fenway Franks can be found throughout the park, some fans swear that the best hot dogs are served at the concession stand behind home plate or on Yawkey Way. Regardless of where you get your Fenway Frank, one thing is certain: It’s a must-try when visiting Boston, especially if you’re a baseball fan.
Cannoli
Cannoli is a classic Italian dessert that has become a beloved Boston food. The best cannoli is made with a crispy and flaky shell, which is then filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling.
Good cannoli should have a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the shell and filling complementing each other perfectly. The history of cannoli in Boston can be traced back to the large Italian immigrant population that settled in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Boston’s North End is known for its many bakeries and cafes serving delicious cannoli, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. We suggest that visitors try both iconic cannolis, Modern Pastry and Mike’s Pastry’s, and you decide which is better.
Boston Baked Beans
Boston baked beans are made with baked beans and molasses, two ingredients that make them sweet but not too sweet. The beans are slow-cooked until soft and tender before being covered in molasses and baked again until crispy on top.
They’re then served with brown sugar and butter mixed in, as well as some saltine crackers or toast on the side. While rarely served in boston anymore, two versions can be found in the Haymarket/Blackstone block are: Historic Union Oyster House, and Beantown Pastrami at Boston Public Market.
We hope this list has inspired you to explore the local cuisine of Boston. Whether it’s clam pizza or lobster bisque, there are so many delicious options to try! And remember to check out our selection of Boston food tours and private Boston food experiences.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
