The Ultimate New England Food Guide: 12 Regional Favorites

What Are The Characteristics Of New England Food?

Classic New England food is known for its simplicity, reliance on local ingredients and strong ties to the region’s maritime and agricultural history. Key characteristics of New England food include:

• Seafood-centric dishes.
• Hearty and simple entrees.
• Colonial and indigenous influence.
• Dairy and baked goods with sharp cheddar, milk and butter.
• Preserved and pickled foods.

When visiting New England, you'll discover variations of roast beef sandwiches made with tender roast beef and American cheese, sometimes served with potato chips or cranberry sauce on the side. If you're in Cape Cod, you could stumble upon mouthwatering seafood delights and even some innovative twists using cheddar cheese, peanut butter or olive oil in certain recipes. 

You'll also find everything from Boston baked beans and delicious root vegetables to a plentiful assortment of fish and shellfish. Hot dogs with tangy toppings also make an appearance at casual spots, as do lobster rolls loaded with melted butter. 

Foods That Made New England Famous

New England cuisine is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, particularly lobster, clams and cod. It also features dishes like Boston baked beans, apple pie and maple syrup. Other regional specialties include clam chowder, fried clams and Boston Cream Pie.

13 Cant-Miss Dishes When Visiting New England

Here are the top 13 dishes you have to try while on a cruise to New England:

1. Fish And Chips

Fish and chips are popular among the middle class in England because of the dish's affordability. It was brought over to the U.S., and now you can find fried fish fillets and French fries to be a traditional food in the Northeast. The type of fish varies, with some of the most popular types being cod, haddock and pollock. Typically, this dish is served with a tangy tartar sauce and can be found at nearly every seafood shack. Perhaps you’ll also see a side of potato chips or hot dogs for those looking to sample more local food variety. 

Susan's Fish-n-Chips in Portland, Maine, is a can't-miss when you're on a cruise to New England.

2. New England Boiled Dinner

Known for its Irish roots, New England boiled dinner is a blend of vegetables, like carrots, turnips and onions, paired with salty corned beef and served up boiled to perfection. The most common condiments are horseradish, mustard and vinegar. The dish was likely influenced by the Irish settlers in Massachusetts, as was much of the food in New England. Some diners swap in red flannel hash or add a slice of tender pot roast for extra heartiness.

3. Lobster Roll In Boston/Maine

Nearly all of the Northeast states import lobster from Maine and create their own twist on the iconic sandwich — a classic New England dish. Some create a lobster salad-style roll using mayonnaise. The traditional way to enjoy one is with cooked lobster meat topped with melted butter on a buttered and grilled hot dog roll.

Should you find yourself on a cruise to New England featuring a stop in Bar Harbor, be sure to head to Side Street Cafe or The Travelin' Lobster, or, if you're in St. George, Maine, try Luke's Lobster.

4. New England Clam Chowder

More of a stew than a soup, this delicious treat is usually made with clams and a base of milk mixed with onions, vegetables and sometimes other ingredients such as salt pork. The perfect dish to warm you up during the colder months and satisfy your seafood craving during the summer, the biggest difference between clam chowder across New England is the broth. Some use milk to create a thick and creamy broth, and others use a clear broth made from clam juice. Occasionally, you’ll find a version topped with cheddar cheese or American cheese for extra richness.

At Matunuck Oyster Bar in Wakefield, Rhode Island, a delicious clam chowder is served up in your choice of clear or creamy broth full of potatoes, bacon and chopped clams.

5. Boston Baked Beans

Boston baked beans date back to colonial times when the Native Americans would dig pits in the earth and slow-cook beans with maple sugar and bear fat. The traditional Boston baked beans recipe features dried navy beans baked slowly with molasses and salt pork, and that method has remained in many of today's recipes. Families sometimes serve them with roast beef or a beef sandwich, pairing the savory beans with a tangy condiment or even a slice of apple pie for a sweet finish.

6. Fried Clams

 New England fried clams are said to have been discovered more than 100 years ago in Essex, Massachusetts, by Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman. This traditional Northeast food is best enjoyed on the coast of Maine or Massachusetts. The breading is lightly seasoned — sometimes with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese in modern twists — and the final product is served with lemon wedges. You might find yourself reaching for tartar sauce or ketchup, but try it with just the lemon first to really taste the flavor. Fried clams also pair well with crunchy potato chips or a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side. 

