Arguably the most well-known city in the northwestern United States, Seattle is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience city life. You’ll find plenty of museums, theaters, and cultural attractions, tons of malls and shops, activities to suit virtually any interest, and, of course, lots of food. Seattle is definitely a foodie city, and you can’t leave without trying at least a handful of the local specialties.
Not sure what foods Seattle is most well-known for? I’m here to help. Here are a handful of dishes you can’t miss when you’re in the city:
Pho.
Given the city’s gray and rainy reputation, it’s easy to see why pho has taken hold in Seattle and become one of the city’s trademark dishes. Pho is essentially a well-seasoned broth filled with noodles and thinly-sliced meat – usually beef – and it’s absolutely delicious. This Vietnamese soup is an easy way to warm up and satisfy your appetite, and you can find it in many restaurants and cafes across the city.
While you can’t go wrong with many pho shops in town, Pho Bac and Pho Big Bowl are often considered some of the best you’ll find in the city.
Seafood.
Like pho, it’s no surprise to learn that Seattle is well known for some of the best seafood you’ll find anywhere. The city is virtually surrounded by water, making it easy for restaurants to feature truly fresh fish. From oysters and crabs to salmon and cod, you can find seafood restaurants serving up ingredients from the sea in a variety of ways – fried, boiled, grilled, or transformed into sushi rolls.
Chocolate.
If you have a sweet tooth, Seattle is sure to please. But you can forget about Hershey’s – over the years, Seattle established itself as a well-known spot for gourmet chocolate shops. You’ll find a number of shops, including local favorites Indi Chocolate and Theo Chocolate, serving up a gorgeous array of truffles, barks, and bars filled with everything from fresh nuts and fruits to toffees and caramels. These desserts don’t often come cheaply, but if you’re looking to indulge, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself.
Coffee.
While it’s technically not a food, you can’t make a list of the best things to eat in Seattle without including the city’s iconic beverage – coffee. Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and is currently home to many other roasters known across the country, like Peet’s and Tully’s Coffee. You’ll be hard-pressed to walk a city block without finding a coffee shop, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you get to experience Seattle’s gray, rainy side while you’re in town, you may find yourself looking forward to a quick, warm caffeinated pick-me-up.
While you won’t be disappointed by the many foods you find in Seattle, these are a handful that truly stands out as the city’s specialties. Make time to try some coffee, pho, seafood, and chocolate while you’re there, and you’ll have experienced some of the best stuff Seattle has to offer.
