When visiting Washington, be sure to try the state's signature dishes, including Dungeness crab, oysters, and freshly caught salmon, which showcase the region's emphasis on seafood and local ingredients.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Washington's cuisine is defined by its unique blend of seafood, agricultural products, and indigenous influences. The state's proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its numerous rivers provide an abundance of fresh seafood, including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters. The fertile soil and mild climate also make it an ideal place for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, and asparagus. The cuisine is also shaped by the state's indigenous peoples, with dishes like smoked salmon and wild game reflecting the traditional foods of the region.
The key influences on Washington's cuisine come from its Native American, European, and Asian heritage. The state's indigenous peoples have a long history of fishing, hunting, and gathering, which is reflected in the use of local ingredients like salmon, camas roots, and wild berries. European settlers introduced their own culinary traditions, including the use of dairy products, bread, and pastries. Asian immigrants, particularly from China and Japan, have also had a significant impact on the state's cuisine, with dishes like sushi and dim sum becoming increasingly popular.
Regional variations in Washington's cuisine are also notable, with different areas of the state specializing in specific ingredients and dishes. The Puget Sound region is known for its seafood, particularly oysters and Dungeness crab, while the Columbia River valley is famous for its wine and agricultural products. The Olympic Peninsula is home to a variety of wild game, including deer and elk, which are often featured in local dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dungeness crab feast | seafood | a traditional meal featuring steamed crab, often served with melted butter, lemon, and sides like corn on the cob and coleslaw | seafood restaurants in Seattle and coastal towns |
| Copper River salmon | seafood | a type of wild salmon known for its rich flavor and firm texture, often grilled or smoked | seafood restaurants in Seattle and coastal towns |
| Taylor shellfish oysters | seafood | a type of oyster harvested from the Puget Sound, often served raw on the half shell or grilled | seafood restaurants in Seattle and coastal towns |
| Washington apple pie | dessert | a classic pie made with fresh Washington apples, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream | bakeries and cafes throughout the state |
| Smoked salmon | seafood | a traditional Native American dish made by smoking salmon over low heat, often served with cream cheese and bagels | specialty food stores and seafood restaurants |
| Asparagus fries | vegetarian | a popular side dish made by deep-frying fresh asparagus spears, often served with a dipping sauce | restaurants in the Yakima Valley and other agricultural areas |
| Geoduck sashimi | seafood | a type of raw seafood dish made with geoduck clams, often served with soy sauce and wasabi | Japanese restaurants in Seattle and other urban areas |
| Elk burger | meat | a type of burger made with ground elk meat, often served with toppings like cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions | restaurants in the Olympic Peninsula and other rural areas |
| Marionberry pie | dessert | a type of pie made with marionberries, a type of blackberry native to the Pacific Northwest, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream | bakeries and cafes throughout the state |
| Walla Walla onion rings | vegetarian | a popular side dish made by deep-frying sliced Walla Walla onions, often served with a dipping sauce | restaurants in the Walla Walla Valley and other agricultural areas |
Street Food & Snacks
- Fish and chips: a popular street food made with battered and fried fish, often served with tartar sauce and coleslaw, typically priced around $10-$12
- Dungeness crab cakes: a type of snack made with crab meat, often served with a remoulade sauce, typically priced around $12-$15
- Fresh fruit: a variety of fresh fruits, including apples, berries, and stone fruits, often sold at roadside stands and farmers' markets, typically priced around $5-$10
- Roasted chestnuts: a popular snack made by roasting chestnuts over an open flame, often sold at street vendors and festivals, typically priced around $5-$7
- Smoked salmon jerky: a type of snack made by smoking and drying salmon, often sold at specialty food stores and seafood markets, typically priced around $10-$12
- Walla Walla onion rings: a popular snack made by deep-frying sliced Walla Walla onions, often served with a dipping sauce, typically priced around $8-$10
Drinks
- Coffee: a staple beverage in Washington, with many coffee shops and cafes throughout the state, particularly in Seattle
- Craft beer: a popular drink in Washington, with many local breweries producing a variety of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, and stouts
- Wine: a significant industry in Washington, with many wineries and vineyards producing a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Fresh juice: a popular drink made with fresh fruits and vegetables, often sold at juice bars and cafes, typically priced around $5-$7
- Soda: a classic drink made with birch syrup, a type of syrup made from the sap of birch trees, often flavored with vanilla and other ingredients, typically priced around $3-$5
- Herbal tea: a soothing drink made with herbs like peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus, often served at cafes and tea houses, typically priced around $3-$5
Dining Customs
- Tipping: a standard tip is 15-20% of the total bill before tax, with some restaurants adding a service charge for large groups
- Reservations: recommended for popular restaurants, particularly on weekends and during peak travel seasons
- Dress code: varies by restaurant, but generally casual to formal, with some high-end establishments requiring a jacket and tie
- Eating etiquette: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your hands visible on the table
- Food allergies: many restaurants are accommodating of food allergies and dietary restrictions, but it's always a good idea to inform your server of any concerns
- Payment: credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tips
Where to Eat
- Seafood restaurants: a great place to try fresh seafood, particularly in coastal towns like Seattle and Bremerton
- Food trucks: a popular option for street food, with many trucks serving everything from tacos to bbq
- Farmers' markets: a great place to find fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, often with prepared foods and snacks available
- Breweries: many breweries have restaurants on site, serving a range of pub fare and snacks
- Cafes: a great place to grab a coffee or snack, with many cafes serving pastries, sandwiches, and salads
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Pike Place Market: a historic market in Seattle, featuring fresh seafood, produce, and handmade crafts
- Seattle Waterfront: a newly renovated area featuring a variety of restaurants, bars, and food vendors
- Walla Walla Farmers' Market: a weekly market featuring fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, as well as prepared foods and snacks
- Leavenworth Summer Concert Series: a summer concert series featuring live music and food vendors serving everything from bratwurst to ice cream
- Bellingham Farmers' Market: a weekly market featuring fresh produce, meats, and dairy products, as well as prepared foods and snacks, with a focus on local and organic products