if you’re a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure, the famous foods in Seattle are definitely worth looking into. From fresh seafood dishes to classic comfort foods, the Emerald City has a wide variety of delicious and unique eats. Some of the best foods from Seattle will no doubt tantalize your taste buds.
What’s Special About Foods In Seattle?
Seattle is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, which is harvested from the nearby waters of the Pacific Northwest. From salmon to oysters, there is a plethora of seafood dishes that will leave you wanting more.
But Seattle’s food scene goes way beyond just seafood. The city has a thriving farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants using locally sourced, organic ingredients to create delicious and healthy dishes.
You’ll find everything from trendy vegan cafes to upscale fine dining restaurants that celebrate the flavors and ingredients of the region.
And we cannot forget about the coffee! Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks; while it is kind of its claim to fame, that barely scratches the surface of the city’s coffee culture.
The city is littered with cozy cafes and independent roasters, serving up carefully crafted cups of coffee that will perk you up and satisfy your caffeine cravings.
Here are some of the best and famous foods in Seattle to try when you are visiting.
Most Famous Seattle Food
Pike Place Chowder
Seafood chowder is one of the most famous foods in Seattle. This creamy and savory soup is the perfect pick-me-up on a rainy Seattle day.
There is no better place to get it than Pike Place Chowder in the Pike Place Market. Seattle’s original farmers market is a haven for foodies.
The historic Pike Place Chowder store has gained a cult following for its delicious and authentic chowder. The most signature one being their original New England Clam Chowder.
The creamy chowder consists of fresh clams, potato chunks, bacon, a blend of aromatic herbs, and spices among other ingredients. But don’t be fooled into thinking they are a one-trick pony. Their other Chowders like Smoked Salmon or Crab & Oyster are equally pleasing.
There is a reason why this brand stood the test of time. You can taste the quality in every spoonful as they continuously deliver the proud flavors of the Pacific Northwest to every visitor.
Pike Place Chowder also provides the option to have your chowders served in freshly baked bread bowls, which we definitely recommend. It’s not just a perfect pairing and also makes for a satisfying meal.
One of the best ways to check out the delicious food around here is through a Pike Place Market food tour. Almost all of them will include a visit to Pike Place Chowder; that just goes to show how iconic this store is.
> Check Most Popular Pike Place Market Food Tour
Best Seafood In Seattle
Oysters
Oysters have been a staple of Seattle foods and culinary culture for years. The state is surrounded by some of the best oyster-producing waters in the world. That means you can find fresh, plump, and juicy oysters practically year-round.
And trust me, once you taste these babies, you’ll be hooked for life.
But what makes Seattle-style oysters so famous? Well, they are known for their briny flavor and creamy texture that comes from the cold waters they grow in.
Additionally, these oysters are harvested sustainably using careful techniques that ensure maximum freshness and taste.
There’s nothing quite like slurping down a freshly-shucked oyster, topped with a tangy mignonette or a squeeze of lemon. From seafood joints to high-end restaurants, there is no shortage of places with oysters on the menu.
One of the best things about oysters in Seattle is perhaps the social aspect. There’s something about sitting at a bustling oyster bar, surrounded by friends and fellow seafood lovers, that just makes the experience that much better.
So grab a dozen (or two) and a cold beer or glass of wine, and join the fun with one of the best seafood in Seattle.
Geoduck Sashimi
Geoduck Sashimi is one of the most adventurous foods from Seattle. This dish is not for the faint of heart since it is served raw. BUT! this means it’s perfect for those looking to try something new – a true culinary experience!
So what exactly is Geoduck? It’s not a duck, but rather a giant clam that’s native to the Pacific Northwest. These large saltwater clams are known for their incredibly long neck and mild, sweet taste.
Geoducks have a bright, briny flavor and an incredibly tender texture when prepared properly. Some even compare it to abalone.
To make sashimi, they are thinly sliced and served with a variety of sauces and toppings, including soy sauce, wasabi, ginger, or other similar ingredients.
Most of the time, they come plated in an exquisite manner that is almost too pretty to eat. You also want to get them from reputable places since it’s served raw, so quality is incredibly important.
