What food is Washington known for? 15 most-craved dishes

Experience the rich flavors of Washington’s food scene, from Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and fresh oysters to the city’s signature half-smoke. Sample international favorites like khachapuri, or enjoy a Washington twist on classics like Peking Duck. Stroll through popular food spots like Georgetown, where every corner offers tempting bites. Whether you’re exploring on foot or dining at historic locations once visited by presidents and celebrities, discover the must-try dishes that make Washington a food lover’s destination.

1. Washington’s half-smoke

A local icon in Washington DC, the half-smoke was born in the 1950s at Ben’s Chili Bowl. A half-smoke is typically a half-pork and half-beef smoked sausage bathed in chili sauce, mustard, and onions, creating a symphony of bold and tantalizing flavors and textures.

How to eat the best half-smoke in Washington?

Drop by Ben’s Chili Bowl for some of the city’s best half-smoke.

2. Proper Burger

The Proper Burger features a juicy patty made from high-quality beef, topped with charred red onions, smoked Gouda, dill pickles, sweet chili sauce, arugula, and garlic aioli, sandwiched between two toasted buns. The hearty, smoky, sweet, and spicy medley makes it a capital gastronomic experience.

How to eat the best Proper Burger in Washington?

Consistently voted one of the best burgers in Washington, the mouthwatering Proper Burgers are served at Duke's Grocery in Dupont Circle & Foggy Bottom, and at Duke's Counter in Woodley Park.

3. Chesapeake oysters

Chesapeake oysters are a prized specialty of Washington. Eaten raw, grilled, or baked, these mollusks have been cultivated since the colonial era, and are known for their distinct briny and buttery flavor. If you’re in the mood for seafood, these succulent oysters are what to eat in Washington.

How to eat the best Chesapeake oysters in Washington?

Explore Washington’s food scene to savor Chesapeake oysters, a local delicacy with a fresh, briny flavor unique to the region. Many restaurants source their oysters directly from the Chesapeake Bay.

4. Chesapeake blue crabs

Known for their savory meat and sweet, delicate flavor, Chesapeake blue crabs are often steamed and seasoned with a mixture of spices. Paired with corn on the cob and a glass of wine, this famous food embodies the spirit of Maryland’s traditional coastal cuisine.

How to eat the best Chesapeake blue crabs in Washington?

Pair your Chesapeake blue crab with a winery tour and delight in the tasting of crabs alongside Maryland’s finest wines.

5. Kitfo

A classic Ethiopian dish, kitfo has a deep-seated place in the hearts of Washington’s food lovers. Traditionally made from raw, lean beef mince, kitfo is mixed with mitmita (spicy chili powder) and niter kibbeh (clarified herbed and spiced butter) and often served with injera (sourdough flatbread) and ayibe (mild cheese), resulting in a harmony of flavors that you must eat at least once.

How to eat the best kitfo in Washington?

Treat yourself to authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Beteseb Restaurant, where you’ll find the city’s best kitfo.

6. Khachapuri

Khachapuri is an indulgent bread boat filled with molten cheese and crowned with a raw egg and butter. As the heart of Georgian hospitality, this cheese-filled bread is kneaded with love and tradition. The rich, gooey interior combined with the soft, warm bread offers a textural delight with each mouthful.

How to eat the best khachapuri in Washington?

Stop by the Compass Rose on U Street for some of the best khachapuris. You can soak up the fantastic local brews while discovering some of the best food in Washington.

7. Sakuramen

Sakuramen, a soulful bowl of ramen with roots in Japan, is now a popular food in Washington. With hearty broth, springy noodles, and toppings like pork belly, soft-boiled egg, and green onions, Sakuramen is the epitome of comfort food. The complexity of flavors and the balance of textures create a harmonious symphony for the senses.

How to eat the best Sakuramen in Washington?

Stop by the Saku Ramen Bar on Adams Morgan and indulge in this delightful dish.

8. VPN-style pizza

Originating from Naples, the Verace Pizza Napoletana (true Neapolitan pizza) has found a home in Washington’s Georgetown neighborhood. Characterized by a thin, soft, and chewy crust, it features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Each bite is a fusion of simple ingredients that transport you to Italy.

How to eat the best VPN-style pizza in Washington?

Stop at Il Canale to taste award-winning VPN-style pizza; a must on any list of foods to try in Washington.

9. Donuts

An iconic American treat, donuts have a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Whether ring-shaped, filled, or cake-style, donuts often feature a glaze, frosting, or sprinkles.

How to eat the best donuts in Washington?

Start at Astro Doughnuts, then to Palmer Alley and Farmers and Distillers, before ending at Toscana Market. A treat for anyone seeking the best sweet food to eat in Washington.

10. Hot dog

A staple of American fast-food cuisine, the hot dog is a grilled or steamed sausage served in a bun. Toppings can include mustard, ketchup, onions, mayonnaise, relish, coleslaw, cheese, chili, and sauerkraut, with each bite a different adventure of flavors.

How to eat the best hot dog in Washington?

Savor a delicious hot dog in the lively ambiance of a Major League baseball game at Nationals Park.

11. Peking Duck

Born in the Ming Dynasty, Peking Duck is a masterpiece of Chinese cuisine. Prepared through a meticulous process of air-drying and roasting, this dish offers a distinctive contrast of crispy, amber skin and tender meat. Combining textures and flavors creates a gastronomic experience that captures China’s culinary refinement.

How to eat the best Peking Duck in Washington?

End your Washington night out by savoring Peking Duck at Peking Gourmet Inn, a beacon of food in Washington, where the founder, Eddie Tsui, revived this dish’s glory.

12. Fried chicken sandwich

Embedded in Southern cuisine, the fried chicken sandwich is a must-try American culinary tradition. Marinated and deep-fried chicken, served between soft buns and garnished with coleslaw or pickles, results in an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. This dish is a culinary expression of American diversity.

How to eat the best fried chicken sandwich in Washington?

Visit Roaming Rooster on U Street. Here, choosing what to eat in Washington becomes an opportunity to relish a savory bite of history at this African-American-owned restaurant chain.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Washington?

Washington’s culinary scene showcases a range of traditional dishes such as the half-smoke sausage, Chesapeake blue crabs and oysters, and the renowned Peking Duck at Peking Gourmet Inn.

Where can I find the best hot dogs in Washington?

Washington is home to some of the best hot dogs, including the classic half-smoke, a local favorite. You can find these at food stalls, restaurants, and even popular food trucks throughout the city.

What are the top local food markets in Washington to visit?

Eastern Market in Capitol Hill and Union Market in NoMa are two of Washington’s most famous food markets.

What is the best time of year to visit Washington for food lovers?

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Washington for food lovers. These periods see numerous food festivals like the National Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, where unique cherry-inspired dishes are served.

How much should I budget for food in Washington?

The average daily food cost for a traveler in Washington is around $30 to $60 or more, depending on whether you opt for fast-casual eateries, food trucks, or dine at more upscale restaurants.