Baltimore, affectionately known as Charm City, is celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniably, its distinctive food scene. But when people ask, “What Food Is Baltimore Known For?”, the answer goes far beyond just one dish. Baltimore’s culinary identity is a delightful tapestry woven from fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood, hearty comfort foods, and unique local creations. This article dives into the iconic Baltimore foods that define the city’s gastronomic landscape and points you to the best spots to savor these local favorites.
17 Must-Try Baltimore Foods: A Culinary Journey
1. Crab Cakes: The Jewel of the Chesapeake
When discussing “what food is Baltimore known for?”, crab cakes invariably top the list. These aren’t just any crab cakes; they are a testament to Maryland’s prized Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. People travel from far and wide to experience the sweet, delicate flavor of these crab cakes, made with generous lumps of fresh crab meat and minimal filler.
For an authentic Baltimore crab cake experience, head to Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market. Famous for their colossal lump crab cakes, Faidley’s offers a true taste of Baltimore tradition. Nick’s Fish House is another beloved spot, where you can indulge in their popular Pappas-style crab cakes.
2. Pit Beef: Baltimore’s Smoky Sensation
Pit beef is another cornerstone when exploring “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This quintessential Baltimore food, believed to have originated on the city’s east side, is a smoky, flavorful, and incredibly tender beef sandwich. The beef is cooked quickly over high heat, often left rare, and thinly sliced.
Chap’s Pit Beef is a name synonymous with exceptional pit beef in Baltimore. Their sandwiches, served on fresh rolls, have garnered national acclaim. For a family-run experience, Jake’s Pit Beef offers freshly sliced pit beef in a more intimate setting.
3. Berger Cookies: A Baltimore Sweet Tooth Staple
Berger cookies are a sweet icon when considering “what food is Baltimore known for?”. These have been a Baltimore tradition since the 1800s. Imagine a buttery shortbread cookie practically drowning in a thick, fudgy chocolate frosting – that’s a Berger cookie.
To taste the original Berger cookie, visit Berger’s Bakery in Lexington Market, a true Baltimore food landmark. For a creative twist, try the Berger stuffed Baltimore Bomb Pie at Dangerously Delicious Pies, a delightful dessert that merges two Baltimore favorites.
4. Old Bay Wings: Spiced to Perfection
Old Bay wings are a must-mention when discussing “what food is Baltimore known for?”. Old Bay seasoning, a beloved blend of spices in Maryland, elevates chicken wings to a whole new level. The wings become tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive.
You can find Old Bay seasoning in most Baltimore food markets to try making these at home. But to experience them expertly prepared, visit Delia Foley’s or Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, both known for their perfectly seasoned smoked Old Bay wings.
5. Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich: A Seasonal Delight
The soft-shell crab sandwich is a seasonal star when considering “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This sandwich celebrates the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty with a whole soft-shell crab, lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection.
Mama’s on the Half Shell is a fantastic spot to find this Baltimore delicacy, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Sal and Sons in Fells Point is another great option, serving generous portions of soft-shell crab sandwiches and other local favorites.
6. Italian Gelato: A Refreshing Treat
While maybe not the first thing that comes to mind when asking “what food is Baltimore known for?”, Italian gelato has carved out a sweet spot in Baltimore’s culinary scene. Its rich flavor and smooth, velvety texture make it a standout dessert.
Pitango Gelato, located in the charming Fells Point neighborhood, is a local favorite for authentic Italian gelato. Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop offers another taste of Italy in Baltimore, with a selection of delicious gelato and pastries.
7. Oysters Rockefeller: Indulgence from the Bay
Oysters Rockefeller are an elegant addition to the conversation of “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This classic dish features fresh oysters baked with a rich topping of spinach, herbs, and breadcrumbs, enhancing the natural briny flavor of the oysters.
Ryleigh’s Oysters is renowned for their Oysters Rockefeller, a true Baltimore seafood indulgence. The Local Oyster offers a more casual setting to enjoy this dish, along with a wide variety of fresh oysters. For a sophisticated dining experience with Oysters Rockefeller, Thames Street Oyster House is a top choice in Baltimore.
8. Natty Boh Pretzel Cone: A Baltimore Brew and Bite
The Natty Boh pretzel cone is a uniquely Baltimorean creation when considering “what food is Baltimore known for?”. It combines two Baltimore icons: National Bohemian beer (“Natty Boh”) and soft pretzels. A soft pretzel cone filled with beer-infused cheese or other toppings makes for a fun and flavorful snack.
The Natty Boh Tower in Brewers Hill is the symbolic home of this Baltimore specialty. Canton Pretzel Store is another great place to find Natty Boh pretzel cones and other pretzel creations, perfect for a late-night bite.
