Delaware is a small state with big flavors. From its traditional delights to its modern gastronomic delights, Food in Delaware span a huge range and variety. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort foods or trying something new, there are plenty of delicious delights to be found here.
Known for its seafood dishes and unique local ingredients, Delaware offers an array of culinary experiences that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Here are some of the best-loved delights and food Delaware is known for.
Most Famous Food In Delaware
The Bobbie
The Bobbie is a sandwich that is considered special in Delaware because it was created by Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, a local sandwich chain that was founded in Wilmington, Delaware in 1976.
This iconic sandwich features roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mayonnaise all piled onto a Kaiser roll. It has gained national attention and has been featured on several food and travel shows.
With its popularity, this food from Delaware is now served at delis and restaurants all over the state. While this classic version is still beloved by many, there have been variations made to the original recipe — some include bacon or cheese to make an even more delicious treat!
Additionally, the Bobbie is unique because it is a sandwich that combines the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner into one delicious sandwich. It has become a staple for locals and visitors alike and is often enjoyed as a comfort food in Delaware.
Popular Foods In Delaware
Creamed Chipped Beef
Creamed chipped beef, also known as “SOS” (which stands for “shit on a shingle”), is another popular food in Delaware. It is made with shredded pieces of dried beef cooked in a white sauce, and served on top of toast or biscuits.
This dish was created as an easy and affordable way to use up leftover beef scraps from butchering. The beef is cooked in a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.
The sauce is often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices, giving it a stronger flavor that complements the salty taste of the beef.
Creamed chipped beef is also a staple dish in the military. It was a common meal served to soldiers during the world war and continues to be a popular item on many military menus today.
Blue Claw Crabs
Delaware is known for its seafood, and the Blue Claw Crab is undoubtedly one of the most famous foods from Delaware.
The state is located along the mid-Atlantic coast, which is recognized for its abundant seafood. Blue Claw Crabs are native to the area and are an important part of Delaware’s fishing industry, supporting both commercial and recreational fishing.
These crabs are harvested from local waterways and are known for their sweet, delicate meat. It is prized by seafood lovers for its succulent flavor and texture that cannot be found anywhere else, making them a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Blue Claw Crabs are often steamed or boiled and served with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, or other seasonings to enhance their natural flavor. They can be served with sides such as coleslaw and corn on the cob to create an amazing meal.
In addition to their delicious taste, Blue Claw Crabs are also an important part of Delaware’s cultural heritage. The state is home to several annual festivals and events that celebrate the crabbing industry.
With its addictive flavor and cultural significance, Blue Claw Crabs is definitely one food Delaware is known for.
Slippery Dumplings
Slippery dumplings are a traditional comfort food from Delaware that is beloved by many. What makes them special is their light, delicate texture and versatility in different dishes.
Slippery dumplings are made from a simple dough consisting of flour, egg, and milk. It is typically boiled or simmered in a savory broth or stew to form the dumplings. They have a soft and tender texture similar to that of a noodle or pasta.
The dumplings are usually served with a creamy gravy or butter sauce, highlighting their texture and mouthfeel. It is often enjoyed as part of a traditional Sunday dinner or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
Chicken or beef stew, pot roast, soups or other hearty dishes are common pairings. They are also a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, which has a strong influence on Delaware’s food culture.
Fried Chicken
Delaware is also known for its delicious fried chicken. This classic dish has been around for centuries, but Delawareans have perfected it with their unique take on this timeless favorite.
The key to Delaware’s fried chicken lies in the combination of ingredients, seasoning, breading, and cooking technique that results in a flavorful, juicy piece of chicken with an extra crunchy coating.
They put their own spin on it by using spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a flavor profile that can’t be found anywhere else.
It is often served alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread, providing a delicious and comforting All-American meal for any occasion.
Delaware Roadside Chicken BBQ
Roadside Chicken BBQ is the perfect snack or meal for anyone looking to get a taste of local Delaware food. The distinctive flavor and cooking style makes it a great representation of the state’s culinary traditions.
This dish was created by roadside vendors who wanted to serve up something special and unique.
The chicken is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. It is then basted with a tangy barbecue sauce made from vinegar and other ingredients.
