If you’ve been a reader for more than a day, you know that we love food. We love finding the best restaurants in Maine – from Italian to Mexican to those hidden in small towns – we find great joy in being forced to eat in the name of work. But, no matter how many cheeseburger and lobster rolls we advise you to try, there are always the quintessential Maine dishes that stand out no matter what. These are the iconic foods you grew up with and they’re the one that bring you back home with the first bite. If you call yourself a Mainer, here are the foods you must eat. And, because we just couldn’t help ourselves we’ve thrown in a few random meals that you should try just for fun.
- A Maine Italian
Chris R. / Yelp
Lia P. / Yelp Legend has it the Maine Italian is named after the nationality of its inventor, rather than having anything to do with Italy. Back in 1902, in a little shop on the waterfront of Portland, Giovanni Amato created the sandwich by cutting one of his loaves lengthwise and piling it with ham and other delicacies. Today, having a Maine Italian means a sandwich piled with ham, peppers, American cheese, tomatoes, onion and olives. And, if you’re in a real bind and need one out of state, call Amato’s. They just might send you all the ingredients to assemble at home.
- And, while we’re at it, throw in a bag of Humpty Dumpty chips.
Laura Taylor / Flickr BBQ is ideal!
- The Summit Sundae at The Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket.
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook After finishing off the Trail Burger, dig into the Summit Sundae challenge. Finish it and you’ll get to add your name to the list of champs and go home with a t-shirt, bumper sticker and the bowl!
- An afternoon Red Snapper dog
T.Tseng / Flickr This Maine summer staple has been delighting us since 1918. The natural-casing dogs are named after the “snap” you hear upon taking that first bite!
- A slice of wild blueberry pie
Abby / Flickr The best Maine blueberry pie is made with wild blueberries, which makes summer the best time to gobble them up. If you’re up for a real challenge, make your own. Start by hiking Blueberry Mountain.
- The 7-Napkin Burger at Owls Head General Store in Owls Head
Erin H. / Flickr You might not find this burger on a list of traditional Maine foods, but it’s still one you must try. Piled high with cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and onions along with a hearty slather of mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup, this is a Maine dish in its own right. Try it at The Owls Head General Store: 2 South Shore Drive, Owls Head / 207-596-6038.
- A unique take of fiddleheads
Boris Wong / Flickr These wild-growing plants are perfect fried, steamed or stir-fried. But, what’s best about them is their versatility. Cook them up in some garlic, mixed with mushrooms or come up with something completely new. In the summer, you’ll be tempted to grab a few driving down a rural road. Do it!
- Maine baked beans
Drew Dies / Flickr If you’re expecting sweet beans when you take a spoonful of this Maine staple, you’ll be very surprised. They might look like the baked beans you get in the South, but these are very, very Maine. You’ll want to try them with #9…
- Maine brown bread in a can
amanda / Flickr If you want to make a real Maine meal of it, steam this bread in a can and serve alongside #8. Then, sit back and revel in how Maine you are.
- Fresh Maine seafood
Tom Lin / Flickr Sure, we’re known for lobster in many varieties, but a real Mainer knows that seafood doesn’t end there. We’ve got clams, haddock, oysters, mussels…the list goes on and on.
- But, of course our lobster rolls ARE pretty spectacular.
Red’s Eats / Facebook As long as it’s made on a split-top bun and full of the best meat, you can’t go wrong. Click here for a listing of some of our favorites.
- Summer corn chowder
Heather Joan / Flickr Maine’s corn chowder is primarily for summer days, which is convenient considering you’ll need in-season, fresh corn to make it well. But it’s thick and comforting enough to keep you warm in the winter if you just can’t help yourself.
- Traditional boiled dinner
Liza Lagman Sperl / Flickr This one pot dish is typically made with brisket, ham or corned beef along with cabbage and carrots.
What do you think are the most quintessential Maine dishes?
Chris R. / Yelp
Lia P. / Yelp
Legend has it the Maine Italian is named after the nationality of its inventor, rather than having anything to do with Italy. Back in 1902, in a little shop on the waterfront of Portland, Giovanni Amato created the sandwich by cutting one of his loaves lengthwise and piling it with ham and other delicacies. Today, having a Maine Italian means a sandwich piled with ham, peppers, American cheese, tomatoes, onion and olives. And, if you’re in a real bind and need one out of state, call Amato’s. They just might send you all the ingredients to assemble at home.
Laura Taylor / Flickr
BBQ is ideal!
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
After finishing off the Trail Burger, dig into the Summit Sundae challenge. Finish it and you’ll get to add your name to the list of champs and go home with a t-shirt, bumper sticker and the bowl!
T.Tseng / Flickr
This Maine summer staple has been delighting us since 1918. The natural-casing dogs are named after the “snap” you hear upon taking that first bite!
Abby / Flickr
The best Maine blueberry pie is made with wild blueberries, which makes summer the best time to gobble them up. If you’re up for a real challenge, make your own. Start by hiking Blueberry Mountain.
Erin H. / Flickr
You might not find this burger on a list of traditional Maine foods, but it’s still one you must try. Piled high with cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and onions along with a hearty slather of mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup, this is a Maine dish in its own right. Try it at The Owls Head General Store: 2 South Shore Drive, Owls Head / 207-596-6038.
Boris Wong / Flickr
These wild-growing plants are perfect fried, steamed or stir-fried. But, what’s best about them is their versatility. Cook them up in some garlic, mixed with mushrooms or come up with something completely new. In the summer, you’ll be tempted to grab a few driving down a rural road. Do it!
Drew Dies / Flickr
If you’re expecting sweet beans when you take a spoonful of this Maine staple, you’ll be very surprised. They might look like the baked beans you get in the South, but these are very, very Maine. You’ll want to try them with #9…
amanda / Flickr
If you want to make a real Maine meal of it, steam this bread in a can and serve alongside #8. Then, sit back and revel in how Maine you are.
Tom Lin / Flickr
Sure, we’re known for lobster in many varieties, but a real Mainer knows that seafood doesn’t end there. We’ve got clams, haddock, oysters, mussels…the list goes on and on.
Red’s Eats / Facebook
As long as it’s made on a split-top bun and full of the best meat, you can’t go wrong. Click here for a listing of some of our favorites.
Heather Joan / Flickr
Maine’s corn chowder is primarily for summer days, which is convenient considering you’ll need in-season, fresh corn to make it well. But it’s thick and comforting enough to keep you warm in the winter if you just can’t help yourself.
Liza Lagman Sperl / Flickr
This one pot dish is typically made with brisket, ham or corned beef along with cabbage and carrots.
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