I grew up assuming every state had its own share of odd food combinations, but Maryland truly takes quirky cuisine to another level.
Here, we proudly blur the line between sweet and savory, creating flavors that surprise even lifelong locals. From “fish” dishes that aren’t quite what they seem to desserts sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning, our culinary traditions can make outsiders pause before diving in.
But one taste is all it takes to understand the magic. What starts as strange quickly becomes addictive—and before long, you’ll be wondering why the rest of the country hasn’t caught on to our delicious madness.
1. Lemon Stick: Nature’s Portable Lemonade
Picture this: I’m seven years old at Baltimore’s Flower Mart, and someone hands me a lemon with a striped candy sticking out of it like a straw. My first thought? Adults have officially lost their minds…