What Food is Baltimore Known For? A Culinary Tour of Maryland’s Largest City

With a rich history, Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city, and it is known for its charm alongside the local cuisine that locals are very proud of. Baltimore is located along the shore of Chesapeake Bay and promotes culture and traditional values alongside modern innovation. However, the foods that most people seem to identify with the city tend to originate from the water around them, including blue crabs.

The class Baltimore serves as a working-class port city which is mostly known for seafood, and seafood is incredibly crabs. Beyond serving crabs with seasoning, Baltimore offers even more ranging from smokey pit beef to fudgy cookies. For culinary experts, Baltimore is nothing short of a packed bag. 

Baltimore Bay’s Blue Crab

Similar to the food story of Baltimore that revolves around the bay, the water has hidden gems underneath which range from seafood to crabs. The locals tend to cultivate the specialties of the bay, like Maryland blue crabs. The sweet taste of these crabs is often compared to Baltimore’s heritage.

You can feel the connection to the bay in every bite of crab dishes. It’s never simply about eating. It’s leisure time with families, eating places with scenic views, and regional validation. The crab shacks and clamoring seafood stalls along the shores, along with the sweet aroma of crab spiced delicacies brings to light the love Baltimore has for sea culture.

Culinary Baltimore

Maryland Blue Crab & Crab Cakes

The Baltimore crab cake is on everyone’s go-to list and is a perfect example when people ask what food is Baltimore known for. Baltimore is well known for its crab cakes. They’re simple yet luxurious, made with jumbo lump crab meat, minimal filler, and just the right blend of spices. A ‘real crab cake,’ according to most, is one that is not heavily covered or concealed by overwhelming thick breading. If you want to taste these golden beauties, you should head to Lexington Market and grab some from Faidley’s Seafood. You’ll know what I’m talking about in that ‘first bite’ moment.

Steamed Crabs with Old Bay Seasoning

If Baltimore is known for something, it is their crab feasts. Steam or boil them and generously sprinkle Old Bay seasoning on top. The tradition begins with covering tables with newspaper. There is a wooden, log-like tool used to smash open the claws, which the locals call a hammer. Smashing these steaming crabs is an art as much as it is a meal and calling it social would be an understatement. Gathering with friends or family and sharing stories while savoring the spiced aroma is something you will always remember.

Pit Beef Sandwiches

For someone who identifies as a meat lover, Baltimore pit beef is clearly at the top of the list. This charred beef is smoked, even more so alongside Baltimore, served rare, doused with horseradish sauce, and served on a kaiser roll. This dish can be described as boldly Baltimore and offers a lot to the taste buds. Chaps Pit Beef is the place to go for renowned local specialties. A single bite will tell you why it’s a beloved local staple.

Berger Cookies

Are you feeling the need to treat yourself Berger Cookies are nostalgic, comforting, soft in texture like a cake, and generously covered in rich fudge. Originally a sweet treat for Baltimore residents, these cookies quickly became household gems the moment German immigrants settled into Baltimore. Locals cannot simply stop themselves from taking these cookies with coffee or even after having a delightful feast of crab.

Lake Trout (Fried Fish)

There is no trout involved in this dish, but there is an abundance of crispy fried whiting served alongside warm white bread and a side of hot sauce. The dish is hearty, quick, and a popular choice for many Baltimore residents. The dish holds significance due to the fond memories associated with it.

Coddies

While cod fish were historically abundant around Baltimore, the Coddies give tribute to the working-class roots of the city. Coddies are salt cod and mashed potato blended patties that are deep fried to a crisp and served between saltine crackers with a twist of yellow mustard. Coddies are incredibly satisfying whether you decide to have them as a quick bite or a light meal.

Baltimore’s Diverse Culinary Scene

Apart from the signature dishes, the food selection in Baltimore shows how diverse the city is. The Baltimore food scene has been profoundly influenced by the African American, Polish, Jewish and Italian cultures. Little Italy in Baltimore is a closely knit community with a number of Italian outlets. You will be spoilt by choices when it comes to the homemade pasta or the Cannoli.

Baltimore also takes pride in soul food. Dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and collard greens are comforting and also help uplift the community spirit. Traditional influences of these comforting dishes are being intertwined with modern chefs’ creativity making way for an exciting fusion food scene.

Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites

Head out to the non-tourist attractions and you will discover more of Baltimore. The Lexington Market is one of the oldest public markets in America and is filled with Baltimore local food. Cross Street Market is located in Federal Hill and is known for both long-time sellers and newer fancy stalls.

And be sure not to overlook Baltimore’s hidden gems such as shrimp salad sandwiches or Maryland stuffed ham. These dishes may fly under the radar, but they have a special place in the hearts of locals.

Where to Go: Food Tours & Must Visit Spots

One of the most fascinating ways to know Baltimore on a deeper level is through a guided food tour. Visit historic neighborhoods such as Fells Point which features cobblestone streets, renowned waterfronts, and some of the best bites in the city. Seafood festivals, farmers’ markets and craft breweries add to the buzz of the city.

Baltimore For Food Lovers: Things to Note

For seafood aficionados, the best time to devour crabs is during summer and early fall. If you are attending a crab feast don’t forget mallet in one hand, cold beer in the other. There are plenty of locals that would be glad to teach you how to crack a crab like a seasoned professional.

If you have more time on your hands or wish for a more personal experience, you might want to think about hiring a personal chef Baltimore locals trust to bring the authentic local flavors right to your table.

There is no doubt that the food scene in Baltimore is truly one of a kind. The city itself is bursting with culture, and the food options are limitless. From the bold tastes of seafood from the Chesapeake Bay to overwhelming pit beef and mouthwatering desserts, this city has no shortage of dishes to offer.