Maine’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of fresh seafood, rustic comfort foods, and quirky local traditions. From the rocky coastline to the dense forests, the Pine Tree State offers a feast for the senses that goes far beyond its famous lobsters. But what are the truly iconic foods in Maine? When you think of iconic Maine dishes, lobster rolls might immediately come to mind. However, the state’s food culture is as diverse as its landscape. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery whoopie pie or savoring a steaming bowl of clam chowder on a chilly coastal evening. New England cuisine comes from Maine’s kitchens and seaside shacks. Here, generations-old recipes mingle with innovative twists, creating a food scene that’s both comforting and exciting. Having lived in Maine for nearly half my life, I’m excited to share just a few examples of the mouthwatering delights that await you in Maine.
The Ultimate List: 18 Iconic Maine Foods
Are you ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure through Maine? In this guide, we’ve mapped out 18 must-try classics and the best spots to savor them. From hidden gems in small coastal towns to beloved institutions in bustling Portland, we’ll take you on a journey through Maine’s most delectable offerings. So, whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a comfort food connoisseur, or simply curious about Maine’s unique flavors. We’re about to dive into a world where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the rich bounty of the land and sea. Get ready to discover why Maine is a food lover’s paradise!
🦞 Seafood Staples
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a hearty, creamy soup that’s a staple of New England cuisine. It comes in two main varieties: New England and Manhattan. New England clam chowder features a thick, cream-based broth with tender clams and diced potatoes and often includes bacon or salt pork. Manhattan clam chowder, on the other hand, has a tomato-based broth. Clam chowder is typically seasoned with herbs such as thyme and garnished with oyster crackers. This comforting dish is perfect for cold weather and coastal dining experiences.
Where To Get It: The Clam Shack
Address: 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Phone: (207) 967-3321
Fried Clams
Fried clams are a beloved seafood dish, especially popular in coastal New England. Whole belly clams or clam strips are dredged in a seasoned flour or cornmeal mixture and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, briny clam inside. Fried clams are often served with tartar sauce or lemon wedges for added flavor. They’re a common menu item at seafood shacks and summer festivals.
Where To Get It: Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster
Address: South Freeport Waterfront, South Freeport, ME
Phone: (207) 865-4888
Lobster Roll
A lobster roll is a quintessential New England seafood sandwich. It features succulent chunks of lobster meat served in a toasted, buttered hot dog bun. The lobster is typically dressed lightly with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sometimes celery. There are two main styles: the cold Maine style with mayo and the warm Connecticut style with melted butter. Both are commonly sold in Maine. Lobster rolls are often served with a side of potato chips or fries. This delicious treat combines the sweet, tender meat of the lobster with the crisp, buttery bun for a perfect summer indulgence.
Where To Get It: McLoon’s Lobster Shack
Address: 315 Island Road, South Thomaston, ME 04858
Phone: (207) 593-1382
Looking for other things to do while in Coastal Maine? We’ve got you covered here.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon is a prized delicacy in Maine’s culinary scene. Wild Atlantic salmon from Maine’s cold waters are particularly sought after for their superior taste. However, due to conservation efforts, most Atlantic salmon available today is farm-raised. Nonetheless, Maine’s aquaculture industry has made significant strides in sustainable farming practices. The fish is incredibly versatile, perfect for grilling, baking, or smoking. It’s also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. Whether served as a simple fillet or incorporated into elaborate dishes, Atlantic salmon remains a staple of Maine’s seafood offerings.
Where To Get It: Scales Restaurant
Address: 68 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 805-0444
Baked Haddock
Baked Haddock is a quintessential New England dish that shines in Maine’s coastal cuisine. This mild, flaky white fish is typically topped with a buttery crumb mixture, often made with crushed Ritz crackers. The simplicity of the dish allows the delicate flavor of the haddock to take center stage. It’s a comfort food favorite, easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Maine’s waters provide some of the freshest haddock available, ensuring a superior taste experience. The dish is often served with a wedge of lemon and a side of vegetables or potatoes. Baked haddock exemplifies Maine’s approach to seafood: simple, delicious, and highlighting the natural flavors of the ocean.
