North East Coast Top 50 Foods

The North East Coast of the U.S. serves up a culinary mash-up that's as diverse in influences as a New York subway car at rush hour. Clam chowders, crabcakes, lobster rolls, and simply prepared fish, here, seafood isn't just dinner - it's a lifestyle. From the coast, the cuisine moves inland to embrace NYC's diverse food scene, pizza, dim sum, and deli sandwiches tell tales of Italian, Chinese, Jewish, and other immigrant influences. North East also embraces its English and Dutch roots with a strong heritage of comfort foods, from pot roasts to pies creating a culinary scene that's both rooted in tradition and buzzing with multicultural innovation. The region's cuisine is characterized by fresh, local ingredients, and a deep respect for tradition and novelty, all underscored by the vibrant, ever-evolving food culture.

Appetizers

1. Scallops - Often seared, or fried, but could be enjoyed raw.

   

2. New England Clam Chowder - New England style, creamy with chunks of clams and potatoes.

3. Clams and Oysters - From Long Island to Maine, the East Coast varieties are a treat.

   

4. Crab Cakes - Soft shell crabs or Maryland-style crab cakes are enjoyed in states like Maryland.

5. Vermont Cheddar - Aged and sharp, a Vermont's cheese-making delight.

6. Lobster Ommelette - A Cape Cod breakfast and brunch treat.

   

7. Manhattan Clam Chowder - With a tomato base with chunks of clams and veggies.

8. Smoked Fish - Salmon, tuna, or mackerel, enjoyed on bagels or as part of a spread.

9. Mussels - Sometimes served in a garlic, wine, and cream broth.

   

10. BBQ Ribs - Delicious, smoky, and sweet in places like Rhode Island.

    
    

    Mains and Street Food

    
    

11. Pizza - (New York Style) - Best food on the go in NYC, large thin-crust slices are often foldable.

    

12. Spaghetti and Meatballs - With Italian roots, this dish has become an American classic.

13. Shepherd’s Pie - A comfort food dish for the whole family.

14. Chinese food -  Cantonese dim sum in Chinatown, Sichuan hot pots in Flushing, and much more.

    

15. Chicken Pot Pie - Hearty and filling, with a fun pie crust.

16. Baked Beans - A staple in colonial times, a little sweetened with molasses.

17. Bouillabaisse (Rhode Island) - A seafood stew with a local twist like lobster.

    

18. Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan - Breaded and fried cutlet or eggplant topped with sauce and cheese.

19. Deli Sandwiches or Platters- From pastrami to roast beef these tasty meats can be found in NYC. Check out the famous Katz's Deli.

    

20. Hot Dogs - A New York staple, with various toppings like mustard, sauerkraut, and onions.

21. Philly Cheesesteak - A messy, tasty, cheesy classic Philly treat.

22. Fish & Chips - A must-have when near the seaside.

23. 

    Hoagies /Subs/Heroes - Whatever you call them, these Italian sandwiches on long rolls, packed with cold cuts, cheese, veggies, and seasonings.

24. Lobster or Lobster Roll - Enjoy the lobster as is with butter or lightly dressed with mayo in a toasted roll.

    

25. Yankee Pot Roast - Slow-cooked beef with root vegetables is hearty and tasty.

26. Falafel or Shawarma: Crispy falafel or juicy shawarma in a pita, with veggies and spicey sauces, is an ideal street food.

    

27. Meatloaf - A comfort food for all, served with sides like smashed potatoes.

28. Mutton Chop at Keen's NYC - An NYC classic, simple and delicious.

    

29. New England Boiled Dinner - A one-pot meal of corned beef, cabbage, and root vegetables.

30. New England Seafood / Clambake - A feast of seafood, corn, potatoes, and more, cooked together for a major flavor.

    

31. Oyster Po'Boy - Can be found in some Northeast coastal eateries although more of a Southern staple.

32. Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) Sandwich - A New Jersey favorite for breakfast.

33. Puerto Rican food - A must try in Spanish Harlem and the South Bronx especially tasty is the Hibarito.

    

34. Ramen Burgers - A burger with ramen noodles for the bun is trendy in NYC.

35. Burger Your Way - Customize burgers with a vast array of toppings and enjoy with fries.

    

    
    

    Desserts and Baked Goods and Treats

    
    

36. Bagels - A New York staple. Add on the cream cheese, lox, capers, and onion.

    
    

    

    
    

37. Blueberry Pie - With Maine's wild blueberries, it's a must-try.

38. Boston Cream Pie - A cake filled with custard and topped with chocolate glaze. We found an even more chocolaty version.

    

39. Indian Pudding - Made from cornmeal, molasses, and spices, it is a traditional East Coast dessert.

40. Johnnycakes - Cornmeal flatbreads is a Rhode Island specialty.

41. Cannoli - Crispy Italian pastry filled with sweet ricotta cream.

    

42. Whoopie Pies - This cake sandwich with a sweet, creamy filling, is popular in Maine and Pennsylvania.

43. Maple Sugar Candy - Solid candy made from pure maple syrup.

44. Cheesecake, New York-style  - is a dense, rich, and creamy dessert and a NYC classic.

    

45. Coffee Milk - Made with coffee syrup and milk, it is Rhode Island's official state drink.

46. Hard Cider - Made from local apples from Massachusetts and Vermont.

47. Pancakes or Waffles with Maple Syrup - Vermont is famous for its pure maple syrup.

48. 

    Pretzels - Soft, chewy pretzels from Pennsylvania, often served with mustard.

49. Funnel Cake - Sweet, fried dough with powdered sugar can be found at a fair or on a Boardwalk.

50. Apple Cider Donuts - Often found at fall festivals in New England.