Must-try Dishes
New England Clam Chowder - Creamy soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and celery. A staple for locals, you’ll often find it served in a bread bowl during chilly evenings at seaside restaurants.
Fenway Frank - Grilled hot dog served in a steamed bun with mustard and onions. Grab one from a street vendor while catching a game at Fenway Park, where it’s a beloved ballpark classic.
Lobster Roll - Lobster Salad - A buttery toasted bun stuffed with fresh lobster meat mixed in mayo, served cold or warm. Many locals indulge in this as a summertime lunch at waterfront shacks or picnic areas by the harbor.
Boston Baked Beans - Slow-cooked white beans in a sweet pork and molasses sauce. Traditionally served during family gatherings, this dish reflects Boston’s colonial history and typically accompanies a barbecue.
Fish and Chips - Fried Fish and Fries - Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut fries, often accompanied by tartar sauce. Score this hearty meal in a cozy pub, where it’s commonly enjoyed on Fridays, a local fish fry tradition.
Fried Clams and Bellies - Sweet and tender clams, lightly battered and fried. Devour these crunchy bites as a popular summer street food, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon at local clam shacks.
Maple Bacon - Surprising Combination - Smoky bacon glazed with sweet maple syrup, creating a sweet and savory flavor explosion. People often enjoy this decadent twist on breakfast at weekend brunch spots; just don’t expect to see it on every menu.
Roasted Corn on the Cob - Seasonal Specialty - Succulent corn slathered in butter and seasoned with salt, seasoned to perfection. From summer fairs to beach outings, locals can’t resist this delicious treat during the hot months.
Desserts & Drinks
Dunkin' Coffee - Dunkin' (coffee chain classic) - A smooth coffee brewed fresh daily, often customized with flavor shots and cream. Locals usually grab it on the go during their morning commutes, and it’s often paired with a warm breakfast sandwich (don’t forget to specify “regular” for cream and sugar!).
Wicked Pissah - Local Lager (light beer) - A crisp, refreshing lager with a hint of sweetness, perfect for summer barbecues or rooftop gatherings. It’s a favorite among locals at Red Sox games, where the electric atmosphere makes sipping this brew feel like tradition.
Frozen Hot Chocolate - Frozen Hot Chocolate (chilled chocolate delight) - A thick, creamy blend of rich chocolate and milk, served icy cold, just right for Boston’s warmer afternoons. You’ll find it enjoyed at local festivals, often complemented by a sprinkle of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of luxury.
Boston Cream Pie - Boston Cream Pie (layered cake) - This iconic dessert features layers of sponge cake filled with creamy custard and topped with rich chocolate glaze. It’s often served at celebrations, and can be a common pick during birthdays (the cake’s fun fact is that it’s actually a cake, not a pie!).
Bubble Tea - Boba Tea (tapioca drink) - A milk tea-based drink with chewy tapioca pearls that adds a fun texture to every sip. Popular among students, especially on warmer days, this drink is typically enjoyed at bustling bubble tea spots around Boston, where you can mix and match flavors to your heart's content. By the way, don't forget to specify "no ice" if you want to keep it strong!
