Classic Boston Treats
Craving that Boston experience long after you’ve left the cobblestone streets and historic landmarks? Don’t let the memories fade! Bring the flavors of the city back with you. Boston, a city steeped in history and buzzing with modern energy, also boasts a thriving culinary scene. From classic New England staples to innovative gourmet treats, there’s a taste of Boston to satisfy every palate. This guide will walk you through the most delicious Boston souvenir foods to bring home, ensuring that your memories of the city are as flavorful as they are fond.
Boston Cream Pie: A Misnomer Turned Masterpiece
Despite its name, the Boston Cream Pie isn’t a pie at all, but rather a delicate yellow sponge cake layered with creamy custard filling and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This iconic dessert has been a Boston staple since the mid-nineteenth century, when it was created at the Parker House Hotel (now the Omni Parker House), a historic landmark in the heart of the city. To truly experience the Boston Cream Pie, seek out a slice from a reputable bakery. Many local establishments, including the Omni Parker House itself, offer exceptional versions. When selecting one to take home, consider its shelf life. Boston Cream Pie is best enjoyed fresh, so plan accordingly, or opt for individually wrapped slices to preserve freshness. For travelers, it is best to enjoy it there. To take the flavors home, a Boston Cream Pie extract might be the perfect souvenir for the adventurous baker.
Boston Baked Beans: A Sweet and Savory Tradition
Few dishes are as deeply rooted in Boston’s history as Boston Baked Beans. This hearty and flavorful dish, traditionally made with navy beans, molasses, salt pork or bacon, and spices, reflects the city’s Puritan heritage and its long seafaring history (molasses being a readily available import). Today, you can find Boston Baked Beans in various forms, from canned versions in supermarkets to freshly made batches in local restaurants. For a truly authentic experience, look for canned or jarred baked beans from smaller, local producers. When bringing them home, consider the weight and space they’ll occupy in your luggage. However, the taste of this sweet and savory staple will transport you back to Boston’s unique food landscape. Boston Baked Beans can be enjoyed as a side dish, a topping for toast, or even as a filling for baked potatoes.
Taffy: A Sweet Taste of the Coast
While saltwater taffy is a common seaside treat, it holds a special place in Boston’s culinary landscape, particularly along its coastal communities. The chewy, sweet candy comes in a rainbow of colors and a vast array of flavors, from classic peppermint and vanilla to more adventurous options like maple, licorice, and even peanut butter. Several shops in Faneuil Hall Marketplace and along the waterfront specialize in taffy, often made fresh daily. The best taffy is soft and pliable, bursting with flavor. Look for shops that offer a wide variety of flavors and allow you to mix and match your own selection. Taffy is a great option as it travels well, making it an ideal edible souvenir for friends and family.
Clam Chowder: New England’s Creamy Comfort
No trip to Boston is complete without indulging in a bowl of creamy, comforting New England Clam Chowder. This thick and hearty soup, made with clams, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream, is a quintessential New England dish and a true taste of the region’s maritime heritage. While enjoying a bowl of fresh chowder at a local restaurant is a must, bringing the flavor home requires a bit more planning. Canned clam chowder is a convenient option, and some local brands offer excellent quality. Alternatively, you can find clam chowder mixes that allow you to recreate the dish at home. For a more gourmet experience, some establishments offer vacuum-sealed clam chowder that can be transported safely. When serving your Boston Clam Chowder back home, consider adding a sprinkle of oyster crackers and a dash of hot sauce for an authentic touch.
Local Specialties
Beyond the classic Boston treats, the area surrounding the city offers a range of unique and delicious specialties that make for fantastic edible souvenirs.
Cape Cod Potato Chips: Crispy, Crunchy, and Distinctly New England
Originating on Cape Cod, these kettle-cooked potato chips are known for their distinctive crunch and robust flavor. Cape Cod Potato Chips are a beloved snack throughout New England and beyond. Unlike mass-produced chips, Cape Cod Potato Chips are cooked in small batches, resulting in a thicker, crunchier chip with a more intense potato flavor. Look for classic flavors like Original and Sea Salt, as well as more adventurous options like Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño and Reduced Fat. Cape Cod Potato Chips are widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Boston and the surrounding area. Their sturdy packaging makes them easy to transport, ensuring that you can share the taste of New England with friends and family back home.
Cranberry Products: A Taste of the Bog
Massachusetts is a major cranberry producer, and the tart red berries are a staple of the state’s culinary landscape. From cranberry sauce and dried cranberries to cranberry juice and cranberry candies, there’s a cranberry product to suit every taste. For a truly local experience, consider visiting a cranberry bog during harvest season (typically September and October). Many farms offer tours and allow you to purchase fresh cranberries directly. Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner, while dried cranberries add a burst of flavor to salads, trail mixes, and baked goods. Cranberry juice is a refreshing and healthy beverage, and cranberry candies make a sweet and tangy treat. These options allow you to bring the taste of the cranberry bog back home.
