When vacationers think of Cape Cod, they probably picture its white-sandy beaches, fascinating history, and intriguing family-oriented activities. However, there are scrumptious treats that play a huge part in making this place distinctive. Most hidden and notable gems serve everything mouth-watering, from fresh oysters to crunchy cannoli, all waiting to be explored by tourists.
It’s nearly impossible to find an eatery without seafood on its menu. But it’s understandable as Cape Cod is surrounded by many top-rated beaches where residents go fishing. For some restaurants, both locals and travelers have to make long queues as the food here is known to be flavor-packed. These are the flavorsome foods that Cape Cod is best known for.
Cape Cod Is Known For These Foods
Cape Cod is home to some iconic restaurants and bakeries known for serving mouth-watering dishes. Clam Chowder is a signature food, or soup, chock-full of flavor. Some eateries use milk instead of water, while others prefer heavy cream. But all variations are delicious choices for warming up during cold weather. So, guests shouldn’t be surprised if they find themselves asking for one bowl after the other.
- Recommended Restaurants: Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon, The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, Black Cat Tavern, Captain Parker’s Club
This hearty dish makes a delicious alternative for travelers who are not into seafood. The beans are made by boiling dried white kidney beans, then stewing them with molasses and brown sugar until they’re nice and soft. Later, they are flavored with salt pork, a type of preserved pork product made from the belly of a pig. Eateries serve them alongside other tasty treats like grilled chicken breasts, hot dogs, or hamburgers.
- Recommended Restaurants: Keltic Kitchen, Colombo’s Café & Pasteris, Grumpy’s, Red Cottage Restaurant, Wee Packet
Cannoli is a pastry-wrapped tube filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. It can be topped with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or nuts. It’s one popular dessert any vacationer looking to camp in Cape Cod shouldn’t miss. While it’s available in most cafes and eateries, locals prefer buying them from bakeries as they are believed to be fresh. Cannoli is served with coffee or espresso drinks for breakfast or dessert.
- Recommended Restaurants: Pie In The Sky Bakery & Internet Café, Washashore Bakery, Colombo’s Café & Pastries
Seafood In Cape Cod
Seafood is an integral part of the culinary tradition in Cape Cod. Fortunately, tourists don’t have to be seafood connoisseurs to enjoy the dishes. For travelers looking for a meal that will have them licking their fingers and lips, fried clams are a sure option. Besides being mouth-watering, it’s one dish locals take pride in as it was invented in southern Massachusetts. A soft pierce with the teeth causes the briny and yummy jiggling balloon to explode, leaving an unforgettable taste. Each eatery has a secret recipe that will have food lovers craving for more. Fried clams can be served with French fries or coleslaw.
- Recommended Restaurants: The Seafood Shanty, Spanky’s Clam Shack and Seaside Saloon, The Skipper Restaurant, and Chowder House
For the ultimate foodie tour, Oysters should be on top of the list. Of course, for a good reason. They are mouth-watering, easy to eat even for first-timers, and can be prepared in many ways. While oysters can be taken raw, according to the traditional approach, most restaurants such as The Wicked Oyster use exemplary skills to prepare them. They cook them in their own juices at low temperatures, which helps preserve their taste and texture.
- Recommended Restaurants: The Naked Oyster & Raw Bar, Bookstore & Restaurant, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
Lobster rolls are sweet and succulent, with a delicate flavor that’s hard to beat. In fact, some tourists who’ve had a taste of this meal may lack the perfect words to describe it. Most restaurants have perfected the art of making this meal, no wonder guests can wait in the long queues without mumbling. They come wrapped in a hot dog bun, and the lobsters themselves are tossed in a cold and creamy mayonnaise mix. Travelers can choose to have the delicious rolls in the hotel or carry several to the beach.
- Recommended Restaurants: The Lobster Trap, Popponesset Raw Bar, Sesuit Harbor Café, Becky’s Diner
Whether pan-seared, boiled or fried, scallops are a must-try dish when on a Cape Cod vacation. Their buttery and tender meat will amaze anyone who’s a fan of crabs and lobsters. Different chefs use their creativity to complement scallops, making them more delectable. Whether mashed potatoes, French fries, or rice, scallops can be accompanied by other tantalizing treats. When it comes to health benefits, scallops have a low protein fat, making them perfect for guests on a weight loss journey.
- Recommended Restaurants: Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar, The Skipper Restaurant and Chowder House, Hearth’ n Kettle Yarmouth, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse
Besides these meals, guests should expect to find irresistible bites along the streets. These delicious varieties are rare to find in other towns, and this will have tourists wishing to have more vacations on Cape Cod.