Holiday Ayo - Undoubtedly, New England is a unique place with even more unique people and cultures. This Northeast state is well known for its delicious fresh seafood that you can find in more restaurants, but it also has many native dishes and quirky items that stand out compared to other regions of the country.

Check out these 5 food dishes that are absolute symbols of Maine and learn why they are so well-loved.

1. Lobster Roll

source: GQ

Maine’s lobster is highly coveted as it is sweet and tender, perfect for rolls or just dipped in butter. They are also less salty due to the cold waters of the Northeast. Maine lobster rolls are served with chilled lobster meat in mayo and featuring chives, celery, or scallions sprinkled on top.

2. Whoopie Pies

source: Tasting Table

Since 2011, the whoopie pie has been Maine’s official state treat. If you’re unfamiliar with this classic dessert, it consists of two cake-like rounds surrounding a white creamy filling. Residents of this state have been making whoopie pies since 1925 when farmer wives would make small portable treats for their hard-working husbands. 

3. Bean-Hole Beans

source: Atlas Obscura

Bean hole supper is a Maine specialty that gained popularity among early New Englanders. It consists of beans, molasses, and salt pork placed in cast iron pots and buried in the ground in a stone-lined pit on a bed of coals. Originally, Native Americans baked beans with bear grease and maple syrup in clay pots in the ground.

4. Brown Bread

source: Serious Eats

One of the most popular forms of brown bread in New England is made by B&M in Portland, Maine. Brown bread is actually bread in a can, which might sound strange, but it’s very popular among Maine residents. Relying on wheat flour, rye flour, and cornmeal, brown bread from Maine is sweet and cake-like, different from your typical table bread.

5. Fried Clams

source: Boston

As a New England favorite, fried clams are a prevalent dish in Maine. Seafood is plentiful in the Northeast, so many of the state’s most treasured recipes are centered around food from the sea. Fried clams are just that, clams that are deep-fried to a golden brown. They are typically served with other fried fish and french fries.