Maple Syrup: A Sweet Taste of New England
Although maple syrup production is more prominent in Vermont and New Hampshire, Boston’s proximity to these states means that high-quality, locally produced maple syrup is readily available. The syrup comes in different grades, from delicate light amber to robust dark amber, each with its own distinct flavor profile. Look for syrup labeled “Grade A” followed by a color and taste description (e.g., “Grade A Amber Rich”). Locally produced maple syrup can be found at farmers’ markets, specialty food stores, and even some supermarkets in the Boston area. Maple syrup is incredibly versatile and can be used to sweeten pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, and even cocktails. It’s a delicious and versatile way to bring the flavors of New England home.
Gourmet Options
For those with more discerning palates, Boston offers a range of gourmet food souvenirs that showcase the region’s culinary artistry and craftsmanship.
Local Cheeses: A Dairy Delight
The New England region, including Massachusetts, boasts a thriving artisan cheese scene, with cheesemakers producing a wide variety of delicious and unique cheeses. From creamy goat cheeses to sharp cheddars to flavorful blue cheeses, there’s a local cheese to please every palate. Visit a cheese shop or farmers’ market in Boston to sample and purchase a selection of local cheeses. Some popular options include Great Hill Dairy Blue, Grafton Village Cheese, and Jasper Hill Farm cheeses. When transporting cheese, be sure to pack it properly to prevent spoilage. Wrap it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and store it in a cool, insulated container.
Fine Chocolates: Indulgence in Every Bite
Boston is home to several talented chocolatiers who create exquisite chocolates using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques. These artisanal chocolates make for a truly special and indulgent souvenir. Explore local chocolate shops to discover a wide array of delectable creations, from classic truffles and bonbons to unique bars infused with local ingredients like cranberries, maple syrup, and sea salt. Look for chocolates that are made with ethically sourced cocoa and natural ingredients. Some local chocolate shops even offer custom chocolate creations, allowing you to personalize your souvenir.
Craft Beer and Spirits: A Toast to Boston’s Brews
Boston and the surrounding area have a vibrant craft beer and spirits scene, with numerous breweries and distilleries producing award-winning beverages. Sampling local beers and spirits is a must for any visitor, and bringing a bottle or two home makes for a great souvenir. Visit local breweries like Samuel Adams, Harpoon Brewery, or Trillium Brewing Company to sample their beers and purchase bottles or cans to go. Distilleries like Bully Boy Distillers and GrandTen Distilling offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample their handcrafted spirits. Check airline regulations regarding transporting alcohol before packing your souvenirs. Many breweries and distilleries also offer shipping options.
Where to Shop
Finding the perfect Boston food souvenir is an adventure in itself. Here are some of the best places to browse and buy:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace/Quincy Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise
This historic marketplace is a hub of activity, with numerous food vendors offering a wide variety of local and international treats. From clam chowder and lobster rolls to cannoli and fudge, you’ll find a plethora of edible souvenirs to choose from. Explore the various stalls and shops, sampling as you go. Be sure to check out the Boston Chowda Co. for clam chowder, Mike’s Pastry for cannoli, and Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie for historic sweets.
Local Farmers’ Markets: Fresh, Local, and Seasonal
Boston hosts several farmers’ markets throughout the year, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made food products. These markets are a great place to find seasonal treats like apples, pumpkins, and maple syrup. Check the schedule for local farmers’ markets and plan your visit accordingly.
Specialty Food Stores: A Treasure Trove of Gourmet Delights
Boston is home to several specialty food stores that offer a curated selection of local and international products. These stores are a great place to find unique cheeses, chocolates, and other gourmet treats. Formaggio Kitchen, Savenor’s Market, and Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe are all excellent options.
Tips for Transporting Food Souvenirs
Bringing your Boston food souvenirs home requires a bit of planning and preparation. Here are some tips to ensure that your treats arrive safely and in good condition:
Pack perishable items in insulated containers with ice packs.
Wrap fragile items securely to prevent breakage.
Check airline regulations regarding carrying food items.
Declare any food items that may be subject to customs restrictions.
Conclusion
From creamy Boston Cream Pie to crunchy Cape Cod Potato Chips, Boston offers a diverse and delicious array of edible souvenirs to bring home. By following this guide, you can select the perfect treats to remind you of your Boston adventure and share the flavors of the city with friends and family. So, start planning your culinary journey and bring a taste of Boston home to savor the memories long after you’ve left. Why not surprise your loved ones with a taste of New England? They’ll surely appreciate the delicious and thoughtful gesture.
