5️⃣ Quintessentially Boston Foods

Boston cuisine is steeped in history. Here is a history of 5 of Boston's most iconic dishes.

1. New England Clam Chowder

NE Clam Chowder is a huge part of Boston's culinary identity. Its origins can be traced back to early settlers, who adapted traditional European fish chowders using the abundant local clams and dairy produce. The soup evolved into its current form by the 19th century, characterized by its thick consistency, potatoes, onions, and, of course, clams. Normally, it is served with a side of oyster crackers and is a fixture in seafood restaurants and chowder cook-offs throughout the city.

2. Boston Baked Beans

While Boston's nickname "Beantown" is often attributed to the baked beans dish, it actually derives from a now-defunct advertisement for the Boston-based company, "Boston Bean." That said, the city's history with baked beans is long and delicious. The traditional Saturday supper of beans was borrowed from Native Americans, who combined beans, maple syrup, and bear fat and cooked them in earthen pots. The Pilgrims later adapted this, using molasses (a by-product of Boston's rum-making industry in the 18th century) and salt pork, and baked the mixture in brick ovens, creating the rich, sweet version beloved today.

3. Boston Cream Pie

Despite its name, Boston cream pie is a cake, not a pie. Created by French chef Sanzian at Boston's Parker House Hotel in 1856, this dessert was revolutionary in its time. It featured two layers of sponge cake filled with crème pâtissière (thick vanilla custard) and topped with a chocolate glaze, a combination unheard of at a time when cakes were typically single-flavored and frosted. In 1996, Boston Cream Pie was declared the official dessert of Massachusetts.

4. Lobster Roll

A quintessential New England dish, the lobster roll is a testament to our maritime tradition. It wasn't until the 1920s that the lobster roll as we know it today was invented at a restaurant in Connecticut. However, Bostonians have since embraced it by adding their own touches. Today, you can find variations ranging from the traditional (chunks of lobster meat doused in melted butter or mayo, served in a grilled, split-top bun) to gourmet versions with added ingredients.

5. Fenway Frank

No visit to Fenway Park, home of the Sox, is complete without a Fenway Frank. These hot dogs, often boiled and grilled, served in a New England-style split-top roll, have been a fan favorite since 1901. Fenway Franks represent not just a snack, but a tradition shared for decades by Boston Red Sox fans.

There you have it. What’s your favorite above? Let us know in the comments!