Food in the Mid-Atlantic States
The cuisine in the Mid-Atlantic states is very varied. The influence of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe has been significant on the cuisine, introducing dishes that have become staples in the region.
A trip through southern Maryland will make you feel as if you were crossing the Deep South, while up New York state, you may feel like a journey through Canada. This diversity is a hallmark of modern mid-Atlantic cooking, reflecting a rich tapestry of culinary traditions.
The region's food culture has been shaped by somewhat different food patterns, brought by various immigrant groups, each contributing to the unique blend of flavors and dishes found today.
Modern Mid-Atlantic cooking and food
Delaware agriculture produces broiler chickens and eggs and its fishing industry is mostly centered on crabs, clams and oysters.
Seafood, poultry and eggs, dairy products, cattle, soybeans, corn, and processed foods are the most remarkable food producs in Maryland. Additionally, the Smith Island cake, an iconic Mid-Atlantic food item, originates from Maryland, featuring nine super-thin layers of yellow cake with rich, homemade fudge frosting.
The fruits and vegetables that grow in its rich soil New Jersey nickname, the Garden State but the truth is that food flavorings and other food processing products also a big industry there. Seafood and dairy products can also be numbered among New Jersey’s food output, along with coleslaw, which was originally a Dutch salad.
New York food industry delivers dairy products, apples, cattle and other livestock, including the renowned New York-style cheesecake. Manhattan clam chowder is another regional staple, highlighting the diverse culinary offerings of the area. The city's vibrant street food culture, featuring New York-style hot dogs as a typical street food, is sold year-round from pushcarts, contributing to the local food scene's dynamism.
Pennsylvania is big in food processing with factories churning ketchup, chocolate, ice cream and potato chips. However, you will also find dairy products, cattle, mushrooms, poultry, apples and sweet corn. The earliest Christmas cookies, contributing to the traditional Christmas meal, were introduced in New York and Pennsylvania, showcasing the region's rich culinary history.
Scrapple is a popular food in the Mid-atlantic counties. Scraple is a mix of pork meat scraps and trimmings mixed with corn meal, flour and spices. It is made into a loaf. Slices ar cut and pan fried or grilled - in your choice fat for frying, dredging in flour before cooking is also optional. Additionally, corned beef is a beloved food item that can be shipped to loved ones, exemplifying the region's cherished food traditions. The original Dutch settlers of New York brought recipes like apple pie and waffles, marking the beginning of the region's culinary evolution.
…and food events
Enjoy the Pumpkin Cunkin, Sussex County, Delaware, celebrated the weekend after Halloween, and the Apple Scrapple festival, Bridgeville, Delaware, during the second week in October.
The Annual Cranberry Festival at Chastworth and the Annual Pumpkin Show at South jersey, or try the Annual Food and Wine Festival at Cape May, a whole week of events for food and wine lovers. There are plenty of New Jersey food festivals.
Oyster Festival, Oyster Bay, October
Bean Soup Festival, McClure, September - The Book and the Cook Festival Philadelphia, March
Recipes from Mid-Atlantic states
These are a few favorite recipes from the Mid-Atlantic states, including New York style cheesecake.
Baked crab cakes, MD - Best sloppy Joe recipes NJ - Chocolate espresso cheesecake NY - Crab & rice Maryland, MD - Creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake NY - Dutch babies PA - Italian sub NJ - Gingerbread squares - Peach pie DE - New York style hot dogs - Philly cheese steak PA - Ragalach NJ - Soft pretzels from Philadelphia PA - Waldorf salad NY.
The historical significance of pastries in New York, like the doughnut, began as a New York pastry, marking its contribution to American cuisine.
Visit Niagara Falls in New York. A helicopter ride will give you a wonderful view and a boat ride into the Falls will be an unforgettable experience.
Mid-Atlantic
Delaware
Maryland
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Visit the Mid-Atlantic states
Delaware Maryland, migrants from Southern Europe, namely Sicily, Campania, Lazio, and Calabria, appeared between 1880-1960 in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Eastern Maryland hoping to escape extreme poverty and corruption endemic to Italy. These migrants were typically employed in manual labor or factory work and have had significant culinary and cultural influences on the region. New Jersey, immigrants from Southern Europe, particularly from regions like Sicily, Campania, Lazio, and Calabria, who arrived between 1880-1960 in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Eastern Maryland.
These immigrants were employed in manual labor or factory work, and their influence is seen in the introduction of dishes like spaghetti with meatballs, New York style pizza, calzones, and baked ziti, as well as the prevalence of semolina-based pasta noodles. New York, where tasting a New York style hot dog, a favorite street food and essential at New York Yankees and New York Mets games, is a must for any visitor. Pennsylvania… and return to taste more food in U.S.A.
Step into Delaware and return to discover the most iconic food in every state or taste more food in U.S.A.
Discover the most iconic food in every State
When to go
Visit the New Jersey shore and Niagara Falls in the summer.
Take a history tour in Maryland and Pennsylvania during the spring.
Autumn has wonderful colors in Delaware and New York state.
