Rhode Island might be tiny on the map, but when it comes to clams, it’s a heavyweight champion. Crispy fritters, velvety chowders, and every imaginable twist in between show just how much love this state pours into its shellfish.
Along the coast, you’ll find shacks and fine-dining spots alike serving plates that make it clear – no one celebrates these salty little gems quite like Rhode Islanders.
1. Clam Cakes (The Golden Spheres of Joy)
Picture golf balls made of pure happiness, and you’ve got Rhode Island’s famous clam cakes. These deep-fried dumplings pack chopped quahogs into every golden bite, creating the perfect marriage of crispy exterior and tender, clam-studded interior.
Since 1920, places like Aunt Carrie’s in Narragansett have been perfecting this art form. The secret lies in the perfect batter-to-clam ratio, ensuring each fritter delivers maximum oceanic flavor without being too dense or greasy.
2. Rhode Island Clear Clam Chowder (The Purist’s Dream)
Forget the cream and tomato wars between New England and Manhattan. Rhode Island serves up chowder the way nature intended – crystal clear broth that lets the clam flavor shine without any dairy distractions…