7 Quintessential Boston Foods You Shouldn’t Pass Up on a Visit to the City

Whether you're into seafood or hearty comfort food, Boston has you covered. Visitors who will be coming to the city next year for FIFA World Cup matches and celebrations connected with the 250th anniversary of the United States have plenty of opportunities to explore Boston's culinary side with every bite and sip.

The website Tasting Table profiles some of the essentials of Boston's food scene.

Boston baked beans, slow-simmered with molasses and pork, onions, and apple cider vinegar, are a hearty, quintessential side dish. Baked beans are delicious on their own or on top of a baked potato for a satisfying meal.

Boston cream pie has enjoyed a strong association with the city, going back to the Omni Parker House and popularized by Betty Crocker. Although it's called a pie, Boston cream pie is actually a cake featuring two layers of airy sponge cake with a thick, rich pastry cream in the center.

Cannoli embody Boston's Italian-American heritage. In the North End, where dozens of Italian-American businesses have called home for decades, Bova's Bakery is open 24/7 for cannoli. One bite through the crisp exterior into the sweet cream cheese filling will have you hooked on these delicacies. 

You can't visit New England without sampling a hearty bowl of New England clam chowder. This creamy regional staple has roots in Boston, with the Union Oyster House credited with making this delicious chowder so popular. It was, however, served in homes before it made its splash on the restaurant scene.

The Fenway Frank is a classic sports snack, served at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. According to the Tasting Table, Fenway franks are made with Kayem hot dogs and served in a split-top roll. Unlike a Chicago-style hot dog, anything goes for toppings on a Fenway Frank.

Although they are synonymous with Maine, lobster rolls are also enjoyed in Massachusetts. This regional specialty sandwich is often served cold with mayonnaise or warm with butter. Some, however, prefer a mix of butter and mayonnaise on their lobster roll.

Oysters are a standout in Boston. Neptune Oyster is a top spot to enjoy a plentiful oyster platter and a diverse raw-bar selection. Many places across the city offer appealing $1 oyster deals, allowing guests to experience the best of these bivalve mollusks without putting a dent in their wallets.