The Jersey Gypsy Explores Maryland’s Food: From Crabs to Cakes and Beyond

What Food Maryland Is Best Known For?

Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.

I arrived in Maryland with a suitcase full of expectations and a stomach growling for those famous Maryland crab cakes. But I also arrived with an open mind, giving the state the benefit of the doubt that maybe they have more than just amazing crab cakes.

Well, it turns out that Maryland’s food scene is much more than just seafood (though let’s be real, their seafood is pretty darn spectacular).

This might make you hungry, but I just had to share all the great food I tried in Maryland. Let’s just say I left with a very happy tummy.

The Iconic Maryland Crab Cakes

crab cakes

Of course, I had to start with the classics, and when in Maryland, everyone should try their crab cakes. These golden-brown patties of pure deliciousness are a Maryland staple, and for good reason. Typically made with fresh lump crab meat, a touch of Old Bay seasoning, and just enough binder to hold them together – they’re a must-try.

Now, I’m not one to shy away from a culinary challenge, so I made it my mission to try as many crab cakes as possible during my Maryland trip. The first ones I had were from Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis.

This waterfront institution has been serving seafood since 1974, and its crab cakes are legendary. I opted for their Lump Crab Cake Platter ($49), which comes with two butter-broiled crab cakes and some veggies. The crab cakes were perfectly seasoned, with generous chunks of sweet crab meat. It was a bit of a splurge, but worth every penny.

I also had the chance to try Box Hill Pizza and Crab Cakes in Abingdon. I got a 4 oz crab cake, but I chose the fried version this time. I think this is when I realized I prefer my crab cakes fried because I love the crunch. My order came with fries and coleslaw for only $21.99.

Then there was Pappas Restaurant in Cockeysville. Their crab cakes are known for their jumbo lump crab meat and delicate flavor. They already serve the crab cakes fried, and I got to choose two sides with my order. I still went with fries and coleslaw for this too, paying $28.99.

If I had to pick a winner, I’d say Pappa’s takes the crown. I love that I can choose my sides, and the crab cakes are delicious. Box Hill’s option to choose between fried and broiled crab cakes is also a great touch.

Steamed Crabs

steamed crab

Obviously, Maryland and crabs just go hand in hand, so I had to try them as they are. I saw that Cantler’s had them, but I wanted to try different places, so for steamed crabs, I decided to visit Mike’s Restaurant & Crabhouse in Riva. They serve Maryland-style seafood, including steamed blue crabs, and have been a local favorite since 1958.

The food was different but the vibe totally reminded me of one of the restaurants in Tarpon Springs I recently visited.

One look at Mike’s steamed blue crabs, and I knew I was in for something special. As I cracked open the shell, the aroma of Old Bay and freshly steamed crab meat excited my senses. The crabs were tender and succulent, and I’m just glad I don’t have seafood allergies.

Smith Island Cake: A Slice of Maryland History

Smith Island Cake

Enough of crabs for now because, when I was looking into Maryland’s best food options, I discovered they’re also famous for Smith Island Cake. I’d never had one before, and I didn’t even know what it was, but the pictures made me so curious. Apparently, this unique dessert is a Maryland icon, with its ten (yes, ten!) layers of thin cake and decadent chocolate frosting.

I had my first taste of this iconic treat at Smith Island Baking Company in Crisfield. This charming bakery specializes in this dessert, and they offer a variety of flavors and sizes. I opted for the classic chocolate version, and it was divine. The cake was moist and tender, the frosting rich and creamy, and the ten layers created a beautiful visual effect.

Other Great Food Besides the Classics

While those crab cakes and steamed crabs definitely stole the show, Maryland’s culinary scene surprised me with its hidden depths.  Turns out, there’s a whole world of flavors beyond the seafood classics.

Oysters

I can’t talk about Maryland food without giving a shout-out to those Chesapeake Bay oysters. I slurped down freshly shucked oysters at The Oyster House in Annapolis. They were savory and somehow sweet.

I also tried a variety of oyster preparations, from grilled oysters with garlic butter at Bo Brooks Lighthouse Liquors in Baltimore to fried oysters with a crispy cornmeal crust at The Narrows Restaurant in Grasonville.

Pit Beef

Beyond seafood, Maryland boasts some unique local specialties. I tried pit beef, a Baltimore tradition, at Chaps Pit Beef in Aberdeen. This thinly sliced, slow-roasted beef sandwich was piled high on a Kaiser roll and topped with horseradish sauce. It was a messy but delicious delight.

I also sampled Berger cookies at Lexington Market. These cake-like cookies are coated in a thick layer of fudge frosting. I had the chocolate version, and I regret not buying more to bring home.

Good Old Fried Chicken

Let’s not forget about fried chicken! Maryland has its own unique take on this classic dish. I tried the fried chicken at The Roost in Baltimore, and it was some of the best I’ve ever had. The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. It was served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.

Craving More of Maryland’s Food Goodness

As I pack my bags and bid farewell to Maryland, my taste buds are still tingling with the memories of those incredible flavors. I might skip crabs for a while because I had one too many during my stay, but I’ll still be dreaming of those crab cakes for weeks to come.

What I mostly learned from this culinary experience is that the next time I’m craving seafood, especially crabs and oysters, I’ll go right back to Maryland.

What Food Maryland Is Known For – FAQs

Where to Find the Best Crab Cakes in Maryland?

Everyone in Maryland has their own opinion on this, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with the places I visited, like Pappa’s, Cantler’s, and Box Hill. They all have their take on crab cakes, but they’re all worth a visit.

Pappa’s is my favorite because their sides are also great, but go for Box Hill if you want to try both broiled and fried versions of crab cakes.’

I’m Not a Big Seafood Fan, Is There Anything Else I Should Try in Maryland?

Absolutely! Maryland’s culinary scene is surprisingly diverse. If you’re a meat lover, try pit beef, a traditional meat dish in Baltimore.

Also, don’t miss out on the Berger cookies. These are chocolate-frosted delights that many locals are obsessed with.

For something a bit more upscale, go for farm-to-table restaurants like Maggie’s Farm and The Charles.

What’s the Deal With Old Bay Seasoning? Is It Really in Everything?

Pretty much! Old Bay is a Maryland staple, and you’ll find it on everything from crab cakes and French fries to popcorn and Bloody Marys. It’s a blend of spices that adds a unique savory kick to any dish.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, be sure to grab a bottle to take home. I love using it as a dip for fries and chips.

Valentina Lopez
Valentina Lopez
Born and raised in Florida, Valentina soon realized that she was in possession of a boundless gypsy soul. While traveling the globe and experiencing other cultures is her calling, her true passion lies in bringing people closer together and helping them realize that the entire planet is just one big community. That passion, along with her love for the written word, made travel reporting a natural fit for Valentina. She enjoys nothing more than diving headlong into obscure cultures and communities, learning their stories, and then sharing those stories with the world. Of course, she also has her hobbies. These include exploring caves and coral reefs with her well-worn scuba gear, navigating backroads in search of hidden geocaches, and immersing herself in the nightlife of whichever locale she happens to be in at the time. (She also has a real weakness for games of chance, but that’s not the sort of thing you include in a biography…) As our resident travel reporter, Valentina is committed to bringing the culture of the world directly to your doorstep. Whether her writing inspires your next adventure or just puts a few faces to the unfamiliar, we hope her experiences and exploits light a spark of curiosity and exploration in your heart as well.
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