Subsequently, the marinated chicken is slow-cooked over open flame and charcoal grills. This infuses it with a smoky and savory flavor that is hard to replicate using other cooking methods.
You can pair it with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, or classic burger. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh-cooked food on the go without having to settle for fast food.
Delaware Roadside Chicken BBQ is a favorite among locals and tourists alike and has become an iconic part of Delaware’s food culture.
Breakfast Food In Delaware
Scrapple
Scrapple is a classic Delaware food, made with a combination of pork scraps or trimmings and cornmeal. It’s usually served as a savory breakfast dish but can also be enjoyed any time of day.
This traditional food has been around since the 1700s and was probably brought to this area by German settlers. The name ‘scrapple’ likely derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch term for scraps – ‘ponhaws’.
This is a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, which has a strong influence on the state’s food culture. It is a testament to the resourcefulness of early settlers, who found a way to use every part of the pig, including the scraps that would otherwise be discarded.
The dish consists of ingredients like pork, onions, spices, and cornmeal which are combined together and boiled before being shaped into cubes or loaves for easy slicing.
It is then fried in butter or oil until crispy on the outside and slightly soft on the inside. Many local restaurants and diners also use a variety of spices and herbs to add an extra layer of flavor, such as sage, thyme, and black pepper.
Scrapple is often served with eggs and potatoes or in sandwiches. This is one of the most popular food from Delaware and an absolute must-try for anyone visiting this wonderful state!
Italian Style Food Delaware Is Known For
Grotto Pizza
Grotto Pizza is a pizza chain that was founded in 1960 by Dominick Pulieri in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Over the years, it has become one of the most beloved restaurants in the state and is well-known for its thin-crust pizzas with fresh ingredients.
Their pizza can be recognized with the distinctive swirl of tomato sauce and cheese that adds a visual touch to the already appetizing pizza.
Many of Grotto Pizza’s locations are located in beach towns, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Its Rehoboth Beach location, in particular, is known for its picturesque oceanfront views.
Many Delawareans have fond memories of dining at Grotto Pizza with friends and family, and it has become a part of the state’s cultural fabric.
NIC-O-BOLI®
NIC-O-BOLI® is a delicious Italian dish invented in Delaware. It’s made with a thick pizza dough filled with cheese and ground beef or sausage, then rolled up like a burrito and baked to perfection. It looks like a mix between a stromboli and calzone.
The recipe was created by Nick Caggiano Sr., the founder of Nicola Pizza, in the 1970s. He wanted to create a new type of food that would appeal to beachgoers and vacationers in Rehoboth Beach, and NIC-O-BOLI® was born.
It has become popular among locals and tourists alike for its unique flavor and ease of preparation. It can be served plain, topped with marinara sauce, or even customized with different filling ingredients.
Snack Food In Delaware
Thrasher’s Fries (Fries With Vinegar)
Another signature food of Delaware is fries with vinegar. These fries are famous for being served with vinegar, which adds a tangy and slightly acidic taste to the crispy potatoes.
There are many stories on how this street-side treat came to be. One version goes that it was invented by an enterprising entrepreneur who sold french fries with only malt vinegar as a condiment from a wheelbarrow on the boardwalk. It was an instant hit and spread to other parts of Delaware over time.
This simple yet delicious snack has been enjoyed by locals for generations and can be found at many restaurants and diners around the state. One of the most famous being Thrasher’s Fries.
What sets Thrasher’s Fries apart is their cooking method. The potatoes are fried twice, which ensures that they are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are also fried in small batches, which helps to maintain the temperature of the oil and prevent the fries from becoming greasy or soggy.
Thrasher’s Fries are typically served in paper tubs or cups, with a generous amount of vinegar drizzled on top. The vinegar adds a unique and refreshing taste to the fries, balancing out their rich and savory flavor.
READ MORE:
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Discovering The Best Foods From Delaware
Delaware’s food culture is heavily influenced by its location on the East Coast and its history as a farming and fishing state. The state’s cuisine is a mix of traditional American fare, seafood, and local specialties that have become part of Delaware’s food traditions.
While you are exploring the famous landmarks in Delaware, don’t forget to check out all the delights from across the state. Be sure to experience all that Delaware has to offer when it comes to food!
PIN THESE FOOD IN DELAWARE FOR LATER!
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