13 Washington State Foods That Locals Crave When They Are Not At Home

“When people from Washington leave the Evergreen State, it’s not just the lush forests and misty mountains they find themselves missing.

It’s the flavors, too, i.e., distinct tastes that instantly bring back memories of home. Whether it’s fresh-caught seafood or fruit straight from the orchard, these iconic foods are more than just meals.

They’re a part of Washington’s soul that locals crave when they’re away.”

1. Rainier Cherries: Sunshine in Fruit Form

Nothing signals summer in Washington quite like these blushing yellow gems. Sweet, delicate, and frustratingly fleeting, Rainier cherries command premium prices for good reason.

Unlike their darker cousins, these cherries offer a perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming tartness.

Their season lasts mere weeks, making the annual cherry hunt a beloved ritual for locals who know the ephemeral joy won’t last long.

2. Dungeness Crab: The Pacific’s Sweet Treasure

Crack open those shells and prepare for the sweetest crab meat you’ll ever taste. Dungeness crab from Washington waters has a distinct sweetness that makes Maryland blue crab lovers question their loyalty.

Locals debate the best preparation method – some swear by simple steaming with just a squeeze of lemon, while others create elaborate butter dipping sauces.

What’s undeniable is the disappointment when trying inferior crab elsewhere.

3. Aplets & Cotlets: The Northwest’s Turkish Delight

These powdery, fruity confections might look unassuming, but they’ve been Washington’s signature sweet since 1920. Made in Cashmere, WA, these apple and apricot jellied candies, dusted with powdered sugar, are a holiday tradition for many families.

My grandmother always kept a box in her china cabinet, bringing them out for special occasions. I remember sneaking into that cabinet as a kid, carefully taking just one piece and meticulously rearranging the rest so no one would notice my theft.

4. Geoduck: The Eyebrow-Raising Delicacy

Pronounced “gooey-duck,” this bizarre-looking giant clam makes first-timers giggle and squeamish eaters recoil. But Washingtonians know this prehistoric-looking shellfish yields sweet, crunchy meat that seafood connoisseurs worldwide pay premium prices for.

The texture varies throughout the clam, from the firm siphon, perfect for sashimi, to the tender body meat ideal for chowders. Digging for these elusive creatures along Puget Sound beaches requires permits, patience, and serious upper-body strength.

5. Walla Walla Sweet Onions: Tear-Free Flavor Bombs

These legendary onions are so sweet you can bite into them like apples. Named after their hometown in eastern Washington, Walla Walla Sweets have a limited growing season that makes them especially precious.

Back in college, my roommate from Walla Walla would bring a bag of these onions each fall semester. Our entire dorm floor would gather for onion ring parties where we’d slice, batter, and fry these beauties until 2 AM.

Even onion-haters couldn’t resist their caramelized sweetness.

6. Salmon Candy: Sweet-Savory Protein Perfection

This isn’t your average jerky. Salmon candy, smoked salmon glazed with maple or brown sugar, creates an addictive sweet-savory combination that’s impossible to stop eating once you start.

Indigenous tribes perfected this preservation method centuries ago, and modern Washingtonians continue the tradition. The chewy texture gives way to rich salmon flavor, while the caramelized exterior provides a delightful contrast.

Hikers pack it for trail fuel, while others hoard it as their secret snack stash.

7. Tim’s Cascade Chips: The Crunch Heard ‘Round the Sound

Thicker, crunchier, and somehow more potato-y than national brands, Tim’s Cascade Chips have been a Washington snacking institution since 1986. The satisfying shatter of these kettle-cooked chips has ruined many Washingtonians for lesser potato snacks.

The jalapeño flavor delivers genuine heat rather than artificial spice, while the classic sea salt version showcases the simple perfection of Washington potatoes.

I’ve had friends request emergency shipments of these chips when they’ve moved to chip-deprived regions of the country.

8. Dick’s Deluxe Burger: Fast Food with Cult Status

Seattle’s answer to In-N-Out isn’t fancy, but it’s fiercely beloved. The Deluxe—two patties, cheese, lettuce, mayo, and relish on a soft bun—hasn’t changed since 1954, and Seattleites wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dick’s Drive-In is where you end up after concerts, where you celebrate high school victories, and where you soak up late-night excesses.

The orange paper wrapping might be simple, but the memories created around these burgers are anything but ordinary.

9. Huckleberries: The Purple Gold of Mountain Meadows

Finding these wild berries requires venturing into Washington’s mountain meadows, making them all the more precious. Smaller and more intensely flavored than their blueberry cousins, huckleberries pack a perfect sweet-tart punch that makes them worth the hunt.

Locals guard their picking spots with fierce secrecy. My uncle once blindfolded me before taking me to his prized huckleberry patch, making me promise never to reveal its location.

These tiny purple jewels transform ordinary pancakes, ice cream, and pies into extraordinary experiences.

10. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Pike Place’s Melty Masterpiece

Watching cheese being made through the windows at Pike Place Market is a Seattle tradition, but tasting Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar is a transformative experience. This award-winning cheese strikes the perfect balance between sharp and creamy.

The mac and cheese made with this signature cheese has converted countless visitors into true believers. What makes it special? The distinct tangy finish that comes from aging, plus a creaminess that mass-produced cheddars can’t touch.

Washingtonians away from home often dream about this cheese.

11. Almond Roca: The Pink Tin of Nostalgia

Long before Tacoma became cool again, it gave the world this iconic buttercrunch toffee wrapped in chocolate and almonds. The distinctive pink tin appears at holidays, grandparents’ houses, and in care packages to homesick Washingtonians everywhere.

Brown & Haley has been making this addictive candy since 1923, and the recipe remains unchanged. The satisfying crack when you bite into a piece, followed by the melt-in-your-mouth toffee center, creates a sensory experience that’s impossible to replicate with knockoffs.

12. Cougar Gold Cheese: The Can That Ages Like Fine Wine

Cheese in a can sounds suspicious until you’ve experienced Cougar Gold. Created at Washington State University in Pullman, this sharp white cheddar comes in a distinctive 30-oz tin that allows it to age beautifully for years—if you can resist eating it immediately.

The cheese develops increasingly complex flavors over time, with crystalline bits that provide delightful texture. WSU students mail these cans home as holiday gifts, continuing a tradition that’s been going strong since the 1940s.

The dairy science program that produces it is legendary.

13. Ezell’s Famous Chicken: Oprah’s Favorite Fried Delight

When Oprah Winfrey reportedly flew this chicken to Chicago for her birthday, Seattleites nodded knowingly. They were already standing in line for Ezell’s perfectly seasoned, crispy-yet-juicy fried chicken that puts Colonel Sanders to shame.

The spicy version delivers genuine heat without overwhelming the chicken’s flavor. Those pillowy rolls that come with each order? They’re essential for sopping up every last bit of goodness.

I still remember my dad bringing home that distinctive white box after special achievements, making Ezell’s synonymous with celebration.