21 Foods New England Does Better Than Anywhere Else

Stop trying to make Manhattan clam chowder happen. It's not going to happen.

1. Fluffernutters

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Move over, jelly. Marshmallow Fluff was invented in Massachusetts and is still the favorite choice among New Englanders when deciding what to put on their peanut butter sandwich.

2. Clam Chowder

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None of that weird tomato-y stuff. Just classic New England chowda.

3. Lobster Rolls

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Preferably eaten at a wooden picnic table overlooking the water.

4. Clam Bakes

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New England shellfish > everywhere else's shellfish.

5. Ice Cream

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Because Ben & Jerry's.

6. Anything with Cranberries

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Cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving? Yeah, New England does it best. Cranberries are even the official state fruit of Massachusetts.

7. Also, Blueberries

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Maine has designated the blueberry its official state berry, with over 60,000 acres of land dedicated to growing the fruit.

8. Whoopie Pie

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They're the official state treat of Maine.

9. Maple Syrup

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Don't even try to pretend that there's anything better than Vermont maple syrup. Just don't.

10. Bread Rolls

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The art of the pre-dinner roll when you're out to eat has been perfected by Bertucci's. They are just. so. amazing.

11. Fried Clams

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The Clam Box in Ipswich, Mass., is a national treasure.

12. Johnnycakes

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Regular pancakes are fine, but johnnycakes are divine. These cornmeal-based wonders date back to the early years of the Pilgrims in America.

13. Frozen Lemonade

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If you've never had a Del's in the summer, I am so, so sorry.

14. Apple Cider

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Apple orchards and New England go hand in hand. Case in point: The apple orchard in The Cider House Rules was located in Maine.

15. Frappes

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Or, if you're at Friendly's (founded in New England!), Fribbles. But NEVER call them milkshakes.

16. Hot Dogs

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Rhode Island makes hot wieners, aka hot dogs taken to the extreme with meat sauce, chopped onions, spices, and more.

17. Boston Cream Pie

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So creamy and custardy and spongy and perfect.

18. Cheese

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Whatever, Wisconsin. Do you guys have Cabot Creamery? That's what I thought.

19. Baked Beans

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Nobody really calls Boston "Beantown," but the baked beans are actually really great with all that sweet molasses goodness.

20. Potato Chips

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If they're not kettle cooked, they're just not as good.

21. And Doughnuts

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Because Dunkin'.