There are some foods that just taste like childhood. This classic Massachusetts fare has the power to transport you back to growing up in the Bay State with a single bite. Here are some traditional Massachusetts dishes that you’re sure to love if you grew up here.
- Fluffernutters
FLickr/Javcon117* Has any kid in Massachusetts made it out of elementary school without having one of these for lunch? Though honestly, fluffernutters should really be classed as dessert.
- Kelly’s Roast Beef
Flickr/KBR No one does roast beef sandwiches like Kelly’s in Revere. Heaps of meat, delectable sauce, and a toasted bun make this a Massachusetts classic.
- Oceanspray Cranberry Sauce
Flickr/Gene Han There’s no resisting that beautiful, wiggly tube. Most often spotted at Thanksgiving, Oceanspray cranberry sauce is a weird and fruity staple.
- Fish and Chips
Flickr/Bex Walton Fish and chips (i.e. french fries) are a Massachusetts summer staple. Drowned in tartar sauce and ketchup, of course.
- Frappes
Flickr/Rakka Can a frappe be considered a “dish?” We think so. Known in the rest of the country as a milkshake, woe to those who order a milkshake in Massachusetts and expect ice cream to be in there.
- Boston Baked Beans
Flickr/Theryn Fleming These rich and sweet beans are pretty much a backyard cookout staple. They pair perfectly with hot dogs and hamburgers.
- Pizzeria Regina Slices
Flickr/CameliaTWU Gooey, hot and most importantly: square. Pizzeria Regina has been a Boston institution seemingly since the dawn of time, and their signature slices are so craveable.
- Fried Clams
Flickr/MOTT You’re not a Massachusetts native if you haven’t stopped for fresh fried clams at a roadside shack.
- Lobster Rolls
Flickr/Wally Gobetz Keep your claw-crackers at home — lobster rolls are perhaps the best way to eat this crustacean. Whether you prefer butter or mayo, you can’t skip the perfectly grilled bun.
- Blueberry Muffins
Flickr/Marco Verch Especially those old Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins. Blueberry pie, blueberry jam, and blueberry bread are all classics as well.
- Boston Cream Pie
Flickr/Sharyn Morrow Boston cream pie is more of a cake than a pie, but we still gobble it down every chance we get.
- Clam Chowder
Flickr/Wally Gobetz This thick (not brothy) soup is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly New England day. Packed with potatoes and clams, it’s hearty and tasty.
What other classic Massachusetts foods would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! For more on growing up in Massachusetts, here are a few reasons why no one in their right mind would want to visit Massachusetts in the winter.
FLickr/Javcon117*
Has any kid in Massachusetts made it out of elementary school without having one of these for lunch? Though honestly, fluffernutters should really be classed as dessert.
Flickr/KBR
No one does roast beef sandwiches like Kelly’s in Revere. Heaps of meat, delectable sauce, and a toasted bun make this a Massachusetts classic.
Flickr/Gene Han
There’s no resisting that beautiful, wiggly tube. Most often spotted at Thanksgiving, Oceanspray cranberry sauce is a weird and fruity staple.
Flickr/Bex Walton
Fish and chips (i.e. french fries) are a Massachusetts summer staple. Drowned in tartar sauce and ketchup, of course.
Flickr/Rakka
Can a frappe be considered a “dish?” We think so. Known in the rest of the country as a milkshake, woe to those who order a milkshake in Massachusetts and expect ice cream to be in there.
Flickr/Theryn Fleming
These rich and sweet beans are pretty much a backyard cookout staple. They pair perfectly with hot dogs and hamburgers.
Flickr/CameliaTWU
Gooey, hot and most importantly: square. Pizzeria Regina has been a Boston institution seemingly since the dawn of time, and their signature slices are so craveable.
Flickr/MOTT
You’re not a Massachusetts native if you haven’t stopped for fresh fried clams at a roadside shack.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Keep your claw-crackers at home — lobster rolls are perhaps the best way to eat this crustacean. Whether you prefer butter or mayo, you can’t skip the perfectly grilled bun.
Flickr/Marco Verch
Especially those old Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins. Blueberry pie, blueberry jam, and blueberry bread are all classics as well.
Flickr/Sharyn Morrow
Boston cream pie is more of a cake than a pie, but we still gobble it down every chance we get.
This thick (not brothy) soup is the ultimate comfort food on a chilly New England day. Packed with potatoes and clams, it’s hearty and tasty.
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