The freshness of the clam combined with its delicate sweetness makes it one of the best foods in Seattle to try. If you enjoy Japanese sashimi made from other fishes or seafood, this should be a no-brainer.
Famous Seattle Foods
Seattle Dog
The Seattle Dog is a famous hot dog found all over the city, and it’s the perfect blend of rich flavors. This classic street food consists of an all-beef frankfurter topped with cream cheese, grilled onions, and mustard – all in one bun!
Yep, you read that right – cream cheese on a hot dog! It might sound strange, but trust us, it’s delicious. Other popular toppings also include jalapenos, bacon and a drizzle of Sriracha.
There’s a good reason why this has become one of the iconic foods in Seattle. It’s both tasty and convenient to eat on the go. Suddenly hungry from exploring all the attractions in Seattle? Grab a Seattle Dog!
Plus, it comes at an affordable price that appeals to Seattleites from all walks of life.
These days you can find them anywhere from street carts to high-end restaurants. Whether you dress your Seattle Dog up with gourmet ingredients or keep it classic with basic toppings, there are endless variations to try out.
So the next time you’re in Seattle, don’t forget to give the famous Seattle Dog a try!
Canlis Salad
One of the famous Seattle foods that stood the test of time, the Canlis salad has been served at the renowned Canlis restaurant since 1950. And it’s still as popular as ever.
The secret to this iconic dish lies in its simplicity – quality ingredients that are masterfully prepared and achieve the perfect balance between crunchy texture and subtle flavor. Some of the iconic items are the greens (romaine lettuce), fresh herbs like oregano and mint, bacon, tomato.
The dressing, which includes a coddled egg, also plays an important role in making this salad memorable. On top of that comes the croutons – freshly made with garlic and herbs, they add the perfect amount of crunch. Finally, there’s the generous topping of romano cheese.
If you have it at the restaurant, one of the highlights is the presentation. The salad is brought out to the table in a giant wooden bowl and tossed tableside by the server. It’s a showstopper!
But what really makes the Canlis Salad special is the experience. It’s not just a salad – it’s a part of Seattle’s culinary history. Eating at Canlis is a special occasion for many Seattleites, and the Canlis Salad is a must-order item for first-timers and regulars alike.
Therefore, you can imagine there are also many homemade recipe versions of this with alternative variations. If you’re looking for something lighter but no less delicious, Canlis Salad is the way to go.
Cultural Foods In Seattle
Pho
Pho is a famous Vietnamese noodle soup among the increasingly popular foods in Seattle. The traditional Asian dish consists of broth, noodles, beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and vegetables. In short, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
The pho scene in Seattle began in the 1980s as the city gradually saw an influx of immigrants from various southeast Asian countries. As more people settled down here and opened up restaurants, they brought with them classic dishes such as Pho Ga (chicken) and Pho Bo (beef).
One of the things that is so addictive about a good bowl of Pho is the quality of the ingredients. You can find some seriously fresh and flavorful beef, chicken, and seafood in these bowls of goodness.
And don’t even get me started on the herbs and spices – the fragrant basil, cilantro, and lime wedges stack on top of the broth and take this dish to the next level.
And speaking of the broth – oh my goodness, the broth is the bomb! Pho broth is rich, complex, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect base for all those amazing toppings, from tender slices of beef to crunchy bean sprouts and onions.
Plus, there’s something special about eating a hot bowl of pho in the middle of a cold and rainy Seattle day. Local restaurants such as Pho Viet Anh and Pho Ba have gained fan followings for their famous soupy dishes.
Chicken Teriyaki
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory Japanese-style grilled chicken, you’re in for a treat. Teriyaki chicken is a staple of the Seattle food scene, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce is a perfect complement to the juicy and tender chicken, making for a seriously delicious meal. This simple combination of flavors is just irresistible – the smoky sweetness from the teriyaki glaze brings out the best in any cut of meat.
