Ever wondered what makes Rhode Island’s food scene so fiercely unique? It’s not just the seafood, though we have plenty of that. It’s the dishes that exist in their own delicious bubble, rarely understood or replicated outside our 400 square miles.
I’ve spent my life navigating these culinary quirks. For someone visiting, these might raise an eyebrow, but for us locals, they’re the taste of our heritage. Prepare to delve into a world where familiar ingredients take on unfamiliar names and preparations.
I’m excited to share these Rhode Island gems that truly define local flavor.
1. Stuffed Quahogs (Aka Stuffies)
Golden shells cradling a savory mixture of chopped clam meat, breadcrumbs, herbs and sometimes bacon or chouriço—that’s the magic of stuffies. Baked until the top gets crispy and the inside stays moist, these aren’t your average appetizer…