Where To Get It: Billy’s Chowder House
Address: 216 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Phone: (207) 646-7558
🍲 Entrees & Classics
Bean Hole Beans
Bean hole beans are a traditional delicacy from Maine with deep roots in Native American cuisine. This hearty dish requires cooks to slow-cook beans in a cast-iron pot that they bury underground. First, they build a fire in a stone-lined pit. Next, they lower the pot, filled with beans, salt pork, molasses, and spices, into the hot coals. Then, they cover the pit with dirt, allowing the beans to cook for up to 24 hours. The result is a rich, flavorful dish with a unique smoky taste. People often serve bean-hole beans at community events and logging camps. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also showcase Maine’s culinary heritage.
Where to Find It: The best place to find these isn’t at a restaurant. Instead, they are often available at significant community events. Consequently, you’ll often see signs and flyers advertising these gatherings, especially throughout the summer months.
Red Snapper Hot Dogs
Red Snapper hot dogs are an iconic Maine specialty known for their vibrant red color and satisfying snap. These hot dogs get their distinctive hue from food dye. The “snap” comes from their natural lamb casing, which creates a satisfying sound when bitten into. Made from a blend of beef and pork, Red Snappers are a staple at summer barbecues and campsites across Maine. They’re often served in traditional New England-style split-top buns, which can be buttered and toasted. W.A. Bean & Sons, a Bangor-based company, is the primary producer of these unique hot dogs. Red Snappers are more than just a food; they’re a beloved part of Maine’s culinary culture.
Where To Get It: W.A. Bean & Sons
Address: 229 Bomarc Road. Bangor, Maine 04401
Phone Number: (207) 947-03641
Toll-free: 1-800-649-1958
Tourtière Pie
Tourtière pie is a beloved French-Canadian dish that has become a staple in Maine’s culinary landscape. This savory meat pie features a flaky, golden crust enveloping a rich filling of ground pork and beef, seasoned with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The addition of mashed potatoes gives the filling a unique texture and helps bind the ingredients together. Traditionally served during the holiday season, tourtière has evolved into a year-round comfort food favorite.
Where To Get It: Dolly’s Restaurant
Address: 17 US Route 1, Frenchville, ME 04745
Phone: (207) 728-7050
Ployes
Ployes are a distinctive Maine delicacy that showcases the state’s French-Acadian heritage. These thin, spongy pancakes are made from a simple batter of buckwheat flour, wheat flour, and baking powder. Unlike traditional pancakes, ployes are cooked only on one side, resulting in a crispy bottom and a top dotted with tiny holes perfect for absorbing toppings. Versatile and delicious, ployes can be enjoyed sweet with maple syrup or savory with cretons, a pork spread. For the ultimate ploye experience, visit Bouchard Family Farm in Fort Kent, where you can purchase their famous ploye mix and even attend the annual Ploye Festival to indulge in various creative combinations.
Where To Get It: Bouchard Family Farm
Address: 3 Strip Road, Fort Kent, ME 04743
Phone: (207) 834-3237
🍰 Sweet Treats & Desserts
Whoopie Pie
The whoopie pie is a beloved Maine delicacy, officially being designated Maine’s official state treat. This sweet sandwich consists of two round chocolate cakes with a creamy filling in between. Originating in the 1920s, whoopie pies have a rich history in Maine. They come in various flavors, but chocolate with vanilla cream remains the classic choice. Mainers take pride in their whoopie pies, which are more extensive and more decadent than versions found elsewhere. Try a gourmet whoopie pie from a local bakery for an authentic Maine taste or the entire store dedicated to only whoopie pies in Freeport.