Teriyaki chicken is usually served with fragrant steamed white rice. That’s the perfect canvas for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
In addition to its addictive taste, some Asian restaurants take it a step further with Instagram-worthy visuals. They pride themselves in having appetizing displays of chicken teriyaki plates.
Another great thing about this dish is that they are easy to find. From hole-in-the-wall joints to fancy restaurants, it works both for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Although it did not originate from the city, this is definitely one of the famous foods in Seattle to try.
Desserts And Sweet Foods In Seattle
Triple Coconut Cream Pie
If there’s one famous Seattle food that will always have a special place in your heart, it’s Triple Coconut Cream Pie. This classic dessert is an absolute must-try for any coconut lover visiting the Emerald City.
The key ingredients are the three layers of coconut. There’s coconut in the crust, a creamy coconut custard filling, and a fluffy coconut whipped cream with toasted flaked coconut on top. An explosion of flavor in every bite, it’s coconut overload in the best possible way.
In addition to the coconut – the pie itself is a work of art. The crust is buttery and crumbly, the custard filling is silky and rich, and the whipped cream is light and fluffy.
It’s no wonder why this super indulgent pie has become such a favorite among locals and visitors. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine; it’s hard to resist having just one slice (trust us – we’ve tried!).
If you’re in the mood for a decadent and delicious dessert that’s a true Seattle classic, make sure to try the famous Triple Coconut Cream Pie.
Dutch Baby
For something a bit different, why not try the famous Dutch Baby? This is a variation of the German Pfannkuchen that was popularized in Seattle by Manca’s Cafe during the 1900s.
The Dutch Baby is essentially a giant fluffy pancake that’s baked in a cast iron skillet until golden brown. It’s typically served with butter, syrup, or powdered sugar over the top. It’s a simple dish, but it’s oh-so-delicious.
Best thing is this can just be the foundation which you top with fresh berries, whipped cream, and whatever you like. The crisp edges combined with soft middle and sweet toppings create a nice, contrasting burst of flavor.
Plus, it looks super impressive and Instagram-worthy too! Not bad for such an easy-to-make dish among the many Seattle foods.
You can find Dutch Babies at many Seattle breakfast spots, but Manca’s Cafe is still serving up their famous version to this day. So, if you’re looking for something a little different to start your day with, this dish that is steeped in history is one of the famous foods in Seattle to try.
FAMOUS FOODS IN THE US |
Iconic Drink In Seattle
Coffee
Coffee is a key part of Seattle’s culture, and it would be impossible to not mention it when discussing famous foods from the area.
First of all, Seattle is home to some of the most famous coffee chains in the world. You’ve probably heard of Starbucks, right? Well, it all started right here in Seattle, and there are Starbucks on practically every street corner in the city.
Not a fan of Starbucks? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other local roasters and amazing coffee shops to explore as well such as Elm Coffee Roasters, Sound and Fog, and Victrola Coffee Roasters.
One thing that sets Seattle coffee apart is the emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. The baristas here are true artisans, carefully roasting and brewing each cup of coffee to perfection.
And because the city is home to so many coffee aficionados, you can find some truly unique and creative coffee creations.
One of the best things about coffee in Seattle is the cozy, community-oriented atmosphere of the coffee shops themselves. There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a hot latte on a rainy Seattle day, surrounded by fellow caffeine enthusiasts.
It’s no secret that Seattle is known for its coffee scene, and for good reason. This city takes its coffee seriously – we’re talking next-level caffeine addiction here. So whether you’re a coffee addict or cafe hopper looking for a cozy spot to hang out, Seattle’s coffee scene is definitely worth exploring.
Discovering The Best Foods From Seattle
From decadent desserts like Triple Coconut Cream Pie to aromatic coffee creations, there is an impressive array of famous Seattle foods to uncover.
Many restaurants and cafes are also operated by local chefs and food enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing their love of food with others. There’s a real sense of pride and camaraderie among Seattle’s food community, and it’s a joy to experience.
Whether you’re looking for sweet treats or savory dishes, there is something delicious waiting to be discovered in every corner of this beautiful Pacific Northwest city. So come hungry – Seattle cuisine offers plenty of yummy options to satisfy your cravings!