9. Smith Island Cake: Maryland’s Official Dessert
As Maryland’s state dessert, Smith Island Cake is definitely relevant when asking “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This multi-layered cake, with thin layers of moist cake and rich frosting, is a symbol of Maryland pride. Common flavors include chocolate and coconut.
Cozy Cafe and Bakery is a great place to try Smith Island Cake, especially enjoyable with their outdoor seating. Yia Yia’s Bakery is another popular spot for this classic Maryland sweet treat.
10. Coddies: Simple and Savory
Coddies, or deep-fried codfish cakes, are a humble yet beloved answer to “what food is Baltimore known for?”. Served between saltine crackers with mustard, they represent Baltimore’s working-class culinary roots.
Styggy’s Sandwich Shop is a go-to spot for Coddies, offering a taste of this nostalgic Baltimore snack. Faidley’s Seafood, again, provides another excellent option for those seeking authentic Coddies.
11. Crab Dip: Creamy and Crab-tastic
Hot crab dip is a creamy, cheesy delight that perfectly answers “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This appetizer blends cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and generous amounts of Chesapeake Bay blue crab meat.
Bo Brooks Crab House is famous for its creamy crab dip. Captain James Landing’s Boston St Crab Dip offers a baked version with cheese, served with pretzel crostini for dipping.
12. Lake Trout: Baltimore’s Fried Fish Favorite
Despite its name, Baltimore lake trout, when considering “what food is Baltimore known for?”, isn’t trout at all. It’s typically fried whiting fish, served simply with white bread and hot sauce. This dish is a nostalgic comfort food in Baltimore.
Simply Marie’s is a local favorite for lake trout, offering a true taste of this working-class seafood staple. Connie’s Chicken & Waffles also features lake trout on their menu, alongside other Baltimore comfort food classics.
13. Jumbo Lump Crab Soup: A Bowl of Baltimore Warmth
Jumbo lump crab soup is a hearty and flavorful answer to “what food is Baltimore known for?”. Packed with jumbo lump crab meat, vegetables, and Old Bay seasoning, this soup is a warming tribute to Chesapeake Bay seafood.
G&M Restaurant is renowned for its rich and flavorful jumbo lump crab soup. The Black Olive offers a Mediterranean twist on crab soup, for a more unique culinary experience.
14. Lemon Peppermint Stick: A Refreshing Summer Treat
The lemon peppermint stick is a surprisingly unique answer to “what food is Baltimore known for?”, especially in the summer. This simple treat involves hollowing out a lemon and inserting a peppermint stick, creating a refreshing and palate-cleansing combination of tart and sweet.
Rheb’s Homemade Candies is known for their fresh lemon peppermint sticks. Wockenfuss Candies also offers hand-pulled peppermint sticks perfect for creating this Baltimore summer treat at home.
15. Italian Biscotti: Crunchy and Flavorful
Italian biscotti, while perhaps not exclusively Baltimorean, are a beloved treat when considering “what food is Baltimore known for?”. These twice-baked, crunchy cookies are enjoyed by locals with coffee or tea.
Pitango Bakery + Café offers authentic, scratch-made Italian biscotti. DiPasquale’s Italian Marketplace is another great option for biscotti and other Italian specialties, bringing Italian heritage to Baltimore’s food scene.
16. Sour Beef and Dumplings: German-Influenced Comfort
Sour beef and dumplings represent Baltimore’s diverse culinary influences when thinking about “what food is Baltimore known for?”. This dish features slow-cooked beef in a tangy sweet-and-sour gravy, served with hearty potato dumplings, reflecting German culinary traditions in Baltimore.
The Roost serves a generous and delicious plate of sour beef and dumplings. The Laughing Pint also offers a flavorful and unique take on this classic dish.
17. Snowballs: Baltimore’s Shaved Ice Obsession
Snowballs are an absolute must-mention when answering “what food is Baltimore known for?”, especially during hot summers. Baltimore snowballs are distinguished by their finely shaved ice and creative flavored syrups, often reaching imaginative combinations like egg custard and marshmallow.
Val’s Snowballs boasts an impressive 62 unique flavor combinations. Walther Gardens is a picturesque and historic spot to enjoy a snowball, as their stand is one of the city’s oldest.
Baltimore: A Foodie City Indeed
So, “what food is Baltimore known for?” The answer is a delightful array of flavors, from the world-renowned crab cakes and pit beef to unique treats like Berger cookies and snowballs. Exploring Baltimore’s food scene is a journey through culinary traditions, fresh seafood, and local innovations. With so many fantastic Baltimore foodie restaurants to choose from, your taste buds are in for a treat. Come and discover why Baltimore is truly a foodie city!