Where To Get It: Wicked Whoopies
Address: 100 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Phone: (207) 865-3100
Blueberry Pie
Maine’s official state dessert is the wild blueberry pie. Made with small, sweet, wild blueberries unique to eastern Maine, this pie is a true local delicacy. The flaky crust and juicy filling perfectly balance textures and flavors. Many consider Helen’s Restaurant in Machias to serve the best wild blueberry pie in the state. I’ve personally had it at Helen’s and can agree. They also sell a variety of other iconic Maine food. Whether enjoyed à la mode (with ice cream on top) or on its own, a slice of wild blueberry pie captures the essence of Maine’s natural bounty.
Where To Get It: Helen’s Restaurant
Address: 111 Main St, Machias, ME 04654
Phone: (207) 255-8423
Potato Donuts
Potato donuts are a distinctive Maine creation. These donuts use mashed potatoes in the dough, resulting in a moist, tender texture. The addition of potatoes gives these treats a unique flavor profile and longer shelf life compared to traditional donuts. Often served plain or with a light glaze, potato donuts showcase Maine’s agricultural heritage. They’re a must-try for anyone looking to experience a truly local culinary innovation.
Where To Get It: The Holy Donut
Address: 194 Park Avenue, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207) 874-7774
Looking to get out of Portland? Here are our recommended 35 day trips from Portland to explore more of Maine
Needhams Candies
Needham Candies are a beloved Maine treat that perfectly captures the state’s culinary heritage. These square-shaped confections feature a unique blend of coconut, sugar, and mashed potatoes, all in rich dark chocolate. The potato, a staple crop in Maine, acts as a binding agent and adds a smooth texture without overpowering the candy’s flavor. Originating in the 1870s, Needhams have become a cherished part of Maine’s food culture, often found in Christmas stockings and given as gifts on special occasions. Today, artisanal producers are revitalizing this traditional treat, offering classic and innovative flavors like blueberry, maple, and espresso. For an authentic taste of Maine’s sweet legacy, head to Len Libby’s in Scarborough, where they’ve been crafting Needhams for over 80 years and even offer Needhams ice cream.
Where To Get It: Len Libby Candies
Address: 419 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
Phone: (207) 883-4897
🥣 Side Dishes
Fiddleheads
Fiddleheads are an iconic Maine food that captivates food enthusiasts every spring. These tightly curled fern fronds offer a distinctive, earthy flavor and a crisp texture. Harvested from the ostrich fern, fiddleheads are packed with nutrients. To prepare, rinse them thoroughly and steam or boil for optimal taste and safety. Fiddleheads pair wonderfully with butter, lemon, or prosciutto, creating a truly memorable dish. For an authentic fiddlehead experience, visit The Fiddlehead Restaurant in Bangor, Maine. This establishment takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including fiddleheads, when in season.
Where To Get It: The Fiddlehead Restaurant
Address: 84 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 942-3336
Blueberry Muffins
Maine’s wild blueberries shine in the state’s iconic blueberry muffins. These moist, flavorful treats burst with the sweet-tart taste of locally grown berries. The best Maine blueberry muffins strike a perfect balance between sweetness and natural fruit flavor, often using maple syrup as a sweetener. Often topped with a sprinkle of sugar, these muffins offer a delightful crunch with every bite. Many local restaurants use locally grown Maine blueberries in their famous blueberry pancakes, fruit sauces, or as a topping, ensuring a true taste of Maine in every serving.
Where To Get It: Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast
Address: 15 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-4166
Corn Chowder
Maine’s corn chowder is a hearty, satisfying dish that warms both body and soul. This creamy soup combines sweet corn, tender potatoes, and smoky bacon for a rich, complex flavor profile. Traditional recipes often include onions, celery, and milk or cream, creating a thick, velvety texture. Some variations incorporate seafood or chicken, adding extra depth to this comforting classic. If you want to check off two items simultaneously, visit The Dolphin Marina and Restaurant. They serve blueberry muffins with every meal as a delicious alternative to bread and butter.
