13 Delicacies From Baltimore, Maryland You Definitely Need To Try

Baltimore’s culinary scene is a flavorful blend of its waterfront roots and rich cultural heritage. Fresh catches from the Chesapeake Bay, time-honored desserts, and bold, homegrown flavors make Charm City a true gem for food lovers.

This is your go-to guide for the must-try local specialties that capture what makes Baltimore’s food so unforgettable.

1. Steamed Blue Crabs

Nothing says “Maryland” quite like a table covered in newspaper and piled high with steamed blue crabs. These Chesapeake Bay beauties arrive coated in Old Bay seasoning, ready for you to crack open and savor the sweet meat inside.

I remember my first crab feast, spending hours with family, hammers in hand, laughing as we made a delicious mess. The ritual of picking crabs is as important as the taste itself!

2. Berger Cookies

Thick, cake-like vanilla cookies topped with a hefty dollop of fudge frosting – that’s the simple yet irresistible magic of Berger Cookies. These hand-dipped treats have been a Baltimore staple since 1835, created by German immigrant Henry Berger.

The chocolate topping isn’t just a thin layer; it’s a substantial fudge mountain that makes each cookie a decadent experience. One is never enough!

3. Pit Beef Sandwiches

Forget barbecue sauce! Baltimore’s signature pit beef is a whole different beast. Crusty on the outside, juicy and rare on the inside, this top round beef is grilled over charcoal, sliced paper-thin, and piled high on a kaiser roll.

My uncle used to take me to the pit beef stands along Pulaski Highway after Orioles games. The combination of horseradish, raw onion, and that smoky beef still brings back the perfect summer day vibes.

4. Crab Cakes

Baltimore crab cakes are all about the crab, not fillers. The best versions contain jumbo lump meat held together with just enough binder to form a cake, then lightly broiled until golden.

These aren’t your typical seafood restaurant appetizers. Baltimore-style crab cakes showcase the sweet flavor of blue crab, with minimal ingredients to let the star of the show shine through.

5. Snowballs

Shaved ice drenched in sweet syrup and topped with marshmallow cream – snowballs are Baltimore’s answer to summer heat. Unlike snow cones elsewhere, the ice is finely shaved to a fluffy texture that perfectly absorbs the flavored syrups.

Egg custard remains the quintessential Baltimore flavor, though you’ll find dozens of options at neighborhood stands throughout the city. These frosty treats have cooled Baltimoreans since the 1800s!

6. Lake Trout

Don’t be fooled by the name – there’s no lake and no trout involved! This Baltimore classic is actually Atlantic whiting, breaded in a peppery cornmeal crust, deep-fried until crispy, and served with hot sauce atop white bread.

Growing up, my grandma would bring home paper bags of lake trout after church on Sundays. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and flaky white fish inside makes this humble dish extraordinary.

7. Natty Boh and Pickled Eggs

National Bohemian beer (affectionately called “Natty Boh”) paired with bright pink pickled eggs is a dive bar tradition that screams Baltimore. The one-eyed mascot with his handlebar mustache has watched over the city since 1885.

The tangy, vinegary eggs cut through the crisp lager perfectly. Though no longer brewed in the city, Mr. Boh’s face still smiles from his perch in Brewers Hill, a beloved symbol of local pride.

8. Coddie

The humble coddie, a potato and salt cod fish cake, might look unassuming, but this Baltimore street food has satisfied hungry locals for generations. Typically served between two saltine crackers with yellow mustard, this $2 snack is deep-fried comfort food at its finest.

Unlike crab cakes, coddies were working-class fare, sold from street carts and delis as an affordable protein option. Their simple, satisfying flavor continues to win fans today.

9. Smith Island Cake

Eight to fifteen impossibly thin layers of yellow cake alternating with fudge frosting – that’s the magic of Maryland’s official state dessert. This labor-intensive cake originated on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay, where watermen’s wives created it as a durable treat for long fishing trips.

I first tried this cake at my cousin’s wedding in Fells Point. Each delicate layer provides the perfect cake-to-frosting ratio in every bite. It’s a true testament to Maryland baking tradition!

10. Sauerkraut with Thanksgiving Turkey

Baltimore’s German heritage shines through in this unusual Thanksgiving tradition. While most Americans stick to cranberry sauce, Baltimore families serve tangy sauerkraut alongside their holiday turkey.

The tradition dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants settled in neighborhoods like Locust Point and Canton.

The fermented cabbage’s acidity cuts through the richness of traditional Thanksgiving fare, creating a uniquely Baltimore holiday experience.

11. Utz Crab Chips

Potato chips dusted with crab seasoning might sound strange to outsiders, but Baltimoreans know these addictive snacks are the perfect companion to any sandwich or crab feast. The distinctive red-orange coating delivers that unmistakable Old Bay flavor in every crunchy bite.

Though technically from nearby Hanover, Pennsylvania, these chips have become so embedded in Baltimore culture that no picnic or backyard gathering is complete without them. The sweet-spicy-salty combination is irresistible!

12. Chicken Box

Late-night Baltimore means one thing: the chicken box. This city staple features golden fried chicken wings or tenders served with western fries (potato wedges dusted with spicy seasoning), all packed in a styrofoam container with white bread and hot sauce.

Every Baltimorean has their favorite corner carryout for this 2 AM treasure. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and those signature fries has saved countless nights out from ending on an empty stomach.

13. Lemon Sticks

A hallmark of Baltimore’s Flower Mart festival, lemon sticks are a simple yet delightful treat. A soft peppermint stick stuck into half a fresh lemon creates an impromptu straw that delivers the perfect sweet-sour combination as you suck the lemon juice through the candy.

When I was seven, my mother bought me my first lemon stick at Mount Vernon. The refreshing flavor instantly cooled me down on that sweltering May afternoon, creating a memory as sweet as the treat itself.