A State-by-State Guide to the Most Iconic Foods in America

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Massachusetts: Clam Chowder

Massachusetts is all about New England clam chowder – a creamy, hearty soup that has been warming Bay Staters for generations. This chowder is iconic not just in Massachusetts but across New England, yet its most classic form is often associated with Massachusetts’ seaside communities and Boston’s historic taverns. A traditional New England clam chowder is a thick, milk- or cream-based soup loaded with quahog clams, diced potatoes, and onions. It usually starts by rendering salt pork or bacon, sautéing onions and celery in the fat, then adding flour to create a roux before stirring in clam broth and dairy. The tender clams and potatoes are then simmered in this rich base, often with a bit of thyme and bay leaf for depth. The result is a savory, velvety chowder that’s best enjoyed with oyster crackers on top. Given Massachusetts’ seafaring history, it’s no wonder this fishermen’s stew became a state favorite – it’s hearty enough to fortify you against a chilly Atlantic breeze. From roadside seafood shacks on Cape Cod to Boston’s oldest restaurants, you’ll find clam chowder on almost every menu, a steamy reminder of Massachusetts’ maritime traditions and comfort cooking.