Where To Get It: Dolphin Marina and Restaurant
Address: 515 Basin Point Road, Harpswell, ME 04079
Phone: (207) 833-6000
🥤 Drinks
Moxie Soda
Moxie, Maine’s official state beverage and an iconic food is an acquired taste that locals adore. This carbonated soda has a bitter, herbal flavor derived from gentian root extract. Invented in 1876 by Dr. Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts, Moxie has become synonymous with Maine culture. Its unique taste sets it apart from other sodas, making it a conversation starter and a point of pride for Mainers. Trying Moxie is essential for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Maine’s culinary traditions fully.
Where to Get It: Local gas stations or grocery stores usually carry it. You can also find it offered at some local restaurants.
🍯 Toppings
Maine Maple Syrup
Maine Maple Syrup is a beloved treasure of the Pine Tree State, offering a sweet and rich flavor that captivates taste buds. This golden elixir is carefully crafted from the sap of sugar maple trees, which thrive in Maine’s forests. The syrup-making process is a time-honored tradition, typically occurring in late winter and early spring when the freeze-thaw cycles are just right. Maine’s maple producers take pride in their pure, high-quality syrup, which comes in various grades ranging from delicate golden to robust dark. Whether drizzled over pancakes, used in baking, or as a glaze for meats, Maine Maple Syrup adds a distinctive touch to any dish.
Where to Get It: Palace Diner
Address: 18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Phone number: (207) 284-0015
Pro Tips for Foodies Looking for Iconic Foods in Maine
Seasonal Timing
Maine’s iconic foods shine brightest during their peak seasons. The best time to savor Maine’s prized lobster is from late June to early December. During this period, soft-shell lobsters abound, offering tender, flavorful meat that’s easier to crack open. A week-long lobster festival is held in Rockland in July, and it is absolutely worth attending. Meanwhile, August brings the wild blueberry season kicks into high gear. Don’t miss the annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. This two-day celebration showcases Maine’s state berry with farm tours, tastings, and special events. Foodies flock to Maine’s Wild Blueberry Festival, a longstanding tradition that aligns with the statewide festivities.
In spring, tender fiddleheads and asparagus emerge. Summer ushers in a cornucopia of flavors, including juicy strawberries in June. As autumn arrives, orchards burst with crisp apples while pumpkins and winter squash take center stage. Even in winter, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots remain readily available. This seasonal variety ensures that iconic Maine foods are always within reach, whether you’re craving a lobster roll in summer or hearty potato dishes in winter. By embracing these seasonal rhythms, food lovers can truly savor the authentic taste of Maine throughout the year.
Avoid Tourist Traps
When exploring Maine’s iconic foods, it’s crucial to steer clear of tourist traps that may leave you disappointed. One prime example is Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, famous for its lobster rolls but notorious for long lines and very overpriced meals. Instead of wasting hours waiting, savvy foodies can discover equally delicious alternatives. For instance, try Sprague’s for a mouthwatering lobster roll without the wait. Similarly, skip overpriced establishments like DiMillo’s in Portland or McSeagull’s in Boothbay Harbor. To truly experience Maine’s culinary treasures, seek out local favorites and hidden gems. Explore Portland’s vibrant food scene at places like Eventide Oyster Co. or Fore Street. These spots offer authentic Maine flavors without the tourist-trap prices. Remember, the best iconic foods in Maine are often found off the beaten path, where locals gather to enjoy fresh seafood, hearty chowders, and sweet blueberry treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Iconic Foods In Maine
Wrap-Up: Iconic Foods in Maine
Maine’s iconic foods offer a tantalizing journey through the state’s rich culinary landscape. From succulent lobster rolls to sweet wild blueberry pies, these dishes tell a story of tradition, innovation, and local pride. As you explore the Pine Tree State, don’t miss the chance to savor whoopie pies, slurp down creamy clam chowder, or sip on unique Moxie soda. Each bite and sip connects you to Maine’s history, culture, and natural bounty. Moreover, these iconic foods showcase the state’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re a seafood lover, dessert enthusiast, or adventurous foodie, Maine’s cuisine has something to delight every palate. So, embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover why Maine’s iconic foods have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Remember, experiencing these culinary treasures isn’t just about eating – it’s about immersing yourself in the authentic flavors of Maine.
