If there’s one thing that’s true about all Rhode Islanders, it’s that we love to eat. It comes as no surprise that the state is home to so many amazing restaurants and unique dishes. Some of these foods are delightfully doughy and savory comfort foods that help us get through the wintertime, while others are seafood based and help celebrate our state’s nickname. Whatever variety, one thing that’s clear about most Ocean State-specific food is that they’re simply delicious. Wondering what food Rhode Island is known for? Look no further!
Most would agree that these super unique and tasty hot dogs are the state's number one comfort food..."I'll take tree all da way." This is the pinnacle of Rhode Island cuisine that's for sure.
Fried dough filled with clams is an Ocean State staple and perfect to enjoy with chowder. In an ideal Rhode Island scenario you eat these while sitting at the beach sunning in the summer.
Be it red, white, or Rhode Island's very own clear chowder, the people of the smallest state definitely love their clam chowder. This New England staple is best enjoyed on the coast where you can be sure the fish are freshly caught.
Mr. Lemon is also a Rhode Island favorite, but few would argue any frozen lemonade compares to Del's. There's nothing quite like the refreshing taste of a Del's frozen lemonade on a sweltering hot and humid day.
These corn meal pancakes are a must-have experience. The recipe has Indigenous origins and is a fluffy cloud of cornbread in pancake form, slathered with syrup if you're doing things right.
If you haven't had a donut cake from Allie's Donuts, you might want to get on it. This dessert combines the best of both worlds with the fluffy dough of a donut in the large, shareable form of a cake. Have it decorated any way you like for special occasions.
Rhode Island was the first state to name an official state drink and it comes as no surprise that it's coffee milk. When you want that soothing taste of coffee without the intense caffeine jolt, coffee milk is the move. This beverage is milk combined with a coffee syrup, just like how you would make chocolate milk.
These tasty milkshakes, or "cabinets" are a delicious treat served at the Newport Creamery. Made with milk, syrup, and ice cream this is the Rhode Island answer to a milkshake and it's one of the most famous foods in Rhode Island.
Rhode Islanders sure do love their clams! Fried clams can be found at just about every seafood restaurant in the state and are yet another great way to enjoy seafood. Rhode Island may be a tiny state but the seafood scene is mighty and delicious.
For a list of great places to find Rhode Island classic recipes in the state, click check out our article. What food is Rhode Island known for? We could never narrow it down to just one! Comment below with your favorite Rhode Island eat from this list or another that you think we should add.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
What Food Is Rhode Island Known For?
CC|September 23, 2022
What are other great foods to eat in Rhode Island?
Providence, Rhode Island has a flourishing Italian district called Federal Hill. Head there to sample homemade pasta, authentically-thrown pizzas with dozens of different toppings, and all the cannoli your heart desires. What could be a better way to cap off your Rhode Island dining experience?