Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Washington, United States
1. Dungeness Crab from Seattle
Fresh and flavorful Dungeness crabs are a Pacific Northwest specialty, especially in Seattle. The best ones are caught off the coast of Washington.
- Seafood Freshness: Crabs are caught daily from local waters.
- Taste Profile: Sweet and delicate flavor sets Dungeness crab apart from others.
- Preparation Variety: Crabs can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed or grilled with garlic butter.
2. Clam Chowder from Port Townsend
Rich and creamy clam chowder is a must-try in Port Townsend. Made with local Manilla clams and potatoes, this dish is comfort food at its best.
- Local Ingredients: Manilla clams are sustainably sourced from Puget Sound.
- Taste Experience: The combination of creamy broth and tender clams creates a delightful dining experience.
- Historical Roots: Clam chowder has deep roots in the maritime history of Washington State.
3. Apple Pie from Wenatchee
Washington apples make some of the best apple pies in the country. Visit Wenatchee, known as the 'Apple Capital,' for a slice of this delicious dessert.
- Quality Ingredients: Fresh Washington apples are used to create a flavorful filling.
- Pie Craftsmanship: Artisanal pie-makers handcraft each apple pie for an authentic experience.
- Regional Pride: Wenatchee is proud of its apple heritage and welcomes visitors to taste the fruits of their labor.
4. Pacific Northwest Salmon from Olympia
Olympia is a great place to sample fresh Pacific Northwest salmon. The region's mild climate and clean waters produce some of the best-tasting salmon in the world.
- Fish Sustainability: Salmon is sustainably sourced from local rivers and the Pacific Ocean.
- Taste Profile: The salmon's rich, oily flesh is known for its robust flavor.
- Cooking Styles: Salmon can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled, poached, or smoked.
5. Huckleberry Cobbler from Mount Rainier National Park
Fresh huckleberries are a natural treasure found in Mount Rainier National Park. Taste them in a homemade cobbler while enjoying the stunning park views.
- Local Wildlife: Huckleberries provide food for wildlife, adding to the park's natural beauty.
- Taste Experience: The tart, sweet flavor of huckleberries is a memorable treat.
- Homemade Cooking: Cobblers are made from scratch using freshly picked huckleberries.
6. Chow Fun Noodles from Spokane
Spokane's Chow Fun noodles are a favorite among locals. Thin rice noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and soy sauce for a tasty Asian-fusion dish.
- Asian-Fusion Cuisine: Chow Fun is an East meets West fusion of Chinese Chow Mein and Vietnamese Phở.
- Local Twist: Spokane adds its own unique flavor profile to this popular dish.
- Versatile Toppings: Chow Fun can be customized with various protein and vegetable options.
7. Marionberry Pie from Portland (near Washington border)
Portland, just across the border from Washington, is known for its Marionberry pies. These juicy, tart berries make a delicious and unique dessert.
- Marionberry Taste: The taste of Marionberries is a mix between blackberries and raspberries.
- Pie Craftsmanship: Artisanal pie-makers create each Marionberry pie with care.
- Regional Pride: Portland is proud of its unique culinary offerings, including Marionberry pies.
8. Garlic Sesame Noodles from Bellingham
Bellingham's Garlic Sesame Noodles are a popular dish for good reason. Thick noodles are coated in a garlicky sesame sauce and served with veggies.
- Garlic Intensity: The garlic flavor is strong, but balanced by the rich sesame sauce.
- Local Twist: Bellingham adds its own unique blend of spices to the classic dish.
- Veggie Variety: Garlic Sesame Noodles can be made with various vegetables, such as snap peas and carrots.
9. Smoked Salmon from Leavenworth
Leavenworth's smoked salmon is a favorite among visitors. The salmon is brined, smoked, and served thinly sliced for a delicious meal.
- Smokehouse Tradition: Leavenworth has been smoking salmon since the early 1900s.
- Taste Experience: The smoky, savory flavor of the salmon is a delight for your taste buds.
- Versatile Uses: Smoked salmon can be served on its own, as part of a bagel sandwich, or in a pasta dish.
10. Tri-Tip from Walla Walla
Walla Walla is known for its delicious Tri-Tip steak. The cut comes from the bottom sirloin and is flavorful with a tender texture.
- Grass-Fed Beef: Tri-Tips are made from grass-fed, local beef.
- Barbecue Technique: The steak is marinated and grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering meal.
- Versatile Serving: Tri-Tip can be served with various sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
11. Wild Mushroom Risotto from Woodinville
Woodinville's Wild Mushroom Risotto is a hearty dish made with locally foraged mushrooms and creamy Arborio rice.
- Foraged Ingredients: Mushrooms are carefully foraged from local forests.
- Creamy Texture: The risotto has a creamy, velvety texture that is irresistible.
- Versatile Wine Pairing: Woodinville's nearby wine region offers a variety of wines to pair with the risotto.
12. Baked Alaska from Seattle
Seattle's Baked Alaska is a dessert that combines ice cream, cake, and meringue. It is a spectacle to watch as the meringue browns during baking.
- Ice Cream Selection: Various flavors of ice cream can be used for this dessert.
- Cake Versatility: Different cake types can be used to create unique Baked Alaska desserts.
- Visual Appeal: The golden, flamed meringue adds a theatrical touch to this delightful dessert.
13. Scallops from San Juan Islands
San Juan Islands' fresh scallops are a seafood lover's dream. The islands' clean waters produce some of the best scallops in the world.
- Fish Sustainability: Scallops are sustainably sourced from local waters.
- Taste Profile: The scallops' sweet, delicate flavor sets them apart from others.
- Preparation Variety: Scallops can be prepared in various ways, such as seared or grilled with garlic butter.
14. Yakima Valley Wines from Yakima
Yakima's wine region is home to over 70 wineries. The valley's unique climate and soil produce a variety of award-winning wines.
- Terroir Diversity: The diverse terrain and microclimates of the valley create complex flavors in each wine.
- Wine Quality: Yakima's wines are known for their excellent quality and balance.
- Tasting Opportunities: Visitors can taste wines directly at the wineries or through guided tastings.
15. Washington State Cider from Yakima Valley
Yakima Valley's apple orchards produce a bounty of apples perfect for cider-making. Visit the region to taste this crisp, refreshing beverage.
- Local Ingredients: Fresh Washington State apples are used in each batch of cider.
- Taste Variety: Ciders come in various flavors, such as sweet, dry, or fruity.
- Farm-to-Glass Experience: Cideries offer tours and tastings, showcasing the process from apple to glass.