Baltimore, Maryland is one of the oldest cities in the United States and it has a long and rich history that is reflected in its cuisine. The city’s culinary offerings have evolved over the centuries to include a wide variety of dishes from all over the world, but Baltimore is perhaps best known for its seafood and its signature dish – crab cakes.
The Maryland Blue Crab – also known as the Chesapeake Blue Crab – is an iconic symbol of Baltimore and a key ingredient in many local dishes. Steamed crabs are often served up with beer and melted butter for a classic Maryland summer meal, while crab cakes are also hugely popular in both restaurants and homes alike. Made from jumbo lump crabmeat or backfin lump crabmeat, these patties are pan-fried until golden brown and served with tartar sauce or other sauces such as remoulade or mustard sauce.
Baltimore is also famous for its pit beef sandwiches. These sandwiches consist of thinly sliced rare roast beef piled high on a kaiser roll with onions, horseradish sauce and other condiments. Pit beef was traditionally served at stands set up by local barbecue restaurants at sporting events, but today it can be found everywhere from street vendors to upscale restaurants.
Another classic Baltimore dish is Old Bay-seasoned steamed crabs, which are named after the famous McCormick & Company spice blend made with celery salt, bay leaves, paprika and other spices. Old Bay seasoning can be found on everything from fried chicken to shrimp to French fries. It’s also used to season anything cooked on a pit or smoker for that classic Baltimore flavor.
Conclusion: What Is Baltimore Famous for Food Wise? The answer is clear – Baltimore is most well-known for its seafood dishes like crab cakes made from Chesapeake Blue Crabs as well as pit beef sandwiches and Old Bay-seasoned steamed crabs. All these dishes embody the city’s rich culinary history and provide an authentic taste of Baltimore that you won’t find anywhere else.