Baltimore, Maryland, also known as Charm City, boasts a unique and vibrant food scene that goes far beyond the typical tourist traps. If you’re wondering What Is Baltimore Known For Food, prepare for a delicious exploration of iconic dishes, local specialties, and culinary traditions. This isn’t just a list; it’s a guide to experiencing the true taste of Baltimore.
Crab: The Undisputed King of Baltimore Cuisine
When discussing what is Baltimore known for food, crab reigns supreme. More specifically, the Maryland Blue Crab. You’ll find it prepared in countless ways, each showcasing the sweet and succulent meat in its own unique style.
- Steamed Crabs: This is the quintessential Baltimore crab experience. Crabs are generously seasoned with a blend of spices, often including Old Bay, and steamed to perfection. They’re typically served on tables covered in paper, encouraging a hands-on, messy, and utterly satisfying feast.
- Crab Cakes: Forget the heavily breaded, filler-laden imitations you might find elsewhere. Baltimore crab cakes are a celebration of lump crab meat, held together with just enough binder and seasonings to create a tender, flavorful delight. Enjoy them as a platter or on a sandwich.
- Crab Dip: A staple appetizer, crab dip features creamy, flavorful crab meat served with various dippers. But in Baltimore, it doesn’t stop there. You’ll find crab dip topping fries, tater tots, pretzels, burgers, and just about everything else imaginable.
Maryland Crab Soup: A Local Culinary Treasure
While cream of crab soup and crab chowders are common throughout the region, Maryland Crab Soup is a distinctly local specialty. This hearty soup, reminiscent of minestrone, features lump crab meat and a medley of vegetables, all seasoned with Old Bay. The result is a rich, flavorful soup with a spicy kick that truly represents Baltimore’s culinary spirit.
Old Bay: More Than Just a Seasoning
Old Bay is more than just a spice blend; it’s a cultural icon in Baltimore. You’ll find it on restaurant tables, emblazoned on clothing, and incorporated into countless dishes. From Old Bay chicken wings to Old Bay Bloody Mary cocktails, this iconic seasoning is a ubiquitous part of Baltimore’s food scene. Even the local ice cream shop, The Charmery, offers an Old Bay Caramel ice cream, a testament to the city’s love affair with this unique spice blend.
Pit Beef: Baltimore’s Answer to Roast Beef
Every region has its signature roast beef sandwich, and Baltimore’s is the pit beef. Thinly sliced, char-broiled roast beef is piled high on a kaiser roll and typically topped with raw onion and tiger sauce (a horseradish-mayonnaise blend). While available at many restaurants, dedicated pit beef establishments like Pioneer Pit Beef and Chap’s Pit Beef are the places to go for an authentic experience.
Berger Cookies: A Decadent Baltimore Treat
Berger Cookies are a Baltimore institution. These soft, cake-like cookies are hand-dipped in a thick layer of chocolate fudge icing, creating a decadent and unforgettable treat. You’ll even find Berger Cookie-inspired creations on menus throughout the city, from ice cream flavors to milkshakes.
Snowballs: A Baltimore Summer Tradition
Baltimore snowballs are finely shaved ice packed into a cup with flavored syrups. Classic flavors include skylite, egg custard, and Tiger’s Blood. Toppings like marshmallow sauce or soft-serve ice cream add a creamy touch. These aren’t your average snow cones; they’re a summertime staple in Baltimore.
Lemon Sticks: A Refreshing Flower Mart Tradition
The Lemon Stick is a unique and refreshing treat found at Baltimore’s Flower Mart. A lemon, cut in half or with the top third removed, is pierced with a soft peppermint stick. Sucking the lemon juice through the peppermint stick creates a sweet and tangy flavor combination that’s surprisingly addictive.
Crushes: The Unofficial Drink of Summer
Originating in Ocean City, Maryland, the Orange Crush has become the unofficial drink of summer throughout the state. This refreshing cocktail combines fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda, served over ice. Variations abound, including grapefruit, lemon, and watermelon.
Natty Boh (National Bohemian) Beer: A Baltimore Icon
National Bohemian Beer, affectionately known as Natty Boh, is an American Pilsener first brewed in Baltimore in 1885. While no longer brewed in the city, Natty Boh remains a beloved local favorite, with its one-eyed, mustachioed mascot, Mr. Boh, adorning buildings and bars throughout Baltimore.
Honorable Mentions: More Baltimore Bites to Explore
While not quite making the “must-eat” list, these honorable mentions offer even more opportunities to explore Baltimore’s diverse food scene:
- Otterbein Cookies: These thin and crunchy cookies, founded by a German immigrant in the 1880s, are a Baltimore tradition.
- Oysters: With a centuries-long tradition of oystering in the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore offers a wide variety of oysters from local fisheries and beyond.
- Utz Potato Chips: While technically from Pennsylvania, Utz chips are a popular snack in Baltimore, especially the Crab flavored chips seasoned with Old Bay spices.
Explore the Culinary Delights of Baltimore
Baltimore offers a diverse and exciting food scene that’s waiting to be explored. From the iconic Maryland Blue Crab to the refreshing Lemon Stick, there’s something for every palate in Charm City. Venture beyond the tourist areas and discover the local specialties that make Baltimore a true culinary destination.