The Clam Box in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, Maine, both come highly recommended.

7. New England Indian Pudding

New England Indian pudding dates back to the 17th century, most likely descended from England's pudding, which is a sweet porridge made on the stove by stirring boiling milk or water together with wheat flour. In contrast, Indian pudding uses cornmeal, of which early settlers had plenty. Indian pudding's popularity decreased when packaged puddings became popular in the early 20th century, but it still remained a staple in the region. This deliciously sweet steamed pudding also has flavors of molasses, ginger and cinnamon and is a must-have despite being a lesser-known dish among tourists. Some creative cooks even serve it with a side of coffee milk or cranberry sauce. 

While New Englanders commonly have it around Thanksgiving, you should be able to find it at various restaurants in the region year-round.

8. American Chop Suey

American chop suey is a comforting and affordable casserole dish that's quintessentially New England, despite its misleading name. Unlike traditional Chinese chop suey, this dish is made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, tomatoes or tomato sauce, and a blend of onions, garlic and spices. Some modern twists include adding bell peppers, mozzarella cheese or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

9. Corned Beef

Corned beef is another hearty and historical favorite tied closely to New England’s Irish-American heritage. Traditionally made by curing beef brisket in a seasoned brine, it becomes especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day, often served with cabbage, potatoes and carrots in a New England boiled dinner. You'll also find it thinly sliced in deli sandwiches or as a breakfast hash with eggs.

Restaurants across Massachusetts and Rhode Island serve variations of this savory meat, sometimes enhanced with a glaze of mustard or brown sugar.

10. Maine Whoopie Pie

Pennsylvania and Maine both lay claim to whoopie pies, but the New England dish brings something extra-special. This sweet treat is more of a cake than a pie and is made up of two cake-like cookies about the size of a hamburger and filled with a fluffy white filling. They're rich, so we suggest enjoying one with a tall glass of milk or coffee. Some bakeries offer unique spins, like peanut butter filling or a small scoop of ice cream on the side. 

Just about every bakery will offer fresh whoopie pies, but if you happen to stumble upon the brand Wicked Whoopies on your New England adventures, be sure to buy one!

11. Boston Cream Pie

A classic Boston cream pie recipe is made of three ingredients: yellow cake, pastry cream and chocolate frosting. This traditional New England food features two layers of sponge cake filled with thick vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze. The only pie-like aspect of this delicious dessert is that it's served in a round dish and cut in triangular slices as you would serve pie slices. You may even find a version that includes a side of coffee milk or a bit of blueberry pie to complete the sweet experience. For the best treat, enjoy this dessert in Massachusetts; after all, it's the official state dessert. 

It's said that the Omni Parker House hotel is home to the very first Boston cream pie, so your best bet is to head there to indulge in this charming New England dessert.

12. Apple Cider Donuts

If you're searching for foods that made New England famous, look no further than apple cider donuts. This dessert can be enjoyed any time of year, contrary to what many people might think. Of course, they do make for a particularly delicious and seasonal dessert during a fall trip to New England. The technique is as simple as adding the tangy and sweet cider, as well as brown sugar and various spices to donut dough. Some bakers might even add a dollop of peanut butter frosting or pair the donuts with coffee milk to create unique variations. 

For the ultimate apple cider donut experience, head to an apple orchard — and avoid the supermarket knock offs.

13. Johnnycakes

Johnnycakes are one of the oldest regional dishes in New England, dating back to Indigenous peoples who ground corn into meal and cooked it on hot stones. These thin cornmeal pancakes are similar to flapjacks but have a more rustic texture and slightly sweet flavor. Best served with butter and real maple syrup or alongside a savory breakfast of eggs and bacon, johnnycakes are especially beloved in Rhode Island. 

14. Ready To Taste-test New England Cuisine?

Whether you want to eat mouthwatering seasonal food in New England, like apple cider donuts and Indian pudding or year-round staples such as Boston cream pies and clam chowder, a cruise to the Northeast is the way to do it. When vacationing in New England, you can explore classic dishes and learn about the food’s history, getting a glimpse into what makes the area so special.

Want to book your dream trip and enjoy all of New England’s famous food? Explore Royal Caribbean’s New England cruises today.